Beaver Brook Trail

Next to eating, one of a lab's favorite activities is a good hike with his owner. And for a busy lab owner, a pooped pup is a blessing, especially if he's still young and energetic. As a new resident of Colorado, I jumped at the opportunity to write a column for Lab Gab so I could get to know the area. Unfortunately, my lab, at 13 years of age, is retired from long hikes, so I am grateful to Safe Harbor alumni Mason, his brother Cody, and their owner Tim for treating me to my first hike.


It was only 3 days after the "March Blizzard of 2009" when we headed up to the Beaver Brook Trail on Lookout Mountain. The trail is in the Windy Saddle Park, part of the Jefferson County Open Space system. There was still a lot of snow on the trail, but with the dogs in the lead, we headed off on our adventure.


Not far around the first bend, we were looking down at the top of North Table Mountain. Occasionally we could see Hwy 6 cutting through the deep canyon below us, and a mile and a half in, we had a vantage point looking west for a view of the snow capped peaks in the distance. You'll have to keep your eyes on the trail while in motion, so be sure to stop often to appreciate the views, listen to the quiet, and snap a picture.









The trail winds along the edge of the mountain, much like the switchbacks you drive up to get there. At times you are on an open stretch on the side of a hill, and not long after, you will be in the cool shade of the trees. At one point, the trail crosses a small stream of water coming down the mountainside, at least at this time of year. One stretch is strewn with boulders, and another has you grabbing for a handhold on a very large rock with natural steps.



It is a very scenic trail with a great variety of terrain. There wasn't much change in elevation in the first mile and a half, so it wasn't a physically challenging trail. However, it was narrow in places with a couple "cliff hangers", so wear sturdy shoes and watch your step. With a slick layer of melting snow hiding rocks and other obstacles, it was slow going - the 3 mile round trip took us 3 hours, moving at a leisurely pace. The full trail is 8.5 miles one way.

Just short of the one mile point, there's a steep step down off a large rock. Look before you leap - old or small dogs may have to be lifted up it on your return trip. With the snow cover, we couldn't see if there was a suitable by-pass, so for some hikers and/or their dogs, this might be a good place to turn around.


If you make it to the 1.5 mile marker, carry on just a hair further to a large rock that has been beautifully sculpted by the elements. It sits prominently out on a point and makes a pleasant picnic spot. The views are nice, but keep your dogs leashed and away from the edge - it's a long way down.

To reach this trail, go west on 19th Street out of Golden. Turn left on Lookout Mountain Road, and after you pass the stone pillars on the sides of the road, it is 3.2 miles to the parking area at the trail head. It's a small parking lot and not well marked, so watch your odometer. If you reach Buffalo Bill's grave, you went 1.7 miles too far (ask me how I know!). It is the first official parking lot you come to, on the right side of the road, inside a tight turn, and it looks more like a scenic overlook.


Dogs are required to be leashed on this trail, and while I may occasionally report on leash-optional trails, owners of rescued labs should be very cautious letting their dogs off leash. Labs live to run, and they may be on their best behavior with you for months, hiding their true personality until one day they see the open road and run like the wind. Ask me how I know! (See previous post "Lily Danced".)