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My pet care company, Wolf Pack Planet, had the pleasure of exploring the Chavez and Beaver Brook Loop Trail in Golden, Colorado today with four energetic dogs—Kaya, Ollie, Bode, and Bea. Here’s a comprehensive review for fellow dog owners who love hiking with their furry friends.
Trail Overview:
The Chavez and Beaver Brook Loop is approximately 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of around 1,200 feet. The trail starts off easy but quickly drops down, presenting some steep and rocky sections. If you’re not a seasoned hiker, be prepared for a challenging ascent on the way back, especially if you choose the eastern side.
Our Experience:
We attempted to navigate the loop backward to catch more attractions, but we got a bit lost and had to turn around due to time constraints. The trail was quite hot today, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees. Given the elevation, we were all sweating buckets and gasping for air at times—definitely pack more water than you think you’ll need!
With four dogs in tow, I was cautious about the steep descents. We managed without any slips or falls, but the climb back up was strenuous. For those less experienced, frequent breaks will be necessary.
Flora and Fauna:
The trail is adorned with stunning native wildflowers such as Colorado blue columbine, wild rose, and Indian paintbrush. We were also greeted by various butterflies including the Western tiger swallowtail, beetles like the Colorado potato beetle, and grasshoppers. It’s a vibrant environment, but pet owners should be aware of potential allergens.
Trail Conditions:
This trail is best enjoyed in early fall or summer when the ground is dry. However, be prepared for dust—one of our dogs ended up covered in it! A rag to wipe down your pups is essential. I carried 4 liters of water for the dogs and 32 ounces for myself, and by the end, we had almost no water left. A water bladder for easy access is highly recommended given the rocky and narrow sections.
Challenges:
One downside is the lack of pull-off spots along the trail. Several times, we had to climb into steep, brushy areas to let others pass. The dogs got covered in sticky plants, which was difficult to clean off afterward. Be prepared to brush out your dog’s fur thoroughly after the hike.
Final Thoughts:
Chavez and Beaver Brook Loop is a beautiful but demanding trail. It’s not ideal for winter hikes due to the terrain but offers a rewarding challenge for summer and early fall outings. Ensure you’re well-prepared with plenty of water, be ready for steep sections, and pack a rag for dusty conditions. Despite the difficulties, the trail’s natural beauty and the joy of hiking with our canine companions made it a memorable adventure.
Happy hiking!
Kayla...
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Parking: Definitely get there early on weekends like before 8am, because the parking lot will fill up! The parking lot consists of a lot with unmarked spots, so some times people will try to squeeze their car into tight spots, or others unintentionally park crooked, which takes up a spot.
Trail: Not a bad trail. I'd consider this to be moderate even for those who have hiking experience and in shape. When you get to the fork in the road which is not far from the parking lot, you can either hike the loop clockwise (to the left) or counter-clockwise (to the right). I've done both. Both start out promising by going downhill, but both directions end with an uphill battle, which can be exhausting. The only real difference is that taking the trail to the left (clockwise) means you'll be climbing down some pretty large (and slipper at times, especially in the winter) boulders so you can just butt-scoot your way down. There's also a significant amount of shade throughout the trail in either direction you go, which makes for a more comfortable hike in the summer, but also a much cooler, and muddy hike in the winter!
Other than that, a fun trail and I...
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It's a little too populated, but being just about 30 minutes from central Denver, what can you expect? Parking is never too bad, but you'll find yourself driving up the road a bit if you get there after about 8am. I would recommend flipping a U and parking at the front of the line on the way down to the trailhead. The hike is wonderful, just absolutely wonderful. The whole loop is around 8 or 9 miles I believe. If you want a challenge, start Beaver Brook and loop back on Chavez. If you want to take it easier, reverse that. Chavez runs up or down the side of the canyon and there's about 1000ft elevation difference. Also, be aware that Chavez has some rocky, clambering cliff side terrain. Some amazing geology for sure. The creek spends some length cutting through bedrock and makes for some interesting formations. If you hike this trail loop, have a great time! Don't litter, and pack out...
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