Coney Lake Trail #914

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Plan to wear waterproof shoes due to the numerous Coney Creek crossings and marshy parts of this nearly seven-mile round-trip trail. This trail starts off the Beaver Creek Trail and Buchanan Pass Trail. The best way to access the trail is to park at the Coney Flats TH if you have an adequate 4X4 or at the Beaver Reservoir, which will add an additional seven-mile round trip trek to your hike.

From the Coney Flats TH, follow the Beaver Creek Trail for approximately 0.4 miles where the Coney Lake Trail veers to the left. From here, the trail meanders along Coney Creek, crossing it several times. The creek cuts its way through a passage between two steep inclines so there isn't really a way to get lost if you momentarily lose the trail.

Be aware that moose, elk, and bear frequent the area. There are several small lakes along the way but Coney Lake is around 10,600 feet and Upper Coney Lake is around 10,900 feet so check your GPS or the Hiking Project mobile app to ensure you have gone all the way.

A favorite overnight backpacking trip is to do Coney Lake, have lunch, and then head back down to the Beaver Creek Trail and up to Red Deer Lake via the Buchanan Pass Trail and Red Deer Lake Trail.

Wildflowers galore.