Beckwith Pass Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

A great trail through forest and meadows that will bring you to the pass and if you so choose, to the best up-close view of East Beckwith and a great relaxation spot.

Drive up Kebler Pass until you see a sign for the Cliff Creek Trail, turn left and park a short ways from there.

The trail starts at over 9,000 feet. Start hiking on a small and sometimes muddy trail through the aspens, this trail sees a lot of horse traffic and they've certainly muddied up the path a bit. The uphill starts pretty early on as you hike through forests and fields with some dappled shade.
There are a couple super mucky creek crossings.

A little over one mile in, you start catching glimpses of East Beckwith Mountain. At almost 2 miles in, there's a junction, continue straight for Beckwith Pass. The trail leaves the woods and opens up before you reach the pass. The 360° views from Beckwith Pass itself are pretty exceptional. You can see Beckwith to your right and on your other side, the surrounding mountain peaks like Ruby and Purple.

You can always stop here and head back the way you came. But if you want to keep going you have a few options: 1) You can stay on trail and head towards Swampy Pass or Soap Basin, 2) You can take a small unsigned trail on your right, or 3) You can bushwhack completely off trail to get a closer look at Beckwith Mountain.

Option 2: If you hike just through the fence, there's a small trail on the right side that pretty much follows the fence right up to a great lunch spot. This is the right trail.
Option 3: You can also do some bushwhacking through a field and then a forest, and when you pop out of the woods you'll be closer to the mountain, option 2 is a bit longer but simpler.

The fields below the Beckwith Mountain are so peaceful and quiet. It's a great spot to stop for a snack break, or even to camp. Once you've thoroughly enjoyed your time here, you can reverse your route back to your car.

Wildflowers, deer