TR: Cliff Creek to Beckwith Pass (Aug 2012)

(Last Updated On: October 5, 2017)

After hiking to Beckwith Pass earlier in the summer via 842, I put Cliff Creek on my list. Cliff Creek connects Beckwith Pass to Swampy Pass. I had wanted to hike the full trail while my parents were here, setting up a shuttle at Swampy Pass trailhead, but we got distracted by so many other hikes. So, I decided to take Eddy (borrowed dog) out for a nice Beckwith hike in a mid-August afternoon instead.

Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

I had been on Cliff Creek in the winter several times with a snowmobile. But, I’d never hiked it during the summer. I realized pretty quickly that the snowmobile route didn’t vary much from the true trail. The trail began in a beautiful aspen forest.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

The trail also passed through mountain meadows.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

At times, the trail was extremely eroded.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

The views of Ruby and Owen kept getting better and better.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

And as it neared the top, the trail wandered through a dense pine forest.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

At Beckwith, I decided to explore, heading to the bench above the pass – as recommended by a friend. A look down at Beckwith Pass.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

Marcellina and the Raggeds.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

A view of East Beckwith Mountain from the pass.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

The views from the bench were spectacular. The Castles were obscured at the pass, but were seen in plain view from the bench.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

A pass heading south east.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

Owen, Ruby, and Scarp’s Ridge along with Irwin Lodge.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

A closer view of the Castles.
Hiking Cliff Creek trail to Beckwith Pass near Crested Butte, CO.

Eddy and I spent some time enjoying the scene from on top of Beckwith Pass. But as evening closed in, it was time to return… until the next hike in the wonderful mountains near Crested Butte!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Summary
Article Name
Cliff Creek to Beckwith Pass
Description
The Cliff Creek trail is a short but scenic hike that tops out at Beckwith Pass where you can soak in the views of the Ruby Range and West Elks!
Author

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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