Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a popular groomed Nordic Ski Circuit created by the BLM and maintained by the Lander Nordic Ski Club. While you do not need to be a member of the club or pay an access fee to use these trails, joining helps fund the grooming efforts, and give you overnight access to the on trail yurt! Even if you aren't a member of the club, this yurt and the wood stove is open to all during the day for a lunch break.

The trails are groomed two to three times per week from mid-November to March, depending on annual snowfall. They're ideal for skate and classic skiing, but the intrepid backcountry adventurers will find plenty of opportunities to cut off-trail into the powder to create their own tracks. It also has the only biathlon course in the state of Wyoming.

If coming from Lander or Riverton, drive south on Highway 28/Dickinson toward South Pass. After 22 miles, you’ll pass Limestone Mountain Road on the right (which climbers will know as the road the iconic Wild Iris sport crag). Continue just past this road to the bottom of a hill where, right before a bridge, you’ll see a wide road on the right. Park here; anywhere along this road is fine.

Wyoming is a windy state as a whole, so be prepared with proper clothing. However, don’t be discouraged by icy gusts at the parking lot. More often than not, once you enter the aspen and lodgepole pine forests containing the trails, the wind all but disappears.

Follow the trail from the pullout under the bridge. Don’t put on skis yet because it’s all rock under the bridge and you’ll then need to cross a smaller wooden footbridge over the creek that skis would make a bit tricky.

After a very short trek, you’ll find yourself on the groomed ski trails. A large information board will display dates of recent groomings, a map of the area, and other pertinent information. It’s useful to take a photo of the map here, but not necessary, as all major junctions are well signed with maps, trail names, and difficulties.

The levels range from beginner (green), intermediate (blue), and difficult (black). While the black trails are not recommended for those not comfortable on steep grades, both green and blue should be accessible to relatively competent beginner skiers. Many first-timers I've gone out with have had no trouble on blue routes. 

However, beginners should be wary of the blue side of Lower Limestone Loop if skiing it back toward the trail entrance. The hill is quite steep and has a sharp turn at the bottom.  The padding around the trees should tell you it’s not unusual for skiers to miss the turn and hit. This is easily the most difficult section of blue trail in the area.

To do a full beginner and intermediate circuit will be anywhere from 5.5 to 6 miles. However, with around 10 miles of trail, there are plenty of options to spice it upon more difficult offshoots and internal circuits. 

Please note these trials are for skis ONLY.  That means no dogs, snowshoes, bikes, or even walking on the groomed track.  If seen breaking these rules, someone will call you out. This is simply due to the great service the Nordic Ski Club provides for Lander locals, all free of charge.  Please respect their efforts and keep the trails in good condition for everyone.

Also, these trails are where the local ski team practices, which means after school hours and weekends will mean more people.  If you want a peaceful ski, go earlier in the day throughout the week and you may find yourself the only one there.