Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
265.00 ft (80.77 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
0.80 mi (1.29 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Interpretive Trail is a shorter hike gaining 250 feet in elevation inside Beaver Dam State Park. Beginning beside site 18 in Campground B, the trail begins climbing immediately, heading past several interpretive signs describing local flora and geological history. Generally rising up a series of switchbacks, the top of the trail opens up to wide vistas over the colorful stone landscapes throughout the park. At the peak the trail splits before circling the summit of the hill, and retracing the path back down. Pinyon, juniper, prickly pear and native oak trees are all visible along the trail. There are vault toilets and seasonal water spigots available in Campground B.

All visitors to Beaver Dam State Park must pay the park's $5 day-use fee.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Good views.

Cons

Trailhead can be hard to find.

Trailhead Elevation

5,265.00 ft (1,604.77 m)

Highest point

5,517.00 ft (1,681.58 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Wildlife
Big vistas
Family friendly

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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