Beaver Creek/Shelf Rd.

I wasn't able to hike all of the Beaver Creek trail (N of Canon CIty) this summer, since rain had washed out the road. So i went back on this 70 degree November day and did the loop. Here's a shot where the trail meets the creek.

On the way out, i drove up shelf road for the sunset.

Hey Stan, I've tried that Beaver Creek loop a few times and have ALWAYS lost the trail as it dips down towards the creek. Your photo implies that the trail actually occupies the same real estate as the creek. Is that right? Does it cross over to the other side and continue on? I've only attempted it in the spring, so the water level's been higher, butif there's indeed a trail all the way, I'd gladly ford the crik.

Both are nice shots, btw.

Todd: lol, i would have been too embarrassed to admit it, but here's the story: when i went in summer, the road was washed out three miles from the trailhead, so i walked the extra miles and started the loop Beaver creek side, got to the creek and thought--this is not right there is no way to cross unless you ford the creek, which surely would be mentioned in the 100 hikes description, right? So, i backtracked, took the 'other' trail where it branched off from the creek, and ended up bushwacking across steep cliffs! I just gave up. So, this time i thought id be smart and do it in reverse, trail gulch first. I came to the creek again and same problem--creek is blocking the way. But, this time with lower water i realized it was just a lousy trail description (shouldnt be surprised) and when you get close to the creek, you realize you can scramble over the rocks on the side and rejoin the trail on the other side (it doesnt cross, you just scramble--which is easy when you get close but looks hard from a distance). They really should put a friggin sign up there cause im a decent route finder, and it confused the heck outta me

I really like the light in the second image.

See, I did both of what you did. I once forked right and ended up in those cliffs, where the trail just vanishes, and I've also tried the loop CCW, but the one time I tried that, there was lots of fresh snow around and I tired of trudging through it long before I got to the switchbacks that take you over to the other side. Sheesh, I'll have to try again, because I love those rock cliff formations that make up the backdrop.