	2012

Hiking info for Summit County

Keystone
. 4

Dercum Mountain. 4

Dillon/ Silverthorne. 4

Montezuma. 8

Frisco. 10

Gold Hill 13

Copper Mountain. 14

Breckenridge. 16

Arapahoe Basin/ Loveland Pass. 19

Green Mountain Reservoir. 21

Vail 22

MAP

. 23

Distance / Drive Time. 23

Reference: 24

Hiking is one of the great summertime activities to takepart of in Summit County. There are a huge variety oftrails, ranging from leisurely promenades to steep uphill treks. Many differ bydifficulty (beginner to advance) and length. The vertical is always somethingto consider for your party when selecting a trail. Bring comfortable hikingshoes and bring a jacket in can get cold in the high mountains. Bringing awater bottle is also highly recommended for any length hike. On longer hikes,it is nice to bring a backpack with lunch and some snacks. Sunscreen is alsohighly recommended as the sun’s rays seem to penetrate more in the highelevations.

There aretrails in Keystone, Dillon, Frisco, Breckenridge and Montezuma. The views are extraordinary and well worth the effort. Here’s alist of recommended trails based on location and then difficulty. Note thatlength is roundtrip and vertical is just total change in elevation throughoutthe hike. The difficulty is usually dictated by the length and verticaldifference in the trail.

Keystone

Dercum Mountain hassome glorious view of the valley and the mountains. Hiking up the mountain canbe a bit taxing, but you can also take the Gondolas up to the top and hikedown, they also offer lunch packages (there is a fee to take the gondolas).Once you are at the top you can walk down the Schoolmarm trail (3.5 miles) orstay on top a while for some awesome photo opportunities, but the gondolas havelimited hours depending on the season. The difficulty depends on which trailyou take, the Schoolmarm is pretty flat and easy to hike up or down and wouldbe a seven mile loop (2300 vertical), so be prepared for some steep sections,but otherwise the trail offers some awesome views and a winding descent downthe mountain. There are several spin off trails that are steeper and some thatare less steep, but either way this is a great area to walk. Be careful asthere are cyclists in this area. There are some other areas in Keystone, butmany are mainly abandoned ski areas or mountain biking terrain, our best bet isto move into Dillon and minimal elevation means the hike is very flat.

Dillon/ Silverthorne

Old Dillon Reservoir (1.5 miles/vertical 150 ft.) – While most visitorsfocus on prominent Dillon Reservoir, nearby is a small but charming body ofwater, which is the goal of this short, easy hike. Not only is the slightlyelevated locale of Old Dillon Reservoir a scenic one, but the trail is lined withfragrant wild roses in late June and into July. The gentle trail climbs only140 feet in three quarters of a mile to offer a view of Dillon Reservoir belowas well as the many mountains beyond. The goal is a tranquil pond reflectingmassive Buffalo Mountain. Wildflower Alert: A bounty of fragrant wild rosesleads to pretty views of Dillon Reservoir and a serene scenic pond.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 back towards Dillon andturn left onto Dillon Dam Road (CO Rd 7) and the Old Dillon Reservoir parkingwill be on the right several miles down (there are no roads to take youdirectly to the reservoir). On the other side of the road is Lake Dillon, sotake a walk over there to enjoy the views of the lake.

Tenderfoot Mountain (2.5 miles/ verticalminimal) – Tenderfoot Mountain Trail offers wonderful viewsof Dillon Reservoir and the peaks of Tenmile Range beyond a flowery hillside.Thanks to a south-facing slope, this easygoing hike is especially fine on earlyseason mornings and evenings; traversing cool aspen copses, sagebrush-studdedopen hillsides, and lodgepole pine stands, this one-and-a-quarter-mile trailheads up at a fairly steady pace. Wildflowers change with alternating habitatsthroughout the trail. A bench is located at the end of the hike for enjoyingmarvelous views of the water, flowers, and peaks. Wildflower Alert: Thissouth-facing lake view trail brings on wildflowers early in the season.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 back towards Dillon, thenturn left onto the Roberts Tunnel Access Road. Take the first left hand turnfrom here to find the trailhead, enjoy the wildflowers and other flora whileyou make your way to fantastic views of Lake Dillon.

Dillon Peninsula (5.3 miles/ 225 ft.)– The Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area offers easy hikingopportunities; the mostly flat gated dirt road to the West Portal of theRoberts Tunnel is hikable year-round while the forested Meadow Loop and RidgeTrails can sometimes be obscured by snow. Various combinations of the two trailsand road provide shorter or longer walks all with fantastic views of DillonReservoir, Dillon, the Gore Range, and the Tenmile Range. Interpretive signscreated by fourth and fifth graders at Dillon Valley Elementary School addinsight into the area and its inhabitants, both wild and human. The DillonNature Preserve contains two trails but is first and foremost a naturepreserve. Keep your eyes open for fox, pine squirrels, deer, red-tailed hawks,and ospreys. Being lower than many trails in central Summit County, the snowmelts sooner and the flowers bloom earlier here.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 towards Dillon. There isa left turn off to a parking area across from Dillon Cemetery Road (CO Rd 98)to get you to the trail head, this is also a trail head for the bike patharound Lake Dillon.

Salt Lick Trail (4 miles/ vertical650 ft.) – The cool days of autumn are best for enjoying thespectacular aspen and scenery of this trail. A golden carpet of Aspen leavescovered the trail during our recent fall outing here. Lily Pad Lake is about ahalf mile from this point so if you continue on you will add about one mile toyour hike. Locals report occasional Moose sightings here so stay alert and keepthat camera within reach! This hike is absolutely gorgeous in the fall with thechanging of the leaves.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 back towards Dillon andconnect with route 9 (Highway 6 turns into route 9) north to the WildernestRoad (across from Wendy’s) turn left onto Wildernest and continue for .9 milesand turn left on to a dirt road that is located on a sharp curve just as youpass the Wildernest Center (Conoco station). Park here and follow the road tothe trailhead. Follow the trail for about 15 minutes until you see a log bridgeon your left that crosses Salt Lick Creek. Cross the bridge and continue up thepath past beaver ponds and open meadows and a sign that marks the entrance to the Eagles NestWilderness area. If you miss the first bridge, there is another a couple dozenyards ahead – you can cross here.

Oro Grande Trail (6.5 miles/ verticalminimal) - This is agentle, easy hike for the whole family as there is no significant elevationgain as the trail gently undulates up and down while providing outstanding viewsof the Ten Mile Range across the valley from Lake Dillon. This is a greatwinter hike for snowshoes and also an excellent site for fall Aspen viewing inautumn. It is probably best avoided on warm summer days when the southernexposure and relatively low elevation (under 9500′) can make for somediscomfort. The traffic on Route 6 can also be something of an annoyance tothose seeking more isolation but the vistas make it most rewarding.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 back towards Dillon, turnright onto Dillon Cemetery Rd. (CO Rd 98) and then take first right (about ¼mile down and follow that to the parking area for the trailhead.

Ptarmigan Peak (12 miles/ vertical3407 ft.) – The Ptarmigan Trail climbs steadily throughvarious ecosystems including sagebrush meadow, lodgepole pine, aspen,spruce-fir, and alpine tundra —the land above the trees. While thick forestenvelops the trail the first 4 miles, a few open spaces provide great views ofthe Gore Range or the lower Blue River valley. As you hike above tree line,keep your eyes open on the north ridge for the resident elk herd. The long hikeis rewarded by beautiful vistas from the top, including four 14,000-foot peaks,much of the craggy Gore Range, the Tenmile Range, and Dillon Reservoir. This ishunting area so be wary of hunters. There are shorter versions of this trail,so don’t feel the need to hike to the top.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 back towards Dillon andconnect with route 9 (Highway 6 turns into route 9). Head north on Highway 9 andturn right onto Rainbow Drive (by Wendy’s). Then take your first right turnonto Tanglewood Ln. Follow this and turn right onto Ptarmigan Trail, continueon Ptarmigan Trail (it becomes a dirt road) and trailhead parking will be onthe right about 1 mile down the road. The trailhead will take you on the dirtroad and follow this to the mountain. The trailhead is across from the parkinglot.

Mesa Cortina (15 miles/ 2532 ft.) –This 14.9-mile hike traverses the Gore Range over Red-Buffalo Pass. Along theway, you can see almost everything that is special about the Eagles NestWilderness. Flower-filled meadows, views of craggy peaks and spires, marshes,avalanche paths, old graves, a set of waterfalls, and coniferous forestsprovide for a continuous change of scenery and feeling of remoteness. Most ofthe trail follows the route originally pro- posed for Interstate 70. The hikecan be done as a long day hike, backpack, or separate hikes. Enjoy the beautyof the Gore Range and Eagles Nest Wilderness!

A shorter option is available; a (5.2 miles/ vertical 400ft.) milder hike starts from the trailhead. A 20 or 25 minute walk brings youto a sign marking the entrance to the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Soon, you beginthe most difficult part of the hike by ascending a series of switchbacksthrough the forest. Here you will enjoy opportunities for views of Lake Dillonoff to the south and glimpses of the snow capped Williams Fork Mountains to thenortheast, just simply make a loop and turn back to make this hike shorter.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 towards Dillon to connectwith Colorado 9 (Highway 6 turns into Route 9). Take Rt. 9 north and turn leftonto Wildernest Road at the traffic light – A Wendy’s is located on the rightand a 7-11 store on your left. As you start up the mountain Wildernest Roadbecomes Ryan Gulch Road. Look for Buffalo Drive on your right and turn righthere. Buffalo Drive dead ends at Buffalo Mountain Drive and you will turn righthere. Take the next left, Lakeview Drive, which is soon intersected by AspenDrive. Turn left onto Aspen Drive and the parking lot for the trailhead will beon your right.

Montezuma

Chihuahua Gulch and Lake Trail (6.1miles/ vertical 1800 ft.) – with a name like Chihuahua Gulch,how can a dog lover not hike it or a dog not explore it? Begin hiking on theold mining road that climbs steeply as it passes through groves of aspen. At afork, bear left, enter a meadow, and make the first creek ford, then follow theroad and the creek through a large meadow that has two more stream crossings.Several small ponds are on the right (east). You may want to stop here to restor for lunch. From here, the old mining road begins to climb in earnest. Thisis a great hike in July through early September, preferably in September toenjoy the foliage. Be warned, it gets very steep in certain parts.

To get here from Keystone: To get to the trailhead; take MontezumaRoad (off Highway near River Run Village) east. Follow this down and take aleft turn onto CO Rd. 260, follow this just passed the turn (about 2-3 miles)onto CO Rd. 263. Parking for the trailhead is just off of 260 or 263. Parkalong the road and enjoy the area.

Revenue Mountain (3.8 miles/ 2039ft.) – While the initial ascent can be difficult, it is wellworth it once you reach the top. You have spectacular views of the mountain andits valleys as well as numerous tundra and talus areas. Easy ridge walking fromthis peak leads to other close-by summits for extra credit. The trail isinitially 1.0 mile, with tundra and talus beyond.

To get here fromKeystone: To get to the trailhead; take Montezuma Road (off Highway nearRiver Run Village) east. Follow this down and take a left turn onto CO Rd. 260,follow this passed the turn CO Rd. 263. Follow this down a ways to find thetrailhead. Parking for the trailhead is just off of 260. Park along the roadand enjoy the area.

Shelf Lake (5.8 miles/ vertical 2552ft.) - One of Colorado’s nice surprises, this lightly usedtrail is ideal for those who enjoy hiking along briskly flowing creeks. TheColorado Mountains are full of nice surprises. Here is a fine trail to a lovelyhigh lake, which is relatively unknown. The views become inspiring as youarrive at timberline at the head of the gulch. Argentine Peak looms impressivelyto the north-northeast of the lake, as does Square Top Mountain to theeast-northeast. Decatur Mountain lies above and west of the lake. Mountaingoats patrol the heights behind the lake, part of a expanding band that roamsthe Divide between Square Top Mountain and Loveland Pass. By July, there is abeautiful, midsummer display of wildflowers along the final stretch of thetrail. Fishing at the lake is rated as good for cutthroat trout. Return in thefall, when the entire Geneva Creek valley puts on its best colors.

Frisco

Eccles Pass (9.5 miles/ vertical 2800ft.) - This is a challenging hike that consists of afairly steady, steep ascent to the pass at 11,900′ that will reward you withsome of the most stunning scenery in Colorado. As you proceed along the rushingof Meadow Creek through the forest, the trail levels off frequently enough toprovide brief respites from the climb! After a couple miles you enter aclearing dotted with mining ruins, which are fun to see and the valley ispretty serene and nice too. Follow the trail and ascend even higher to reachEccles Pass and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the BuffaloMountain and surrounding area. Even though this is a difficult hike it is worththe views and solitude.

To get here fromKeystone: Take Highway 6 towards Dillon and take I-70 going west. DriveI-70 west to Frisco exit 203. As you exit onto the traffic circle, take thedirt road that leaves the circle on the west side and parallels the interstate.Parking and the trailhead are about a half mile down this road.

Lily Pad Lake Trail (5 miles/vertical 700 ft.) - The Lily Pad Lake Trail promises adelightful day hike for every hiker. Because the lake is located in the Eagle’sNest Wilderness, bicycles are not permitted here—a refreshing change for atrail located close to an urban area. Don’t let the first 100-yard climb up theaccess road near the Wildernest subdivision discourage little hikers.

Meadow Creek Trail (9 miles/ vertical700 ft.) – While warm in July and August, this is a greatearly and late season hike or as a “tune-up” for more challenging treks later.The trail begins with a steady ascent for about half of a mile to a junctionwith Lily Pad Trail. Take the Lily Pad Trail (on your right) and soon you willbe treated to the sights and sounds of Meadow Creek, a footbridge, and greatvistas of Frisco, and Lake Dillon. As you continue the ascent the vistas keepgetting better! Also, look for Peak One as it towers above Mt. Royal andVictoria to the south. Soon, the trail leaves the creek and ascends a smallrise leading to the first of two lakes. Follow the trail between the two lakesaround the second lake on your right (north). Continue for a half mile on thetrail past the second lake (really just a small pond covered with lilies) tothe junction with the Salt Lick Trail. Here the trail begins its descent intoSalt Lick Gulch, or you can loop back around to your car in Frisco.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 towards Dillon and takeI-70 going west. Drive I-70 west to Frisco exit 203. As you exit onto thetraffic circle, take the dirt road that leaves the circle on the west side andparallels the interstate. Parking and the trailhead are about a half mile downthis road.

Rainbow Lake (1 mile/ verticalminimal) – Rainbow Lake is the perfect hike for the wholefamily. Enjoy a well marked trail through the woods, over bridges and streams.Make sure you bring a picnic and fishing rod for this is a delightful place torelax and enjoy your day. The views of the valley are gorgeous and Rainbow Lakeis amazing in the twilight of the summer.

To get here from Keystone: In order to access all 3 of these hikes,take Highway 6 towards Dillon and take I-70 west to Frisco. Take the SummitBlvd. (CO Rt. 9) exit turning left off the highway. Then turn right onto MainStreet; park at the Frisco Park-n-Ride at the end of Frisco Main Street nearHwy I-70. Take the paved bike path to the Mt. Royal trailhead.

Mount Royal (3.8 miles/ vertical 1300ft.) – The trail to Masontown is a pleasant family hike. Aside trip to the east of town can provide fun exploring the area for miningrelics. The hike from Masontown to Mount Royal and farther up to the ridge ofMount Victoria is strenuous but passes more mine and cabin ruins. The upwardgrunt is worth the climb for the views, especially the straight-down, birds-eyeview of Interstate 70 in Tenmile Canyon. Limber pine, which grow in harshconditions, live on the ridges. Four different hikes along these trails makethe area well worth exploring during several visits. While walking along thepaved recreational path toward the Mount Royal Trail, imagine the sounds of theold trains which steamed along here. Two railroads served Frisco. The first,the Denver & Rio Grande (D&RG), came from Leadville down TenmileCanyon, arriving in town in summer 1882. The Denver, South Park & Pacific,later called the Colorado & Southern (C&S), chooed and chugged down therecreational path from Breckenridge arriving in Frisco in July 1883. At mile0.3 the depot for the C&S once stood. Across the field you can see thetailings from the Frisco Tunnel, which operated into the 1930s.

Tenmile Peak Traverse – Peak 1 (8.7miles/ vertical 4353 ft.) – Three highly acclaimed hikes inthe Frisco area are Mount Royal, Peak One, and Rainbow Lake. Most enjoyed inthe fall with the change of the aspen leaves, the views are spectacularanytime. Once at the top you are rewarded with a grand view of the town all theway to the Gore Range, over Lake Dillon to the Continental Divide. If feelingquite ambitious and have ample supply of food and water, a journey up to PeakOne (advanced) might be your next stop. Follow the high-flying American flagwaving in the wind that was placed on top after 9/11.

To get here fromKeystone: In order to access all 3 of these hikes, take Highway 6 towardsDillon and take I-70 west to Frisco. Take the Summit Blvd. (CO Rt. 9) exitturning left off the highway. Then turn right onto Main Street; park at theFrisco Park-n-Ride at the end of Frisco Main Street near Hwy I-70. Take thepaved bike path to the Mt. Royal trailhead that will lead you to Mt. Royal andPeak One.

Gold Hill

Gold Hill (1.4 miles/ verticalminimal) – For those who desire a short easy jaunt to previewa nice collection of about 50 different kinds of wildflowers, Gold Hill Trailis just right. In early summer this hike produces an especially fine phloxdisplay—an illusion of heat-proof snow. Glimpses of the Blue River valleysurrounded by mountains are an added attraction. Shaded for the most part, GoldHill Trail rises gently to a level meadow area. In the first half of June,calypso orchids hide here and there in forest duff, followed by flurries ofphlox in July. This is the flowery portion of Gold Hill Trail, which is a smallsegment of the ambitious Colorado Trail. If you are looking for a short, quickfamily walk, this is perfect in the height of summer and early summer when theflowers begin to bloom.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 and turn off onto SwanMountain Road (which will become Hwy 9) and follow Hwy 9 south for 6 miles to aparking area on the west side of the road. A sign marks the trailhead.

Gold Hill Trailhead to CopperMountain (12.8 miles one-way/ vertical 3600 ft.) – This is a steady, 6-mile, 3600 foot ascent ofthe east side, crossing the ridge between Peaks 5 and 6 at nearly 12,500 feet,then a descent of 3,000 feet on the west side in about 6 miles. However, whileyou are up on the tundra, you are rewarded with some spectacular views! Thesnow fields tend to linger until mid-July and might present a problem beforethe end of June. If snow is a problem, there is a bike path to Frisco and upTenmile Canyon, rejoining the Colorado Trail at Copper Mountain, but you’llmiss the great views. There are some nice camping areas on the trail, and thisis a great overnight hiking trip and a great introduction into hiking theColorado Trail.

To get here fromKeystone: Take Highway 6 and turn off onto Swan Mountain Road (which willbecome Hwy 9) and follow Hwy 9 south for 6 miles to a parking area on the westside of the road. A sign marks the trailhead. This is a one way, you can parkyour other car in Copper Mountain at the Wheeler Flats Parking Lot: Take I-70 toExit 195. Take CO Hwy 91 south and turn left just after an overpass. Go past aConoco gas station for .4 miles to the Wheeler Flats Parking Lot.

Copper Mountain

Wheeler Lakes (5.6 miles/ vertical1300 ft.) - At the south end of the Gore Range are WheelerLakes, which lie inside the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Named for Judge JohnWheeler who established an 1880s town that was destroyed by fire and avalanche,Wheeler Lakes offer a great day-hike convenient to I-70. Well over 80 speciesof wildflowers populate the trail, which journeys through varied habitats andlandscape and ends with lakeside bloomers. The beginning of the trail travelsadjacent to the freeway, and then the Gore Range Trail heads up a south-facingslope. Wheeler Lakes are reached through traversing extensive meadows precedinga gentler final ascent. Wildflower Alert: A great diversity of flora andscenery give this convenient trail an edge; perfect in early summer, but alsolovely in early fall.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 back to I-70- and takeI-70 west to the Copper Mt. exit(195).The trailhead is on your right just before you cross the bridge over I-70.There is a small parking area here. However, you need to continue across thebridge and park in the “free skiers” lot at Copper Mountain and then walk theshort distance back to the trailhead.

Searle Pass Trail (11.4 miles/vertical 2400 ft.) – The trail climbs a wide meadow up totimberline, but is never that far from a mixed forest. The trees occasionallycome closer to create smaller meadows. The ridge to the east is Jacque Ridge.This is one of those hikes that offers tall, wavy grass in which your pet canroll to his heart’s content. However, if you don’t want to leave the trail tofind water, take plenty of it not only for yourself but also for your dog. Thisarea gets hot in the height of summer, better in early summer or fall.

Mayflower Gulch (2 miles/ verticalminimal) – This short, easy two mile hike leads to the siteof Old Boston Mine and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Tenmilerange. Hike the road to the right of Mayflower Creek past occasional miningruins to a clearing just below the mine site. Go left at the fork into theclearing to explore the ruins and the awesome views of the mountains. This is apopular trail for cross country skiers but in the summer season it provides aperfect place for a family picnic and some relaxation.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 back towards Dillon andtake I-70 west to the Copper Mountain exit (exit 195). Take route 91 southtoward Leadville for 5.8 miles. The parking lot for the Mayflower Gulchtrailhead is on your left.

Uneva Pass Trail (9 miles/ vertical2200 ft.) - The Gore Range is named after the Irish baronetSir St. George Gore, who hunted in the Rockies between 1854 and 1857 andexplored the range of mountains that today bears his name. He reportedly killed2000 buffalo in nearby Middle Park and hundreds of other animals. Gore Range isfamous for its sharp ridges and the solitude its rugged terrain offers. Thecenterpiece of this area is the Eagles Nest Wilderness, where leash regulationsfor your dog apply. The Gore Range Trail leads north into the wilderness andthe terrain ranges from easy to difficult. You can continue a few miles more tothe top of Uneva Peak and this is a great place to bring your dog. Also, youwill pass by the Lost Lake on your way to the top. This is also a great areafor an overnight hiking trip.

To get here from Keystone: The trailhead is tricky to find. TakeHighway 6 back towards Dillon and take I-70 west The trailhead is located off the highway just passed the exit195 on the right hand side of the road. The trail runs close to the highway forabout a mile. IT is hard to find, but once you have it you are golden.

Breckenridge

Barney Ford Trail (4.8 miles/vertical 780 ft.) This hike actually follows three trails:Carter Park, Moonstone, and Barney Ford. The majority of the hike is on theBarney Ford Trail, which was built along old mining trails and ditches pastmine ruins and plenty of glory holes. Except for the first grunt uphill on theCarter Park Trail, the hike through coniferous forest is fairly gentle andgorgeous. Enjoy the crisp mountain air as you hike through the abandoned mines.

To get here fromKeystone: Take Swan Mountain Road off Highway 6 to Breckenridge. FromBreckinridge take Boreas pass road up the mountain till you get to baldy roadand turn left. Once on Baldy road turn left on sally barber for couple hundredyards and you will see a pole with small signs on it at the Barney Ford trailhead. Once on the trail make sure you follow the arrow that points to theright. Take this trail down till you cross a road and it will turn into themoonstone trail.

Cucumber Gulch (2.2 miles/ minimal)– This easy hike along the edges of Cucumber Gulch provides not only greatviews of the Tenmile Range, but also glimpses of a fen wetland that isconsidered prime habitat for the endangered boreal toad. Hike in the earlymorning or evening when the wild inhabitants come out. Moose, bears, beavers,foxes, coyotes, ospreys, bald eagles, and various duck species might be seen,so be careful. The Town of Breckenridge has designated Cucumber Gulch awildlife preserve because of its sensitive natural resources. Trails do notenter the fragile gulch, but travel its edges and please do not enter the gulchas to protect these endangered species. To experience Cucumber Gulch, hikefirst to the overlook near Shock Hill, which provides a great view of theentire gulch and its various ponds nestled in the forest.

To get here from Keystone: Take Swan Mountain Road off Highway 6 toBreckenridge; heading south, turn right onto Park Avenue, then right ontoMountain Thunder Drive/Sawmill Dr. You can park on the side of the road by thetrailhead or park in the public lot on Park Avenue.

Hoosier Pass Loop (3 miles/ vertical700 ft.) – This is the perfect hike for those who want theexhilaration of hiking above tree line without the lung popping elevation gainsoften required to get there. You begin your hike at the sign board in theparking lot. A couple four wheel drive roads lead from the sign or directly above(north) it. The hike gives you awesome views of Mt. Lincoln and other perks tobeing above the tree line. Cairns and a faint path mark the way until you beginyour descent to complete the loop. This is an arduous hike, so be prepared andbring some buddies to make it a perfect hiking day.

To get here from Keystone: Take Swan Mountain Road off Highway 6 toBreckenridge; Proceed south on Route 9 from Breckenridge to the top of HoosierPass about 9.7 miles from the last traffic light in town. Parking is on yourright at the continental divide sign.

Spruce Creek Loop (4 miles/ vertical690 ft.) – Follow the Spruce Creek trail through a lushevergreen forest for about 1.8 miles to the intersection with Wheeler Trail.This junction is a good place to admire the views on your right as you continueon for about .3 mile to where the Spruce Creek Trail emerges from the forestand crosses the 4WD Spruce Creek Rd. This is a great early season hike or aspectacular winter snow shoe adventure. If you hike in the winter, snow mayobscure the roadway so stay left at the first junction that appears shortlyafter you started down. This is also a popular area for cross country skiers.Spruce Creek Loop is a beginner hike, but a bit long so take plenty of waterand enjoy this awesome area!

To get here from Keystone: Take Sawn Mountain Road off Highway 6and follow it to Breckenridge. Continue south out of Breckenridge on U.S.9. Atabout 2.4 miles turn right on to Spruce Creek Rd. and proceed for about 1.2miles to the well marked parking area and trailhead. After about .1 mile afteryour turn onto Spruce Creek Rd. from route 9, Spruce Creek Rd. makes a sharpleft.

Iowa Hill (1.2 miles/ vertical 310ft.) - The Iowa Hill Hydraulic Placer Mine is explored alongthis historic interpretive trail. The hikes takes you back 145 years in historyto the days when miners panned for gold then developed techniques using watercannons, called hydraulic giants, to wash the sides of gulches into sluiceboxes to capture gold particles. Mining History News rates this trail as “oneof the best hydraulic mining exhibits in the world.” A restored two-story logMiners ’Boarding House on the trail can be toured by appointment. This is agorgeous and interesting area and is great for the whole family.

To get here from Keystone: Take SwanMountain Road off Highway 6 to Breckenridge; Proceed south on Route 9 and takeValley Brook Road turning right off the exit. Follow this to Airport Road andturn right. Follow signs to the trailhead and park at the trailhead and enjoyyour hike.

Mohawk Lakes (7 miles/ vertical 1700ft.) - If there’s one intermediate family hike thatencapsulates everything wonderful about Summit County, it is the Mohawk Laketrail. From sweeping vistas, historic ruins and ore cars to waterfalls andclose-up views of massive, rugged peaks, the Mohawk Trail is a great, 7miletrail that should not be missed. Kids will enjoy exploring a private cabinlocated near the settlement ruins that is available for use as a storm shelter.From Mayflower Lake it is a steady climb of about one mile to the old mill, thefalls, and the lower Mohawk Lake. The trail will eventually climb upward toMohawk Lake.

To get here from Keystone: Take Swan Mountain Road off Highway 6 toBreckenridge; Proceed south on Route 9 passed Breckenridge and turn on rightonto Crown Drive. Follow Crown Drive (it will turn into Spruce Creek Rd.).Follow Spruce Creek Road and you will find a well marked parking area andtrailhead.

Crystal Lakes Trail (8 miles/vertical 1500 ft.) –Crystal Lake Trail is a long arduousclimb, but well worth it. Here, you encounter close up views of 13,852′ Mt.Crystal and interesting mining ruins. A short scramble from the lower (eastern)end of Upper Crystal will reward you with spectacular views of Lower Crystal& Goose. There are a lot of switch backs and uphill so be prepared for ataxing climb.

To get here from Keystone: Take Swan Mountain Road off Highway 6 toBreckenridge; Proceed south on Route 9 and continue to drive south of route 9 about2.3 miles from the last traffic light in Breckenridge and turn right on SpruceCreek Road (County Road #800) into “TheCrown” subdivision. Turn onto Spruce Creek Drive and climb 1.2 miles to the 2WDtrailhead. This is the Spruce Creek Trailhead-park here. Walk up the road forabout .25 miles and take the fork to your right.

Arapahoe Basin/ Loveland Pass

Baker Mountain Trail (2 miles/vertical 448 Ft.) - Baker Mountain witha steep but short hike straight uphill from the top of Loveland Pass is aneasier summit to achieve than its neighbors Sniktau Mountain and Grizzly Peak.You start at 12,000 feet and only have to climb about 500 feet in the thin air.Although not as distinctive as its neighbors, it’s much easier to summit toclimb.

To get here from Keystone: Take highway 6 east from Dillon to theLoveland Pass summit. Park on your right by the Continental Divide sign(elevation 11,990′) and take the steps up to the trail.

Grizzly Peak Trail (5 miles/ vertical1637 ft.) – This mountain looks like a grizzly bearin comparison to the soft, round, teddy bear shapes of Sniktau and Bakermountains. It is a spectacular ridge walk and steep scramble at the end that isclearly worth the effort for the views. It requires a bit of a rollercoasterclimb since the ridge between Baker and Grizzly drops more than 150 feet andthat altitude has to be regained going and coming. Although you can continue toGrays and Torrey Peaks from Grizzly, that would be a very long trek.

To get here from Keystone: Take highway 6 east from Dillon to theLoveland Pass summit. Park on your right by the Continental Divide sign(elevation 11,990′) and take the steps up to the trail.

Sniktau Mountain Trail (4 miles/vertical 1300 Ft.) – This is a great hike for anyone thatwants a true alpine experience but doesn’t have the time, or energy, to spendhours hiking to get above tree line.Although a relatively short hike, the trail gains about 1000′ in elevation in the first mile so this probably shouldnot be the first thing you attempt if you’ve just arrived in Summit County fromthe plains! The first section of the trail is clearly visible as it ascends thespine of the ridge leading to the first summit.

To get here from Keystone: Take highway 6 east from Dillon to theLoveland Pass summit. Park on your right by the Continental Divide sign(elevation 11,990′) and take the steps up to the trail.

McCullough Gulch Trail (3.4 miles/1100 ft.) - One of my personal favorites, McCullough GulchTrail has a waterfall. As you follow the path for nearly a mile, several streamcrossings bring you close to the falls cascading down from the ledge up ahead.Many trails lead to various levels of the falls but they return to the maintrail that can be followed up the fairly steep ledge to the alpine lake at thetop. Here you can explore the lake or just enjoy the serenity of one of SummitCounty’s most idyllic settings.

To get here from Keystone: Take Swan Mountain Road off Highway 6 toBreckenridge; Proceed south on Route 9 for 7.6 miles to Blue Lakes Drive (#850).Turn right onto Blue Lakes drive and continue for about 100 yards to McCulloughGulch Rd.(#851). Turn right and continue for 2.2 miles, staying left at they-junction, to the parking area at the trailhead.

Green Mountain Reservoir

Eaglesmere Loop Trail (6.8 miles/vertical 1750 ft.) – Hikers are rewardedwith beautiful vistas overlooking Lower Cataract lake soon after beginning asteady uphill ascent through an aspen forest. Views of the Williams Fork Rangeand Eagles Nest Peak (13,342′) continue to appear until you enter a thick,dark, green pine forest after about two miles. At 2.8 miles you will encountera sign where the Eaglesmere trail meets the Gore Range trail. You turn righthere for what will prove to be the longest half mile of the hike. A fairlysteep ascent suddenly changes to a downhill trek that will lead to another signfor the Gore Range trail. The sign shows the trail going right and left butignore it and go straight to the lakes which are only a couple hundred yardsahead. There are two lakes, the smaller one just north of the larger.

To get here fromKeystone: Take Highway 6 towards Dillon to connect with Colorado 9 (Highway6 turns into Route 9). Take Rt. 9 north Drive 16 miles north from Silverthorneon Colorado 9. Turn left onto Heeney Road and go about 5.25 miles to CountyRoad 1725. Turn left and continue for a little over 2 miles until you come to afork where you will see a sign for Surprise Lake trailhead on your left andEaglesmere Lakes on the right. Take the right fork and go about .2 miles to theparking area.

Willow Falls (8.75 miles/ vertical900 ft.) – For the first 2.6 miles you follow the MesaCortina Trail to its junction with the Gore Range Trail. As you approach thejunction of the Mesa Cortina and Gore Range Trails you will cross South WillowCreek. At the trail junction you shouldproceed west-southwest (straight) on the Gore Range Trail. After about a mileyou will notice the Buffalo Cabin Trail entering on your left. The falls areabout three quarters of a mile ahead. This is an absolutely gorgeous area and,once again, one of my personal favorites. Don’t forget to bring a camera!

To get here fromKeystone: Take Highway 6 towards Dillon to connect with Colorado 9 (Highway6 turns into Route 9). Drive north on route 9 from the Silverthorne exit offI-70 (exit 205). Turn left onto Wildernest Rd. at the 7-11 store across from aWendy’s. Bear right at the fork after crossing the bridge and make an immediateleft onto Royal Buffalo Drive (auto dealership is on this corner). Drive a mileto Lakeview Drive and turn right onto Lakeview. Proceed to Aspen Drive and turnleft and continue to the Mesa Cortina Trailhead with ample parking on yourright.

Vail

Bighorn Creek (4 miles/ verticalminimal) – Bighorn Creek Trail is the least taxing trail nearVail—except at the onset. Incorporating some eighty wildflower species alongits first two miles, this is a good montane zone starter trail for Vail hikers.With the exception of the initial sharp half-mile ascent, the trail eases up along scenic valley, alternating between shade and sun. Quaking aspen treesdominate the route and in autumn, a hike under the aspen would be like ajourney down the aisle of a natural cathedral streaming with golden, ambientlight. A gorgeous, must do hike in fall.

To get here from Keystone: Take Highway 6 towards Dillon and hoponto I-70 going west towards Vail. Exit I-70 at the easternmost exit (180) andtake an immediate left onto Big Horn Road to go under I-70. Follow Big HornRoad back east for less than a mile to Columbine Drive. Take a left onColumbine Drive and go back under I-70 and up the hill a couple hundred yards.You’ll find a small parking lot on the left side of the street and you’re allset to go.

Booth Falls (3.8 miles/ vertical 1800ft.) – Another must-do hike in Summit County. BoothFalls is more arduous than some of the others, but well worth the journey. Thetrail is littered with wildflowers and grand scenery, with the falls as thegrand finale. For those so inclined, an additional four miles beyond BoothFalls continue up to Booth Lake. The first part of the trail rises steeplybefore easing through flowery areas and then continues ascending, most sharplyas it nears Booth Falls itself. Once again, a must do hike in Summit County.

How to get here fromKeystone: Take Highway 6 back towards Dillon and hop onto I-70. Then takethe East Vail exit (Exit 180). Head west 0.85 miles to the Booth Falls Road.Turn right and follow this road for 0.2 miles to the trailhead parking area.

MAP

View Hiking - Summit County in a larger map

Distance / Drive Time

From	To	Miles	Time
25/470	Arapahoe / Loveland Pass	78	1:30
25/470	Breckenridge	94	1:45
25/470	Dillon	82	1:30
25/470	Estes Park	80	1:45
25/470	Frisco	85	1:35
25/470	Gold Hill	55	1:20
25/470	Green Mnt Res	103	2:05
25/470	Keystone	88	1:40
25/470	LoveLand	67	1:15
25/470	Montezuma	93	1:50
25/470	Vail	110	2:00

Reference:

http://www.summitcove.com/activities/summer-activities/hiking-trails-in-keystone-colorado/hiking-trails-keystone/

Lockwood's Adventures

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Reference: Hiking in Summit County

Contents

Keystone

Dillon/ Silverthorne

Montezuma

Frisco

Gold Hill

Copper Mountain

Breckenridge

Arapahoe Basin/ Loveland Pass

Green Mountain Reservoir

Vail

MAP

View Hiking - Summit County in a larger map

Distance / Drive Time

Reference:

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