Summit County, Colorado

Looking for the best hiking in Summit County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Summit County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Summit County

  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Hike the East Ridge of Pacific Peak

    5.0
    8 mi / 3500 ft gain
    Start from the McCullough gulch trailhead. If possible it would be worth having 2 cars and leaving one at the main McCullough trailhead so you don't have to walk the road on your way down. Bushwack through trees and willows up the ridge directly to the north of the trailhead. You might be lucky a...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    McCullough Gulch to Upper Blue Reservoir

    5.0
    6.45 mi / 1532 ft gain
    The trail first takes you to Upper Blue Reservoir, about 1.4 miles in. Past this point, it can be somewhat tricky to find the trail, but for experienced hikers, the upper valley holds a number of lakes, a waterfall, and open tundra for exploring. Mountain goat sightings are also common in this ar...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Boreas Pass Road

    5.0
    9 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Boreas pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains that sits on the Continental Divide at 11,481'. Forest Service Road 33 goes over the pass and has numerous campsites all along its length, with several near the summit that feature breathtaking views of the Tenmile Range and the Breckenri...
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  • Silver Plume, Colorado

    Herman Gulch Trail

    5.0
    6.27 mi / 1696 ft gain
    The Herman Gulch Trail, located near Silver Plume, Colorado, is a popular 6.3-mile out-and-back hike that leads to a stunning alpine lake, offering hikers breathtaking views of wildflower-filled meadows and towering peaks of the Continental Divide.  Trail Overview • Elevation: The trailhe...
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  • Dillon, Colorado

    Grays Peak via the South Ridge

    9.9 mi / 3970 ft gain
    Grays is easily one of the most popular 14ers in Colorado due to its moderate difficulty and proximity to Denver. Grays Peak is an awesome 14er but the crowds take away from the hike. And while the views on top of Grays are amazing, the barren landscape of the hike to get there isn't the most ama...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Quandary Peak via Blue Lakes

    4.88 mi / 2516 ft gain
    Quandary Peak via Blue Lakes is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Blue River, Colorado.
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Booth Falls and Booth Lake

    5.0
    8.92 mi / 3189 ft gain
    This day hike begins as a steady climb through aspen trees for the first mile. The trail then flattens out a bit, and you reach Booth Falls at mile two. This is a beautiful 60 ft waterfall that allows for easy rock climbing and hiking through the stream upstream of the falls. This is also a popul...
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  • Fairplay, Colorado

    French Pass Trail

    5.0
    6.87 mi / 1736 ft gain
    French Pass Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Jefferson, Colorado.
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  • Silver Plume, Colorado

    Grays Peak Trail

    4.5
    7.25 mi / 2995 ft gain
    The first challenge you'll face on your way to the summit of Gray's peak is Steven's Gulch Road. My Corolla rolled up to the start of what I’ve seen described as a “4x4 road that should probably not be attempted in a low clearance vehicle”. But what the heck, it was late, and I didn't feel like w...
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  • Silver Plume, Colorado

    Torrey's Peak via Kelso Ridge

    5.0
    5.79 mi / 2982 ft gain
    The start of this route up the Kelso Ridge is the same as doing the standard route of Gray's and Torrey's peaks. From the trailhead cross the large metal bridge and continue on the great trail as it slowly climbs away from the parking lot and trailhead. This first section is not steep, but prov...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Winter Climb of North Star Mountain

    4.0
    8 mi / 2400 ft gain
    From the west parking lot at the top of Hoosier Pass, take the 4x4 road as it climbs through a forest west of the pass. Before long, the trees thin and you'll stay on the road through treeline and reach a gate at just over 12,000 feet.Stay right at the gate and continue on this old mining road as...
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  • Parshall, Colorado

    Camp at Jones Pass

    4.5
    To locate these campsites all you have to do is type in Jones Pass Road into google maps or your iPhone and it will take you straight there. There are road signs once you get off I-70 that will help you the rest of the way that say Jones Pass. Once you hit the dirt road and pass the Jones Pass Tr...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Backcountry Ski at Fremont Pass

    5.0
    Starting at 11,319 feet of elevation, you can choose which direction to head into the backcountry. Park at the pull-off area at the bend in the road. From here, you can head into the woods to the right (there are usually tracks from other skiers to follow) or follow Trail Rd. to reach some peaks ...
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Sunset Hike on the West Vail Trail

    3.0
    2 mi / 300 ft gain
    Starting in Lionshead, Vail, CO take the Gondola 19 up to the top of the mountain and head west straight out past Chair 26 and towards the Vail Mountain Wedding deck. Past the deck there will be a trail that you can follow out onto the edge of the mountain called the W Vail Trail. This trail will...
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Hike the Upper Piney River Trail

    4.0
    5.6 mi / 350 ft gain
    Beginning at an elevation of 9,397 feet, this hike provides an easy 2.8 mile (one way) trip through the gorgeous meadows against the distant aspens and alpines. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant, which make this trip a fantastic education and play experience for kids.Coordinates for the trail...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Camp at Kite Lake

    5.0
    Kite Lake is a beautiful little lake that is surrounded plenty of fourteeners. Just outside of Alma, Colorado, Kite lake can be accessed from Buckskin Street. Buckskin is a simple left turn after the only bar in Alma, or a right turn before the only bar in Alma... Do note, this road is not drivab...
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