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

  • Leadville, Colorado

    Decalibron Loop (CLOSED)

    4.8
    7.5 mi / 3000 ft gain
    NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Start your hike at the Kite Lake trailhead, where you can find overnight camping for a small fee, or park a bit down the ro...
    Read more
  • Leadville, Colorado

    Mt. Democrat (CLOSED)

    4.8
    4 mi / 2150 ft gain
    NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) To begin this wonderful hike, drive from the town of Alma, Colorado and head up Buckskin Street for about 6 miles. I would ...
    Read more
  • Leadville, Colorado

    Mounts Democrat, Lincoln, Cameron and Bross (CLOSED)

    4.0
    8 mi / 3500 ft gain
    NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Find your way to the Kite Lake trailhead near Alma, Colorado. The road up to the trailhead is suitable for most vehicles, i...
    Read more
  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Camp at Guanella Pass

    4.5
    This is a beautiful campground that serves as a great basecamp for many different outdoor activities in the Front Range. Whether you are looking for a casual day fishing or trying to knock one of the nearby 14ers off of your bucket list, this is an excellent place to begin. There are also abandon...
    Read more
  • Georgetown, Colorado

    Hike to Square Top Lakes

    4.3 mi / 1080 ft gain
    Starting from Guanella Pass, right across from the Bierstadt trailhead, Square Top Lakes is definitely a hidden gem. Most people here are attempting to do the 14er, but if you've already bagged that one (or are just looking for some high altitude hiking to get you ready for it), Square Top Lakes ...
    Read more
  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Bierstadt, Evans, and The Sawtooth Loop

    4.5
    9.76 mi / 3438 ft gain
    Starting from the oddly poorly marked Guanella Pass Trailhead (Google maps directions to Guanella Campground and then drive about two miles past it to the south), the trail heads southeast toward Bierstadt, and much of your route to the first summit is visible from the parking lot. The trail to ...
    Read more
  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Watch the Sunrise at Guanella Pass

    5.0
    1 mi / 100 ft gain
    From Denver, take i70 to Georgetown and simply follow the signs through town to the top. This pass can also be accessed from the south via US Highway 285 at the town of Grant. Guanella Pass is closed in the winter, typically from about the last week in November through the last week of May. Watch...
    Read more
  • Jefferson, Colorado

    Colorado Trail: Kenosha Pass to FR 130

    4.6
    6.81 mi / 938 ft gain
    The Colorado Trail (http://www.coloradotrail.org) is 500 miles long and stretches from Denver to Durango. Perhaps the most-traveled portion of the Colorado Trail is at Kenosha Pass. Kenosha Pass is well-known for its thick, colorful stands of aspen in the fall. During peak leaf season (late Septe...
    Read more
  • Minturn, Colorado

    Ski Notch Mountain

    10 mi / 3000 ft gain
    What's not to love - you'll be skiing in the off season! We did this hike/ski in late June, our skis, boots, and avi gear packed with our hiking shoes on our feet. May could potentially be the most opportune time for this adventure. The hike you will take is the traditional Notch Mountain Hike. T...
    Read more
  • Minturn, Colorado

    Scramble the Halo Ridge on Mt. Holy Cross

    5.0
    15 mi / 5210 ft gain
    The Halo Ridge is by no means the easiest route to the summit of Mt. Holy Cross, but it is definitely the most interesting and scenic. You'll begin at the Half Moon (Tigiwon) trailhead, but instead of the popular Halfmoon Trail, you will start on the Fall Creek Trail as it leaves the campground.T...
    Read more
  • Minturn, Colorado

    Climb Mount of the Holy Cross, North Ridge

    4.5
    Just a few miles South Minturn, Colorado, turn onto Tigiwon Road (dirt) and take it about 5 miles to the Half Moon trailhead at . Tigiwon Road is easily accessed by 2WD vehicles and the trailhead should be reachable in the Summer months after the snows have melted.Start early as, at 12 miles, thi...
    Read more
  • Minturn, Colorado

    Hike to Tuhare Lakes

    12 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Overview: About a 12 mile hike, with 3 alpine lakes, a significant climb and views worthwhile Photos: See all photos here. Getting There: The hike is accessed from the Half Moon pass parking lot - from the Fall Creek trailhead. The parking lot and trailhead are accessed at the end of Tigiwon Rd. ...
    Read more
  • Berthoud Pass Parking Lot, Colorado

    Mount Flora

    5.0
    6.29 mi / 1788 ft gain
    Colorado’s Rocky Mountains offer hikes of all lengths, sizes and difficulties. Mt. Flora stands at a lofty 13,146 ft and is a great intro to climbing peaks in Colorado. Roundtrip, this hike is 6.3 miles and will take you (in the summer) through fields of alpine wildflowers as you climb into Color...
    Read more
  • U.S. 40, Colorado

    Parry Peak

    11.82 mi / 4209 ft gain
    The trek to Parry Peak crosses three other peaks (Colorado Mines Peak, Mt. Flora, and Mt. Eva) along the Rocky Mountains. Begin your hike around sunrise as inclement weather often rolls in during the late afternoon. The trail is extremely rocky and steep.  From the Berthoud Pass parking lot, fol...
    Read more
  • Fraser, Colorado

    Summit Byers Peak

    8.8 mi / 2774 ft gain
    The drive to the start of the trail is okay, having a high clearance vehicle would make the drive easier, but is not necessary.  Free parking is available along the side of the road.The trail starts on a closed service road at a gate and requires you to either hike or bike up the dirt road (2 mil...
    Read more
  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Hell's Hole Trail

    4.5
    8.12 mi / 1881.01 ft gain
    The name is uninviting, but Hell’s Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. About five minutes into the hike is the per...
    Read more