Summit County, Colorado
Top Spots in and near Summit County
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Idaho Springs, Colorado
Bierstadt, Evans, and The Sawtooth Loop
4.59.76 mi / 3438 ft gainStarting 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
5.01 mi / 100 ft gainFrom 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 -
Leadville, Colorado
Ski or Snowshoe to Vance's Cabin
3.1 mi / 750 ft gainVance's Cabin is a private hut near Tennessee Pass booked by the 10th mountain division. The hut was completed in 1988 and sleeps 16; 6 beds upstairs in a loft and 10 bunk beds downstairs in a communal bunked area around the wood stove. It's a compact cabin compared to some of the other huts i...Read more -
Jefferson, Colorado
Colorado Trail: Kenosha Pass to FR 130
4.66.81 mi / 938 ft gainThe 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 gainWhat'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
5.015 mi / 5210 ft gainThe 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
4.5Just 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 gainOverview: 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, Colorado
Ski or Snowboard Berthoud Pass Colorado
Berthoud Pass is 55 miles from Denver making it one of the closest places to get out and backcountry tour in the winter. At 11,370 Berthoud Pass crosses the continental divide. From the top of the pass you can do shuttle runs down the south side of the pass. Or, you can venture on the East or Wes...Read more -
Berthoud Pass Parking Lot, Colorado
Mount Flora
5.06.29 mi / 1788 ft gainColorado’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 gainThe 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 -
Winter Park, Colorado
Snowshoe Mount Flora
6.2 mi / 1738 ft gainMy friend Austin and I hiked up to Mt Flora last year on what was probably the coldest day ever. Ever? It was 9 degrees at the Berthoud Pass parking lot and we had 32mph winds nearly the whole way. We estimated the temp to be around -28ºF with the windchill... brrrr!DirectionsFrom the Berthoud Pa...Read more -
Fraser, Colorado
Summit Byers Peak
8.8 mi / 2774 ft gainThe 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
4.58.12 mi / 1881.01 ft gainThe 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 -
Winter Park, Colorado
Broome Hut via Second Creek Trail
1.94 mi / 712 ft gainBroome Hut is a short, but steep all year-round hike, but offers great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as well.Once you reach the hut you are rewarded with incredible views of the Continental Divide, Berthoud Pass, and the Vasquez Peak Wilderness. The Cirque (bowl) is also accessible from ab...Read more -
Winter Park, Colorado
Twin Cones via Second Creek Trailhead
5.04.85 mi / 1614 ft gainThis hike begins at Second Creek Trailhead off of US Highway 40. It's pretty steep right off the bar gaining about 800ft of elevation in the first mile. This first mile takes you to Broome Hut, which has a bathroom and is a great place to stop and take a break. Keep in mind that there are no dogs...Read more