Hiking & Backpacking
The lowest point of elevation in Summit County, Colorado is around
7,000 feet. From this level, you'll look up to spectacular
mountain scenery. The highest peak in Summit County is over
14,000 feet! Many other summits reach 12 or 13,000. Hence
the name, Summit County. Exploring, hiking and backpacking in
these mountains has become a way of life for many Coloradoans.
Today, Summit County and its spectacular mountains are best known for
great skiing. Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone and
Arapahoe Basin are favorite destinations for powder hounds. In
the summer, however, the ski slopes bloom with wildflowers and
waterfalls spring to life. Exploring Summit County on foot in the
summer is a great way to get close and personal with Colorado's
beautiful environment.
Featured Listings: (add your listing)
Paragon Guides
Paragon Guides is one of Colorado's premier guide services. Since 1978, we have been providing quality outdoor adventures throughout the central Rocky Mountain region and
(970) 926-5299
Hiking & Backpacking Listings: (add your listing)
Breckenridge Sports
Come visit Breckenridge this summer. It is a great place for biking, shopping, hiking, fishing and world class golfing.
(970) 453-3000
Many of the trails in Summit County were first developed as access to
gold mining! In 1859, young men eager to get rich quick founded
the town of Breckenridge. Before long, Frisco and other Summit
County destinations were thriving with life. Today, exploring the gold
mining artifacts adds a little excitement to some of the most beautiful
hiking in the country. The gold mines, gold camps, ghost towns
and other relics provide educational entertainment for families on
vacation.
For information on where to go hiking, it's best to stop by the US
Forest Service visitor center in Silverthorne. Hiking guide books
and topographical maps are also readily available in book stores and
outdoor shops throughout Summit County. It is highly recommended
to be prepared and informed about trail conditions and weather before
setting out on a hike or backpacking trip.
Here are some suggestions for great hiking trails:
• Blue Lakes-Monte Cristo (1.2 miles)
• Wheeler National Recreation Trail (10 miles)
• Mt Royal Trail
• Meadow Creek (4.5 miles)
• Wheeler Lakes (2.8 miles)
• Uneva Pass and Fristco (10.75 miles)
• Tenderfoot Mountain (1.25 miles)
• Lenawee Trail
Other pages you might find helpful:
Colorado Fourteeners
The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative strives to protect and preserve the 14ers of Colorado through stewardship and education.
Colorado Mountain Club
Hiking, skiing, and many other adventures are organized by the Colorado Mountian Club.
Hiker's Grand Slam
The Hiker's Grand Slam is a select group of backpacking trails that have been chosen as the country's best. Organization offers maps, trail descriptions, and suggestions for completing the hike.
Hiking in Colorado
Hiking in Colorado offers a brief description of the hiking in many nearby towns.
The Colorado Trail
Find information on the Colorado Trail, how to volunteer as a trail crew, and where to go.
network of Travel Guides