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.

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

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Phone (970) 926-5299
Paragon Guides : Edwards, CO
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

Other Online Resources

  • 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.

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