Local Colorado Hiking Trails

Skill Level: Moderate
Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,320 feet
Highest elevation: 11,080 feet
Time: 4 hours

The trailhead is located off westbound I-70 at the scenic overlook parking before exit 195 to Copper Mountain. The trail travels past several small lakes along the interstate before beginning it’s ascent on the south side of the mountain. Alternate access at the trailhead parking north of the Copper Mountain Conoco requires crossing the interstate at the Copper Mountain exit. Climb through aspen groves, meadows, and pine forests, where you will enjoy views of Copper Mountain and the Ten Mile Range to the south. At 2.2 miles, make a 90 degree right turn up to two high alpine lakes. In July and August, the meadows along this trail offer some of the best wildflower viewing in the area. This trail makes for an excellent half-day family excursion.

Skill Level: Moderate
Distance: 3.1 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,000
Highest elevation: 11,500 feet
Approximate time: 3 hours

Drive west on I-70 to Shrine Pass exit 190. Park in the rest stop parking area and hike .5 miles on the paved bike path towards Copper Mountain. Just after the "C" curve in the path, look for a large gray electrical box on the right. Go right onto a faint trail, the beginning of Wilder Gulch. The trail goes through meadows filled with wildflowers during the summer months. After a stroll through a wooded area, look for views of Ptarmigan Hill and Ptarmigan Pass.

Skill Level: Advanced
Distance: 11 miles from Copper to Frisco
Elevation gain: 2,140 feet
Highest elevation: 11,900 feet
Time: 7 hours

This hike requires two cars or a bus ride on the Summit stage. Drive I-70 to Frisco exit 201 and turn west into a parking lot for North Ten Mile Trailhead. Take your second car to the Gore Range Trailhead off Copper exit 195 (the same trail as Wheeler Lakes) and start up the trail. At 2.2 miles, continue straight past the Wheeler Lakes turn-off. After passing lost lake at 3.9 miles, continue past the lake and climb towards Uneva Pass. Before you reach the pass, you'll reach a fork where you'll need to take the fainter path to left which drops down before heading back up to the pass. At the Uneva Pass summit, you'll see spectacular views of the Ten Mile Range to the southeast. After hiking along a ridge, the trail drops down into a valley and then switchbacks steeply into the North Ten Mile Creek drainage. At the intersection of the Gore Range and North Ten Mile trails, hang a right onto North Ten Mile trail and hike 3.5 miles east into Frisco where your car is parked. This hike is relatively long and is recommended for experienced hikers in good condition.

Skill Level: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 10 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,700 feet
Highest elevation: 10,800 feet
Time: 6 hours

Drive I-70 to Frisco exit 201 and turn west into a parking lot on the west side of the interstate. Walk up the jeep road past a couple buildings and ascend a hill. After this initial hill, the trail gets easier and gradually climbs up through the forest. The trail follows the North Ten Mile Creek and offers fantastic vistas of Chief Mountain to the north and Wichita Mountain to the south. At 2 miles you'll reach the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area where the road changes into a footpath. Continue straight at the Gore Range Trail junction at 3.5 miles. The trail continues into a boggy section which stays muddy most of the summer. The trail ends at 5 miles. For a shorter version of this hike, just turn around at the wilderness area boundary. Some of the most beautiful creekside picnic spots are in the first 2 miles of the hike.

Skill Level: Difficult
Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,407 feet
Highest elevation: 10,502
Time: 3 hours

Drive I-70 to Frisco exit 201. Turn east onto Main Street and drive .1 mile to the bike path parking area. Walk down the paved bike path, turning left at the fork, and look for the Mt. Royal trailhead on the right after .5 mile. The trail climbs to Masontown, where the remains of an old mining town can still be seen. The trail forks here, but continue straight up through the remains and pass some mine tailings on the right. The trail levels out for a brief time before the steep climb to the summit. At a fork in the trail, take the right fork for .1 mile to the summit of Mt. Royal. The descriptions offered above are only summaries of a few hikes in the area. For more detailed information and additional hikes in the area, pick up a copy of "The New Summit Hiker" by Mary Ellen Gilliland at a local shop.

Estimated times are based on average round trip including short breaks along the way. When hiking in the high country of Colorado, remember the Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared." It is strongly recommended that you buy a topographic map of the area you plan to be hiking and carry a compass. Also carry plenty of water, high-energy food, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain jacket, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves. Be aware that Colorado weather often changes rapidly and it may snow in the summer months above timberline (around 11,500 feet in Summit County). Afternoon storms often occur in during the summer months, so always plan to be back below timberline by 1pm, even on a sunny morning. Always let others know where you will be hiking and your expected return time.

The effects of high altitude are significant, so plan hikes according to your ability and fitness level. Some of the symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, lack of appetite, dizziness and sleeplessness. Be sure to drink extra water (64 oz. a day is recommended) while visiting the high country because of the dry climate.

Enjoy the Colorado hiking trails near Copper Mountain Resort as part of your summer vacation adventure.