Sapphire Point - At the Top of Swan Mountain Road
Distance - 0.6 miles
Elevation Gain - 36ft
Route Type - Loop
Description - Short hike on a wide well maintained path with expansive views of Lake Dillon, Buffalo Mountain, the Red Mountains, and the Ten Mile Range. This is also a very popular place for weddings, so be warned that the main viewpoint may be inexcessible if a wedding is going on. It’s best to visit mid week before 9:30a or after 6:30p. The sunsets here have the potential to take your breath away.
Meadow Trail & Ridge Trail Loop, Dillon Nature Preserve
Distance - 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain - 475ft
Route Type - Loop
Description - Both trails are generally considered easy, however there are some ups and downs as well as rocks and roots. Great for families with both trails offering plenty of view points, benches, and educational signage.
Lower Cataract Lake, Heeney
Distance - 2.3 miles
Elevation Gain - 223ft
Route Type - Loop
Description - Off the beaten path located north of Silverthorne. A great place to make a day of it by packing a picnic lunch, bring your SUP, frisbee or other yard games. Wonderful for families and wildflowers pop from about mid July through August. Be warned. The road to access Lower Cataract Lake, parking, and the trailhead does not typically open until late May.
West Ridge Trail, Loveland Pass
Distance - 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain - 639ft
Route Type - Out and Back
Description - This high elevation hike is 100% above treeline. It is considered one of the easiest hikes on Loveland Pass and will leave you feeling on top of the world!
Mayflower and Lower Mohawk Lakes, Breckenridge
Distance - 6.3 miles
Elevation Gain - 1,574ft
Route Type - Out and Back
Description - Hike through meadows, across small streams while gazing at mountains and lakes from the gulch. This is a popular hike, so if you;re looking for solitude I’d suggest you choose a different trail.
*Important Note - When writing this blog the trail is closed at the Spruce Creek Diversion for construction with no set target date of reopening.
Meadow Creek to Eccles Pass, Silverthorne
Distance - 10.9 miles
Elevation Gain - 2,962ft
Route Type - Out and Back
Description - Parking can be difficult during the busy summer season, especially on weekends due to the trailhead also serving the popular Lily Pad Lake Trail. The first couple of miles are just kind of a boring climb, but trust me when I tell you that it gets so much better after that. Wildflowers litter the meadows, Aspen stands shine in the fall, and don’t forget to turn around to take in the expansive views from time to time on your hike up! time to
Peak 1, Frisco
Distance - 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain - 3,645
Route Type - Out and Back
Description - Quite steep in parts. Some call it more of a climb than a hike due to it having quite a bit of vertical gain during the 3.6 miles to the top. Once you’ve made the ascent you will be rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views.
FREE COLORADO GPS TRAIL MAP
I highly suggest you download the totally free COTrex App prior to heading out on your hike. Select your activity: Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, Motorcycle, ATV, OHV, Nordic Skiing, Snowmobiling, or Snowshoeing to see what trails are open and available for each activity. This app is only a couple years old and covers all trails in Colorado. It is not yet great at rating or describing trails in our area, but it is GPS connected, so you will always know where you are and what your trail/road options are when it comes to getting back to your vehicle or accommodation. I’ve also found it useful when planning longer routes in areas unfamiliar to me.
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