Summit County Colorado is known for many “outdoor” things, but something almost every local and visitor enjoys in one way or another is our vast network of trails. From paved rec paths, easy strolls with incredible views, pretty gnarly single track for those thrill seekers, and absolutely everything in between Summit County truly has “the perfect trail” for everyone.
About 80% of the land in Summit County is Federal public land consisting of the White River National Forest, Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness, Eagle’s Nest Wilderness, and some BLM lands. With such a large percentage of public land, the opportunities to recreate here abound!
Resources available in order to find that “perfect to you” trail have also improved here greatly over the past handful of years. No matter how you are looking to spend time in Summit County: hike, mountain or road bike, cross country ski, snowshoe, horseback ride or dabble in motorized sports such as snowmobiling, Timbersledding, dirt biking, Jeeping, or OHV’s, Summit’ trail system will be sure to please.
Start Planning Your Trail Adventures NOW!
6 Ways to Learn More About Summit County Hike and Bike (x-county ski, snowshoe, horseback ride, snowmobile, Timbersled, dirt bike, jeep, OHV, etc) Trails!
*Listed In Order Starting with My Most Favorite Trail Locating Resource!
1 - Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Colorado Trail Explorer Map (COTREX App)
This totally free app called “COTREX” has changed the way my family and I locate and research trails throughout the entire state of Colorado. While it is still fairly new, improvements, additional details, and updates are made regularly. Select what activity you plan on participating on the upper right hand side. This will highlight trails throughout the state where that activity is allowed. Zoom in to click on individual trails to get trail names, numbers, mileage, coordinates, and other approved trail uses including any closure dates. Some trails are rated based on their difficulty (green, blue, black, double black, or any combination) and include a more detailed trail description. In my opinion this resource will by far be the best when a larger percentage of the trail descriptions contain these trail ratings, but for now it is still my favorite because it’s easy to use and the COTREX app is GPS enabled, so you will always know where you are within a trail system when out exploring!
2 - U.S. Forest Service: Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest Recreation Map
Trails are broken down into categories by approved trail use (bike, hike, horseback ride, winter sports, motorized, etc). Once you select your desired activity the trails approved for that use are then categorized even further by town or resort area. Select your area then when you click on each trail you will get a basic description, map, as well as turn by turn directions to locate the trailhead. Many of the trails have 1-2 page printable FDRD Recreation Opportunity Guides available that give a more complete description of each trail, a trail difficulty rating, along with a printable topographic map.
Do you want to gather even more information and insight on these trails? Talk to a ranger! The Dillon Ranger Station is located at 680 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne, CO 80498 Monday-Friday 8a-4:30p and Saturdays 8am-4pm. They are extremely helpful and have trail quick sheets available for a $.25 suggested donation per page.
This Dillon Ranger District Map offers an easy to read quick glance for locating trails close to your accommodation or route of travel.
And Remember! Always check current trail and road conditions and the weather prior to embarking on your next adventure. Current Conditions Report
3 - Summit County: Rec Path System
I am so lucky to live in a place that dedicates so much time, energy, and resources to providing a vast variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. On top of the massive network of gravel and single track trails we also have a paved rec path system that not only offers 18.7 miles of trail while circling all of Lake Dillon, but also branches to reach all towns and resort areas throughout the county. Not up to biking around the entire lake? Summit’s website linked above has some other suggested routes including distance and elevation gain.
4 - Summit County: Trails & Trailheads - Including Open Space
Colorado’s Open Space Alliance is a publicly funded statewide alliance that works to preserve special places in Colorado on local and regional levels. Because designated Open Space is not federally funded or maintained land the trails are not listed on the other federal level websites above, but can be found on this map! Although this is not my favorite local trail information platform I didn’t want you to miss my absolute favorite designated Open Space area in Summit County known as “Dillon Nature Preserve” offering densely forested trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. These trails also lead to some of my favorite views in the area.
5 - Town of Breckenridge: Open Space and Trails Department Trail Maps
The Town of Breck and areas of unincorporated Summit County near Breckenridge are home to over 5,000 acres of protected Open Space managed solely by the Town of Breck, or in combination with Summit County. Although this is not one of my top local trail resources it certainly is not a bad resource either. Be sure to check out the highly rated easy 2 mile loop through Cucumber Gulch Preserve to explore and observe the gorgeous 77 acre wetlands and wildlife preserve. Large printed trail maps can also be purchased at the Breckenridge Visitor Center.
6 - Summit County: Locate Local Trails on Summit’s Interactive Trail Map Summit County has invested a great deal of time and money into creating a GIS map dedicated 100% to trails throughout the county! The map includes topography, approved trail usage, mileage, and is an interactive and a great place to start your trail research and planning. Keep in mind this tool is MUCH easier to use on a computer than on a smaller device such a smartphone or tablet. I would actually not suggest you attempt to use this resource on a handheld device to avoid certain frustration.
If you are looking for trail recommendations give me a call! I will more than happily share some “local’s secrets” with you.
HAPPY TRAILS!
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