Trails around Summit County, Colorado: to hike, bike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, walk your dog, or just plain-old enjoy the view...
While I love our Nordic centers and downhill mountains, I prefer to spend much of my free time out on the local trails in the National Forest, amid the quiet beauty and solitude of the mountains. Depending on the conditions, I hike, mountain bike, trail run, snowshoe, or cross-country ski. They may be unmaintained (so always know where you are going and carry appropriate supplies) but they will give you even more of the trail “experience” that many people come here for. Plus, most trails are so well-used that they are easy to follow and well-packed. Conditions do vary quite a bit depending on the weather, so use extreme caution when, say, hiking up Quandary late in the day during spring when storms can quickly roll in!
In the summertime, trails are great for challenging mountain bike rides (just make sure you go on a trail that allows bikes) and always ride within your comfort level. Here's a list of some trails around Summit County that happen to be my personal favorites.
In the summertime, trails are great for challenging mountain bike rides (just make sure you go on a trail that allows bikes) and always ride within your comfort level. Here's a list of some trails around Summit County that happen to be my personal favorites.
1. Illinois Creek Trailhead - Blue River Trail
There is a great trailhead located next to the Ice Area on the south side of town. To get there, drive down Main Street, turn left onto Boreas Pass Rd, then take a right at the far end of the Ice Area parking lot. At the back corner of the lot you will see the sign for the Illinois Creek Trailhead.
At first you enter a forested area that weaves uphill through the trees.The trail levels off in areas and does have some ups and downs, but is mostly up going out and down coming back. The trail parallels the road briefly, but then goes back in towards the trees. I love how the trails change depending on the season. In the summer, there are lots of extra smaller trails that branch off, but in the winter it really depends on who has been there recently. Also, the path can change depending on how recently it has snowed. You may find a couple of forks in the path so take whichever one suits your fancy. If you are lucky, you will end up at the top of a hill with an awesome view overlooking the town of Breckenridge. If you keep heading south, you will end upin an area where the trail widens and opens up in a large field. There are a couple of massive homes in that area but it is basically very quiet and peaceful! 2. Sally Barber Mine Trail
Breckenridge is full of old mining ruins. Take a trip up to Sally Barber and you will be rewarded with a great view as well as some remnants of Breck's mining days.
To get to the trailhead, turn left onto Wellington Rd from Main Street. Follow Wellington all the way out to the trailhead. Parking is on your right. The trail starts on the dirt road and you need veer right at the first trail turnoff to head up to Sally Barber. This is a great one to cross-country ski or mountain bike. It is all uphill on the way out and a fun (but not too steep) downhill on the way back. To make it a longer day, you can go down the other side (although not as steep) and back up and over again. 3. Boreas Pass Rd Trail
Perhaps the easiest trail of all, due to its gentle slope. This is a dirt road in the summertime and closed to vehicular traffic in the winter. The snow tends to melt quickly in the spring because most of the trail gets an abundance of sun. In winter, there can be snowmobiles on the trail, so be careful. The views are unbelievable, because the trail starts at such a high elevation, way above the town.
The road/trail continues for miles and if you are in town looking for a long run at altitude, this is it. In the summertime, you have two chances to meet up with another trail that will connect back to the trailhead parking lot. Take a left at the first fork and you will get to enjoy a 3 mile loop, or take your second left at the old water tank to enjoy a 6 mile loop. Or, continue on up for miles. I've never gone until the end, but I hear you'll end up in Como or some such place if you keep at it!  4. The Dredge Boat Trailhead
There are many options when starting out from this trailhead. To get there, take hwy 9 south out of town. Turn right on Tiger Rd and continue down road for approx. 5 miles. Trailhead will be on your left. You know you're at the right place if you see an old dilapidated dredge boat in a pond.
Take a look at your trail map. You can see that this trail connects with the famous Colorado Trail. It also continues back towards Keystone. There are a number of other branches (including one area with a five-way intersection about a mile or so in) so pick whatever route pleases you and have fun exploring. This trail system used to be a little confusing because of the different forks - however, a couple of years ago signs were put up so now it is very well marked! I have seen moose, coyote, beaver, and bear in this area, too, so be smart and give wildlife their distance if you see them! |
 Most trails are well-marked with signs like these:
 Remember, leave only your footprints, be prepared with water, sunscreen, and extra layers of clothing, and carry a map!!
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