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.