Top 10 Hiking Trails in Summit County for Adventurers (and Their Comfy Sneakers!)

Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Summit County is a hiker’s paradise—home to trails that range from leisurely strolls to calf-busting ascents that make you question your life choices. Here are ten trails that showcase the best of Summit County, with a little humor to keep things light along the way. Pack your water, snacks, and a sense of humor—you’ll need all three.

1. Quandary Peak Trail

• Distance: 6.75 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Highlight: Stunning summit views that make every single step worth it.

If you’re ready to tackle a fourteener, Quandary is your mountain. But fair warning—this hike will have you questioning what “fun” even means. Every few hundred feet, you’ll see someone stopped, staring into the sky, mentally bargaining with themselves to keep going. But reach the summit, and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world (or at least of Colorado)!

2. Mohawk Lakes Trail

• Distance: 8.6 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlight: Alpine lakes that look straight out of a postcard.

This trail feels like Colorado showing off. Each lake seems more beautiful than the last, and by the time you reach the Upper Mohawk Lake, you’re fully convinced you’ve found paradise. Just don’t let the altitude fool you—when you’re gasping for breath, just call it “enjoying the view.”

3. Lily Pad Lake Trail

• Distance: 3.3 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlight: Actual lily pads. And they’re adorable.

Perfect for families, this short and sweet hike lets you stroll through lush woods before reaching two serene lakes dotted with—you guessed it—lily pads. If you’re lucky, you might spot a moose hanging out by the water. It’s an “aww” moment for sure, but don’t get too close. Those moose aren’t nearly as enchanted by you as you are by them!

4. Mayflower Gulch

• Distance: 6.1 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlight: Historic mining cabins and a striking mountain bowl.

A trek into the past! Mayflower Gulch gives you all the mountain views you want, plus a few ghostly remains of the area’s mining history. The scenery is jaw-dropping, though don’t be surprised if you find yourself wondering if all miners were just a bit... unhinged to live up there.

5. McCullough Gulch Trail

• Distance: 6.4 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlight: Waterfalls, alpine lakes, and amazing wildlife.

This trail is like one big nature jackpot. You get waterfalls, wildflowers, and mountain vistas in a single hike. It’s beautiful enough to make you forget that you’re actually working out. And if you bring a friend, make sure they’re prepared for frequent stops as you pretend you’re “just taking a picture.”

6. Burro Trail

• Distance: 6.8 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlight: A lush, tree-lined escape.

Burro Trail is your perfect forest escape. While it won’t give you panoramic mountain views, it’ll wrap you in trees, trickling streams, and maybe a whisper of the breeze if you’re lucky. It’s the trail equivalent of that cozy blanket you never want to leave—just keep an eye out for bikers and occasional wildlife!

7. Ptarmigan Trail

• Distance: 12.4 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Highlight: Epic summit views overlooking Summit County and surrounding peaks.

This one’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re looking to feel like a true mountaineer, it’s perfect. Ptarmigan Trail offers views that remind you why you agreed to do this in the first place. Just a heads-up: bring snacks—and lots of determination. If you make it to the top, reward yourself with a photo that says, “Yes, I conquered that.”

8. Sapphire Point Overlook

• Distance: 0.6 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlight: Gorgeous views of Lake Dillon and the Tenmile Range.

Sapphire Point is your go-to for easy hikes that still deliver serious beauty. It’s short, but the views of Lake Dillon are mighty! This spot is so scenic it’s practically begging you to break out a picnic and declare yourself an outdoor enthusiast (with minimal effort). Bonus: even non-hikers in your group will love it here.

9. Peaks Trail

• Distance: 15.4 miles (point-to-point)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Highlight: Mountain views and diverse terrain for the adventurous spirit.

This one is for the ambitious. With forests, open meadows, and occasional mountain bikers zooming past, it’s the “full package” trail that lets you feel like you’ve hiked half of Colorado. And if you only hike half of it? Still impressive!

10. Blue Lakes Trail

• Distance: 1 mile (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlight: Beautiful lake views and a waterfall.

This is the “quick but awesome” trail. Blue Lakes Trail might be short, but the surrounding peaks and the gorgeous alpine lake make it worth every step. Plus, there’s a waterfall at the end. Nothing says, “I conquered nature” like reaching a waterfall—even if it was a short walk.

Summing It Up: Summit County Hiking is Worth Every Step

From the peaceful strolls to the sweat-inducing summit climbs, there’s something for everyone in Summit County. And the best part? After you’re done, you’ll have earned that burger and beer in town. So get out there, laugh at yourself when you need to, and take in the Rockies one step at a time! - KIM OBERT