Before venturing out into the forest and backcountry be sure that you are familiar with current weather conditions and forest regulations.  Each visitor should study the information on the trailhead bulletin board and/or go into the Forest Service office at 680 Blue River Parkway in Silverthorne to obtain the latest copy of the RECREATION OPPORTUNITY GUIDE (ROG) before heading out on any particular trail. 

TIPS FOR HIKERS:

Always be prepared for sudden afternoon thunder or snowstorms with adequate rain gear, warm clothing and plenty of food and water.  Be careful not to accidentally leave any litter along the way, including cigarette butts.  There is a six (6) foot leash law that is enforced for dogs in the Wilderness.  Always be careful with fire - a camp stove is the preferred method for cooking in the backcountry.  REMEMBER - NO BICYCLES ARE ALLOWED IN WILDERNESS AREAS!  The best way you can help the land survive is to challenge yourself to make the least possible impact on the land. 

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON LEAVE NO TRACE.

Before taking your dog into any Wilderness or backcountry area, please check out some important information by clicking below on Spike.

If you see a particular HIKING trail that interests you, click on the trail name and you will be taken the ROG sheet for that trail.  The trail links contain the same Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) sheets that you can get at the Dillon Ranger District office.  The front side of the ROG sheet contains route information such as: route difficulty, length, directions on how to get to the trailhead, interesting information on the route and any important information that route users might need to know.  The back side of the ROG sheet contains a custom topographic map highlighting the OHV route along with an elevation profile.

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MORE DIFFICULT TRAILS

32.  ACORN CREEK FDT 71 - BECAUSE THIS TRAIL TRAVELS INTO THE PTARMIGAN PEAK WILDERNESS NO BICYCLES ARE ALLOWED AND DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX (6) FEET IN LENGTH!  The trail begins at an elevation of 8,647 feet and ends at an elevation of 11,318 feet, with a highest elevation of 11,344 feet.  The elevation gain is +2,671 feet.  The Acorn Creek Trail offers the hiker solitude as well as an excellent opportunity to view wildlife.  Magnificent views of the Gore Range to the west are found on this hike.  This is an excellent trail for horse travel.  Approximately 30 yards from the trailhead you will come to a barbed wire fence with a gate and a step stile over the fence.  If you enter through the gate:  PLEASE CLOSE THE GATE BEHIND YOU!  Approximately 1.71 miles from the trailhead you will come to the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness Boundary.  Upon reaching the end of the Acorn Creek Trail you will intersect with the Ute Pass Trail (FDT 24).  To continue on to Ute Peak, elevation 12,303 feet, turn left onto the Ute Pass Trail and continue for approximately 1.16 miles.  To continue on to Ptarmigan Peak, elevation 12,498 feet, turn right onto the Ute Pass Trail and continue for approximately 6.65 miles.  Because this trail receives little use, look uphill across the open meadows and follow the trail into the woods.  This will help you stay oriented on the right path.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.  Photos of this trail may be viewed by clicking HERE.

33.  ARGENTINE PASS FDT 77 - The trail begins at an elevation of 11,301 feet and ends at an elevation of 13,193 feet, with a highest elevation of 13,193 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,892 feet.  The Peru Creek drainage is rich in mining history with numerous underground mine shafts, so be careful where you walk.  Historic relics are most meaningful in their natural settings.  Please leave items where they lay so others may enjoy them.  Most of the mines are privately owned.  Please respect all private property.  Spectacular views are to be had from both sides of the Continental Divide upon reaching the summit of Argentine Pass.  Most of the trail crosses talus slopes dotted with fragile alpine flowers.  Please walk on the rocks whenever possible to prevent resource damage to the delicate alpine tundra.  This trail originated as a wagon road in 1867 connecting towns on the western slope of the Continental Divide with the western slope towns.  Because of the talus slopes and hard terrain, it is NOT recommended that you bring dogs on this hike.  Because this trail travels above timberline, you should begin your hike early in the morning because of the ever changing mountain weather.  There is always a strong chance of afternoon thundershowers accompanied by LIGHTNING.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet. 

CLICK ON THE PHOTO BELOW TO VIEW ARGENTINE PASS TO GRAYS PEAK PHOTOS

34.  CHIHUAHUA LAKE FDT 78 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE HIKING AND MTN. BIKING.  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS.  The trail begins at an elevation of 10,477 feet and ends at an elevation of 11,900 feet, with a highest elevation of 11,900 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,423 feet.  The Chihuahua Lake Trail begins on the old Chihuahua Gulch OHV road.  The Peru Creek drainage is rich in mining history with numerous underground mine shafts, so be careful where you walk.  Historic relics are most meaningful in their natural settings.  Please leave items where they lay so others may enjoy them.  Most of the mines are privately owned.  Please respect all private property.  An abundance of wildflowers can be seen on this hike from mid-late July.  The old OHV road continually climbs upward until it crosses a stream, where it levels off and then passes several beaver ponds.  Approximately 1.97 miles from the trailhead you will come to an old buck and rail fence.  The trail takes off to the left from the road.  The trail continues up a wide valley until it reaches the top of the hill and Chihuahua Lake will be visible to your left.  Because this trail travels above timberline, you should begin your hike early in the morning because of the ever changing mountain weather.  There is always a strong chance of afternoon thundershowers accompanied by LIGHTNING.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.  Photos of this trail may be viewed by clicking HERE.

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35.  CRYSTAL LAKE FDT 44 - The trail begins at an elevation of 10,205 feet and ends at an elevation of 12,971 feet, with a highest elevation of 12,971 feet.  The elevation gain is +2,766 feet.  The Crystal Lake Trail begins on the Crystal Creek Road (FDR 803) and will take you through numerous alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.  These meadows are fed by the tributaries of Crystal Creek.  The road rises onto a shelf with Lower Crystal Lake nestled against the mountain walls.  A cabin at the lake offers some shelter from the wind.  Directly west of the cabin is Peak 10 at the Breckenridge Ski Area.  The OHV road ends here and the hiking trail continues up toward Upper Crystal Lake.  Because this trail travels above timberline, you should begin your hike early in the morning because of the ever changing mountain weather.  There is always a strong chance of afternoon thundershowers accompanied by LIGHTNING.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.  Photos of this trail may be viewed by clicking HERE.

36A.  GRAYS PEAK NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL FDT 54 - GRAYS & TORREYS PEAKS CLEAR CREEK RANGER DISTRICT ** PREFERRED ACCESS **  The trail begins at an elevation of 11,244 feet and ends at an elevation of 14,243 feet, with a highest elevation of 14,253 feet.  The elevation gain is +3,001 feet.  The Preferred Access Grays & Torreys Peaks Trail begins on Stevens Gulch Road (FDR 189) in the Clear Creek Ranger District of the Arapaho National Forest.   Grays and Torreys Peaks are considered to be among the easiest “14’ers”  to climb.  Both Grays and Torreys can be reached in one day.  However, hikers must leave early in the morning to accomplish this feat.  Due to the popularity of this trail on weekends, please consider hiking these peaks during the week.  Each of the peaks will reward the hiker with spectacular views of both sides of the Continental Divide.  An abundance of wildflowers can be seen on this hike from mid-late July.  From the trailhead you will notice Mt. Kelso, elevation 13,164 feet, to your right.  Upon reaching the summit of Grays Peak you can view Mt. Edwards, elevation 13,850 feet, to the east.  Torreys Peak, approximately .71 miles to the north, can be reached via the Continental Divide Trail.  Return to the trailhead via the same trail you took up.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

36B.  GRAYS & TORREYS PEAKS - DILLON RANGER DISTRICT ALTERNATE ACCESS ** THIS IS A NON-MAINTAINED TRAIL **  The trail begins at an elevation of 11,117 feet and ends at an elevation of 14,221 feet, with a highest elevation of 14,242 feet.  The elevation gain is +3,104 feet.  The Alternate Access Grays & Torreys Peaks Trail begins on the Peru Creek Road (FDR 260).  The Peru Creek drainage is rich in mining history with numerous underground mine shafts, so be careful where you walk.  Historic relics are most meaningful in their natural settings.  Please leave items where they lay so others may enjoy them.  Most of the mines are privately owned.  Please respect all private property.  An abundance of wildflowers can be seen on this hike from mid-late July.  Grays and Torreys Peaks can be reached in one day.  Hikers must leave early in the morning to accomplish this feat, however.  This hike provides an alternative to hiking these extremely popular "14'ers" from the east side of the Continental Divide.  However, hikers must be aware that the trail above timberline is a non-maintained trail and can be extremely difficult to follow.  It is recommended that novice hikers use the Clear Creek Ranger District Primary Access from Stevens Gulch Road (FDR 189).  Each of the peaks will reward the hiker with spectacular views of both sides of the Continental Divide.  There is limited water on this hike so please bring water with you!  Even in summer months snowfields remain on the slopes of these peaks.  Because this trail travels above timberline, you should begin your hike early in the morning because of the ever changing mountain weather.  There is always a strong chance of afternoon thundershowers accompanied by LIGHTNING.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.  Photos of Grays Peak via Argentine Pass Trail may be viewed by clicking HERE.

37.  LENAWEE FDT 34 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE HIKING AND MTN. BIKING.  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS.  The trail begins at an elevation of 10,373 feet and ends at an elevation of 12,159 feet, with a highest elevation of 12,437 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,786 feet.  The Peru Creek drainage is rich in mining history with numerous underground mine shafts, so be careful where you walk.  Historic relics are most meaningful in their natural settings.  Please leave items where they lay so others may enjoy them.  Most of the mines are privately owned.  Please respect all private property.  An abundance of wildflowers can be seen on this hike from mid-late July.  The trail traverses up to tree line through lodgepole pine and fir trees with an elevation gain of +1,890 feet in the first 2 miles from the trailhead.  After reaching the tundra, the trail becomes less evident and the hiker must pay close attention to the rock cairns marking the trail.  The Jumbo Mine may be viewed from the trail, as well as spectacular views of Dillon Reservoir and the mountains of the Continental Divide.  There is NO water on this hike so please bring plenty of water with you!  Because this trail travels above timberline, you should begin your hike early in the morning because of the ever changing mountain weather.  There is always a strong chance of afternoon thundershowers accompanied by LIGHTNING.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

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38.  MIRROR LAKE / UPPER CATARACT LAKE FDT 63 - BECAUSE THIS TRAIL TRAVELS INTO THE EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS NO BICYCLES ARE ALLOWED AND DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX (6) FEET IN LENGTH!  The trail begins at an elevation of 8,597 feet and ends at an elevation of 10,613 feet, with a highest elevation of 10,878 feet.  The elevation gain is +2,016 feet.  This trail begins from the Surprise Trailhead (FDT 62).  An abundance of wildflowers can be seen from mid-late June.  The lower quarter of the trail is a pleasant walk through open aspen groves.  The trail becomes increasingly more difficult as you climb in elevation through fir and spruce forest.  Approximately 2.35 miles from the trailhead you will intersect with the Gore Range Trail (FDT 60).  Turn right (north) on the Gore Range Trail and approximately .81 miles further on you will arrive at the intersection for the Mirror Lake / Upper Cataract Lake Trail, which will be on your left.  Many views of the Cataract Creek drainage are available along this trail.  Approximately 1.31 miles further on from Upper Cataract Lake you will come to Mirror Lake.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

39.  SLATE LAKE (UPPER) FDT 65 - BECAUSE THIS TRAIL TRAVELS INTO THE EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS NO BICYCLES ARE ALLOWED AND DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX (6) FEET IN LENGTH!  The trail begins at an elevation of 9,491 feet and ends at an elevation of 10,876 feet, with a highest elevation of 10,876 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,385 feet.  The Slate Creek (Lower) Trail begins from the Rock Creek (FDT 46) trailhead.  Follow the Rock Creek Trail for approximately .34 miles to the intersection with the Gore Range Trail (FDT 60).  Turn right at the intersection and travel north for approximately .95 miles to the fork in the trail.  The trail to Boulder Lake (Lower and Upper) (FDT 59) will be to your left.  Bear right to continue on toward Slate Creek (Lower).  You will continue on this trail for approximately 2.84 miles to the next trail that will continue on to Slate Creek (Lower).  You will pass several meadows that are home to many varieties of wildlife.  After traveling the 2.84 from the Boulder Trail, the Slate Creek (Lower) Trail will be on your left.  Travel approximately 3.18 miles to Slate Lake (Lower).  The first 2 miles are fairly easy hiking as the trail contours the Slate Creek drainage.  The trail then steepens, and during the last .5 miles to the lake, the climb becomes more difficult.  The lake can be seen through the trees.  The climb from Lower Slate Lake to Upper Slate Lake is approximately 1.01 miles and rises nearly 1,000 feet.  The flat dirt tread of the trail becomes boulder strewn near the upper lake.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.  Photos of this trail may be viewed by clicking HERE.

40.  SURPRISE LAKE FDT 62 - BECAUSE THIS TRAIL TRAVELS INTO THE EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS NO BICYCLES ARE ALLOWED AND DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX (6) FEET IN LENGTH!  The trail begins at an elevation of 8,596 feet and ends at an elevation of 10,085 feet, with a highest elevation of 10,085 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,489 feet.  An abundance of wildflowers can be seen from mid-late June.  The lower quarter of the trail is a pleasant walk through open aspen groves.  The trail becomes increasingly more difficult as you climb in elevation through fir and spruce forest.  Approximately 2.35 miles from the trailhead you will intersect with the Gore Range Trail (FDT 60).  Turn right (north) on the Gore Range Trail and approximately .26 miles further on you will arrive at Surprise Lake, which will be on your left.  Many views of the Cataract Creek drainage are available along this trail.  A loop can be made back to the same general parking area, please check the topo map on the back of the ROG sheet.  Continue north on the Gore Range Trail for approximately 3.26 miles to the Eaglesmere Trail (FDT 61).  Turn right (east) at the intersection and continue for approximately 2.78 miles to the Eaglesmere Trailhead.  Follow the road from the Eaglesmere Trailhead back down to Cataract Creek Road (FDR 1725) and turn right to return to the Surprise Trailhead.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

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41.  WHEELER LAKES FDT 60 - BECAUSE THIS TRAIL TRAVELS INTO THE EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS NO BICYCLES ARE ALLOWED AND DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX (6) FEET IN LENGTH!  The trail begins at an elevation of 9,707 feet and ends at an elevation of 11,081 feet, with a highest elevation of 11,088 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,374 feet.  This trail provides a good day hike for the advanced hiker due to the elevation gain from the trailhead.  The Wheeler Lakes Trail actually begins at the southern access for the Gore Range Trail        (FDT 60).  The trail progresses quickly up through aspen and lodgepole pine forest.  The Wheeler Lakes Trail also provides great views of Copper Mountain Ski Area to the south and the Tenmile Range to the southeast.  Approximately 2.01 miles from the trailhead, you will come to the intersection with the Wheeler Lakes spur trail.  Turn right (east) on the spur trail and travel approximately .26 miles to the Wheeler Lakes.  For the more ambitious hiker, you may travel approximately 1.84 miles further on the Gore Range Trail to Lost Lake and then travel approximately .80 miles to the summit of Uneva Pass, elevation 11,900 feet.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

42.  WHEELER NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL FDT 39 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE HIKING AND MTN. BIKING.  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS.  The trail begins at an elevation of 9,718 feet (Wheeler Junction Trailhead) and ends at an elevation of 11,629 feet (Hoosier Pass Trailhead), with a highest elevation of 12,502 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,911 feet.  The Wheeler National Recreation Trail (WNRT) has the following access points which are listed from north to south.  The mileage listed below is the approximate distance from one access point on the WNRT to the next access point.  The mileage listed does not include the distance from a trailhead to the WNRT.

TRAIL NAME                                                                    LENGTH 

(A)  Wheeler Junction to (B) Miners Creek                        2.85 miles

(B)  Miners Creek to (C) Spruce Creek Road                       4.69 miles

(C)  Spruce Creek Road to (D) McCullough Gulch Road        2.72 miles

(D)  McCullough Gulch Road to (E) Blue Lakes Road            8.04 miles

(E)  Blue Lakes Road to (F) Hoosier Pass                             1.48 miles

For directions to access points and distance from the trailhead to the WNRT, please refer to the specific hiking ROG sheet.  The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

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