Real Estate Blog

Sometimes there's just no substitute for the therapy attained from a nature walk. Whether it be a jaunt through the aspen trees, a day out in the mountains or a morning stroll along the lake, getting out for a hike leads to a range of benefits that supports a healthy mind, body and soul. While there is a nearly endless list of great hiking destinations throughout the country, perhaps no land mass holds a broader diversity of day hikes than the state of Colorado, and that is particularly true for Summit County. 

Every hiking enthusiast will appreciate the tremendous variety of hikes that Summit County has to offer, and what better season than summertime to venture around. All it takes are hiking boots, a good set of lungs, and in some cases, just a little advanced planning. 

If you’re ready to lace up your shoes and hit the trails, here are our favorite local hikes:

1. Hoosier Pass Loop

Time to complete: 2 hours

Distance: 3 miles

Closest town: Breckenridge

Where to stay: The Tannenbaum By The River condos have a great location right on the Blue River and in close proximity to the Hoosier Pass area.

The Hoosier Pass Loop offers a little bit of everything, from above tree line altitudes to all kind of unique geological boundaries. The trail starts near Hoosier Pass (surprise!), passes through a wooded section and quickly gets to high alpine environments and spectacular views. As an added bonus, the trail passes by abandoned mines which can make the hike a bit more interesting.

2. Rainbow Lake

Time to complete: 1 hour

Distance: 1 mile

Closest town: Frisco

Where to stay: The Woodbridge Inn Condos is a wonderful complex located on the Ten Mile Creek and on Main Street while the National Forest is actually right on its back yard. 

Rainbow Lake is the perfect hike for the whole family. The trail is well marked through the woods, over bridges and streams. Bring a picnic and fishing rod for this is a delightful place to relax and enjoy the day. The views of the valley are gorgeous and Rainbow Lake is amazing in the twilight of the summer.

3. Oro Grande Trail

Time to complete: 3 hour

Distance: 6.5 mile

Closest town: Keystone

Where to stay: The Pines at Keystone Condo is a private community with magnificent views of Snake River, the Keystone River golf course, and of course, the mountains surrounding the area.

Although 6.5 miles may sound like a moderate distance, this is a gentle, easy hike for the whole family as there is no significant elevation gain. The trail travels in a northwesterly direction near the base of Tenderfoot Mountain for about 3.25 miles to the Tenderfoot Trailhead located near the Dillon Water Tower. Buffalo Mountain and Peak One are among the impressive features that dominate the view.

4. Reiling Dredge/B&C Loop

Time to complete: 2 hours

Distance: 2 miles

Closest town: Breckenridge

Where to stay: The Woods Manor complex offers the perfect setting for a private retreat, yet on the bus route and close to town.

The B&B Loop is a friendly hike, but does go above 10,000 feet in elevation, so be prepared for all types of weather. This hike is another great trail, if not the best, for accessing one of the most historic sights for gold mining—the Reiling Gold Dredge. Built in 1908, it was the eighth dredge used in the Breckenridge area to mine gold. Today you can hike up to see the ruins, which in an effort to prevent further collapse, are currently held up by cable anchors put in place in 2012.

5. Mount Royal

Time to complete: 2 hour

Distance: 3.8 mile

Closest town: Frisco

Where to stay: The Mountain Side condos and homes are a cherished local community known for the convenience and quality of life they offer.       

The Mount Royal trail starts pleasantly but farther up to the ridge it becomes a bit more strenuous. Still, the upward grunt is worth the climb for the views, especially the straight-down, birds-eye view of Interstate 70 in Tenmile Canyon. Four different hikes along the trails make the area well worth exploring during several visits.

Are you interested in making a home in Breckenridge, or one of the other stellar communities in Summit County? Don't hesitate to contact Amon Team Real Estate online or call 1 (970) 376-3813 with any questions, or to book a showing. Also, use AmonTeam.com's state-of-the-art home search technology to find the home of your dreams today!