My friends and I hiked Bear Peak (5 miles, 2,673 ft. gain) last weekend, a trail that humbles me each year. Feeling my heart beat out of my chest reminded me that I am still, very much, alive. The familiar burn in my legs told me it’s hiking season and I’m ready to explore trails farther into the mountains. I’m planning on hiking up near Breck this weekend so I’ve done some research on snowless or low snow trails in that area I’ll share this week. This is not a comprehensive list as there are oodles of trails but I pulled some I’ve enjoyed in the past or are on my radar to hike in the future.
Starting off on Loveland Pass. Two trails I have been wanting to do for sunrise that just cleared of snow are:
- Cupid Peak via Mount Sniktau and Grizzly Peak Trail (3.4 miles, 1,505 ft. gain)
- Mount Sniktau Trail (3.6 miles, 1,584 ft. gain)
Let me know if you get up there before I do! I’m sure it’ll be windy and beautiful.
Snowless and almost snowless trails near Frisco/Silverthorne
- Peaks Trail (15.9 miles, 1,784 ft. gain): I love this trail so I’m excited to see it’s snowless. It’s a one way journey from Frisco to Breck (or vice versa). You can hop on a free bus back to whichever town you started in to get your car. I love starting in Frisco, ending in Breck and getting lunch before taking the bus back to Frisco.
- Masontown Loop- Peaks, Masontown, Mount Royal (2.3 miles, 410 ft. gain)
- Mt. Royal Trail (4 miles, 1,377 ft. gain)
- North Tenmile #37 (6.7 miles, 905 ft. gain)
- Acorn Creek (6.6 miles, 2,634 ft. gain): Big fan of this trail in the fall too!
- Willow Creek Falls via South Willow Creek (6.4 miles, 1,076 ft. gain)- While you can get to Willow Creek Falls without post holing, Willow Lakes still has snow. I highly recommend this hike once it clears as it’s one of my favorites close-ish to Denver.
- Angler Mountain Trail #29 (4.2 miles, 1,135 ft. gain)
- Tenderfoot and Oro Trail Loop (3 miles, 610 ft. gain)
- Ptarmigan Trail (4.8 miles, 1,164 ft. gain)
After skiing or hiking, I love Outer Range Brewery in Frisco, specifically for the fried chicken place, Bird Craft inside it. This weekend, ORB is offering a yoga class Saturday (6/14) and a Father’s Day concert Sunday (6/15). Shout out to all the dads!
Snowless and almost snowless trails near Breckenridge
- Hoosier Pass Loop (2.8 miles, 688 ft. gain)
- Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes (7.2 miles, 1,919 ft. gain): There is snow past lower Mohawk Lake but this is still a beautiful and worthwhile hike up to the lower lake!
- Peaks and Gluteus Minimus Trail (6.9 miles, 452 ft. gain): I have not done this trail but think the name is great.
Trail snack of the week
I was in Charlotte for work this past week and our office had these Smash Foods Snack Bites. I thought they we’re delicious so I picked some up for this weeks trail snack. My favorite flavor is the cashew butter and blueberry. My coworker swore they tasted like Play-Doh but I think they taste like cookie dough! Will let you decide.
Until next week… Happy trails!
-Hannah
Tales of My Trails 