Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Breckenridge offers excellent opportunities to get out and explore the Tenmile Range. In
addition to the hikes listed here, the visitor center hands out descriptions of other popular
options. Alternatively, check out
www.summitcountyexplorer.com
.
HIKING
Quandary Peak
(
www.14ers.com
; County Rd 851)
Known as Colorado's easiest 14er, Quandary Peak is the state's
15th highest peak at 14,265ft. Though you will see plenty of dogs and children, 'easiest'
may be misleading - the summit remains three grueling miles from the trailhead. Go
between June and September.
The trail ascends to the west; after about 10 minutes of moderate climbing, follow the
right fork to a trail junction. Head left, avoiding the road, and almost immediately you'll
snatch views of Mt Helen and Quandary (although the real summit is still hidden ).
Just below the timberline you'll meet the trail from Monte Cristo Gulch - note it so you
don't take the wrong fork on your way back down. From here it's a steep haul to the top.
Start early and aim to turn around by noon, as afternoon lightning is typical in summer.
It's a 6-mile round-trip, taking roughly between seven and eight hours. To get here, take
Hwy 9 south from Breckenridge toward Hoosier Pass. Make a right on County Rd 850
and turn right again onto 851. Drive 1.1 miles to the unmarked trailhead. Park parallel on
the fire road.
Mohawk Lakes
(Spruce Creek Rd; Jun-Oct)
Deep-green Lower Mohawk is tucked onto a tundra shelf with
the ruins of a miner's cabin and mining works just below. An outstanding, if slightly ex-
posed, campsite is just south of the cabin. Upper Lake views are an even more spectacular
moonscape: marbled rocks, stunted trees, inky lake views. That clear buzz is the quiet roar
of the cosmos. It's 7 miles round-trip.
The trailhead is located 1.2 miles up Spruce Creek Rd; the turnoff is 2.4 miles south of
Breckenridge on Hwy 9 (towards Hoosier Pass).
HIKING
McCullough Gulch
(off County Rd 851; Jun-Oct)
This 2.8-mile round-trip hike is short enough for families,
though huffing up the 1000ft of elevation gain will require some perseverance. Luckily
you'll have plenty of scenery along the way: the meandering streams that you follow from
the trailhead eventually turn into thundering falls and, after that, a glacial lake.
HIKING
