Favorite Summit County Hikes - Part One

Favorite Summit County HIkes: Favorite Summit County Hikes - Part One: W ildflowers, wildlife, beautiful vistas, tons of fresh air and sunshine, awesome views . . . Colorado hiking in the summer is one of the be...

Favorite Summit County Hikes - Part One

Wildflowers, wildlife, beautiful vistas, tons of fresh air and sunshine, awesome views . . . Colorado hiking in the summer is one of the best parts about visiting the Rockies.  With a wide variety of hikes from short and easy to long and steep, there is something for everyone!  

Hiking overview and tips:

• Time - Hikes are quoted in round-trip hiking times estimating a speed of about 2 miles per hour.  Of course steeper and more difficult trails may take a bit longer.
• Distance - Mileage is listed one-way.Elevation gain - The change in elevation for the hike, this provides a solid base for the hike's difficulty.  The more elevation gain, the more challenging the hike in combination with distance.  
• High point - The peak elevation the hike reaches at it's highest elevation.
• Rating - The criteria is subjective of course, but in total the rating takes into account the terrain, steepness, distance, length of hike, challenge of following the path and any obstacles or hazards.  
• Time of Year - Snowmelt at high altitudes can be as late as early July and roads can be closed later into the season and close early to mid September.  
• Topographic Maps - Topo maps are really helpful, particularly for more complex and longer hikes and are available through the US Geological Survey's Central Region Map Distribution Center and are available from all major wilderness and sporting goods stores in the county. 

Preparation - Broken in shoes or hiking boots with a good tread with good quality socks are critical equipment . . . after all, your feet are your form of transportation!  I like to use hiking poles which help with stability and take pressure off your knees.  Your backpack or lumbar pack should include a map and compass and you need to know how to use them.  A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, a small first aid kit (including band-aids), insect spray, a pocket knife, a small signal mirror, a whistle, and a small flashlight or headlamp are essential, particularly when venturing out before dawn.  A rain poncho is helpful and in the fall or early spring warm items like gloves, a wool hat and a warm layer such as a down vest or sweater.  Food for energy is critical - you will get surprisingly hungry and protein rich foods like nuts, a sandwich, energy bars and dried fruit are great and easy to pack and eat on the trail.  The most critical item to carry is plenty of water for each hiker - about a gallon per person for longer hikes.  TP or tissue and a baggie to carry it out are helpful.   

Other safety tips - Always hike with others.  Summit county has an emergency 911 system, so carry your fully charged cell phone with you at all times.  Altitude sickness is common if you are coming from sea level, preferably give yourself plenty of time to acclimate before taking on a significant hike.  First symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, lack of appetite and nausea.  Hypothermia lowers your core body temperature, it's key to keep warm and dry.  Do NOT drink water directly from the streams, the water can harbor Giardia which is nasty to your digestive tract (germicides, iodine tablets or boiling water for 15 minutes are the only way to ensure water is safe) to drink.  Electrical storms are dangerous - hike in the mornings and get OFF the mountain if you hear or see lightening and thunder rolling in.  Last, stretch before heading out and take a couple stretch breaks throughout your hike to keep muscles and joints from tripping you up.  

The environment - At high altitudes, the environment is fragile and it is crucial to pack out everything you pack in.  Take only pictures, leave only footprints.  For example, food waste does not biodegrade at altitudes so even orange peels, nut shells and eggshells need to be carried out.  Do not pick wildflowers - leave them for other visitors to enjoy and to help seed for more flowers next season.  Protect fragile alpine tundra by walking on rocks and always stay as close to the path as possible, avoiding widening the path or cutting through and creating shortcuts which can affect erosion.  Especially during muddy and wet periods, hikers can cause havoc to vulnerable forest and alpine terrain.  Campers should use lightweight stoves and avoid a fire ring, which causes a permanent scar to the environment.  Use biodegradable soaps and wash away from lakes and streams.  

Part two of the blog will outline the easy hikes in the county.  Please add any comments or additional considerations for preparation and overview!