Not far out of Silverthorne, Colorado, this relatively challenging hike in the Eagles Nest Wilderness provides fantastic views for miles around in every direction. The Eagles Nest Wilderness provides 180 miles of trails across 133,311 acres ranging from 7,900 to 13,500 feet in elevation.

This nicknamed but ranked 12er, and the unranked 12er next door it, provide fantastic views of the Dillon Reservoir, the Gore Range and verdant alpine valleys full of elk.

Colorado Rank: 1,130th highest mountain in Colorado
Colorado 12ers: 439rd highest 12er in Colorado
Prominance: 413 feet

Trails Illustrated Map: #108 Vail, Frisco, Dillon (Colorado, USA)

Getting There

Red Diamond Ridge on Red Peak, Gore Range, White River National Forest, Colorado

From Silverthorne take I-70 west to Frisco exit 203. As you exit onto the traffic circle, take the dirt road on the west side of the roundabout for about a half mile to the parking lot at the trailhead. This dirt road parallels I-70.

The Trail

Dillon Reservoir from Eccles Peak

Route: Meadowcreek Trail
Roundtrip length: About 10 miles
Elevation gain: More than 2,800 feet

Follow the Meadow Creek Trail as it climbs to an intersection with the Gore Range Trail. Turn right (east) on the Gore Range Trail. A wind-sucking, 600 ft. final push brings the hiker to the summit of Eccles Pass.

From Eccles Pass, make a right turn (east) to follow the ridge to the summit of Pt. 12,054, then onward to "Eccles Peak".

Camping & Lodging

Camping: I suggest checking with the U.S. Forest Service.
A list of area Forest Service campgrounds

Lodging: Silverthorne is full of hotels across the price spectrum. Condos, cabins and mountain homes are for rent in the surrounding area.
Visit Silverthorne
Summit County Chamber of Commerce

Weather

External Links

Summit County Explorer
US Forest Service, White River & Arapahoe National Forests

Restrictions

United States Wildnerness guidelines apply. No motorized vehicles. No bicycles. Dogs must be leashed. Follow LNT (Leave No Trace) guidelines when traveling in designated wilderness.
Leave No Trace