Summer in the mountains is perfect for exploring, but you don’t have to be an intense hiker to enjoy nature and great views. These easy hikes are all easily accessible from Frisco, Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain.
Most of these hikes do have some elevation gain, so they may feel moderate rather than easy if you are coming from a location that sits at a lower altitude. Stick with Officer’s Gulch and Sapphire Point if you’re looking for short and mostly flat trails.
1. Rainbow Lake
Frisco, Colorado; 1.5 miles; 150ft elevation gain
This short and easy trail starts at the end of Frisco’s Main Street and winds through the forest to a small lake. Bring your fishing pole (license required – purchase one online here).
2. Officer’s Gulch
Frisco, Colorado; 1.1 miles; 68ft elevation gain
This pond is perfect for a casual stroll, but you don’t have to complete the 1.1 mile loop to enjoy the view. This is another great spot to fish – find a spot on the boulders surrounding the water, and relax in the summer sunshine.
3. Sapphire Point Overlook Trail
Dillon, Colorado; 0.6 miles; 36ft elevation gain
A popular spot for engagements and even weddings, Sapphire Point overlooks Lake Dillon and gives breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains. The overlook is just a few hundred yards from the parking area, but the rest of the short trail winds through a peaceful pine forest and is definitely worth the easy trek.
4. Old Dillon Reservoir Trail
Dillon, Colorado; 1.7 miles; 213ft elevation gain
Lake Dillon gets most of the attention, but there’s a smaller body of water right next to it, the Old Dillon Reservoir, that’s very scenic as well. This trail circles the old reservoir and leads to spectacular views of both the and the surrounding mountains.
5. Lily Pad Lake
Silverthorn, Colorado; 3.3 miles round trip; 396ft elevation gain
The path to Lily Pad Lake is steepest from the parking lot to the beginning of the trail. Once you make it up this short stretch, the altitude change evens out and leads to a small pond and a lake full of lily pads in the summer.
Up for a little more of a challenge? Try out my five favorite moderate hikes in the same area.
