Nestled among the breathtaking peaks of the Colorado Rockies, Frisco, Colorado stands as a pristine gateway to the wonders of high-altitude adventure (9,097 feet to be exact), one of our favorite mountain towns.
Its pristine alpine landscapes, clean air and numerous hiking trails make it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the heart of this charming town, revealing the best hikes near Frisco, Colorado.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for new challenges or a nature lover eager to explore some of the state’s most scenic vistas, Frisco’s trails offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you speechless at the unparalleled beauty of the region.
So get ready to embark on an unforgettable alpine adventure in Frisco, where every step (or slope) promises to bring you closer to nature’s glory.
Best Hikes Near Frisco, Colorado
1. Rainbow Lake Trail
Just a half-mile from Frisco’s Main Street, the Rainbow Lake Trail is a family-friendly hike with abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. This is a 2 mile round trip with only a slight elevation gain (about 150 feet).
Although it’s a popular trail choice with locals and tourists alike, thanks to ample parking and the ability to walk from town, it never feels too crowded.
Rainbow Lake is picturesque and a great place for a picnic or just to enjoy the peace and quiet. At the edge of the lake is a stream which adds to the relaxing atmosphere.
We turned around on Miners Creek Rd., but you can hike more miles and return to Peaks Trail if you feel like it.
You can learn more about our hike to Rainbow Lake via Peaks Trail #45…
ADVICE: Once you leave the boardwalk section, the path is rocky and rocky, so watch your step.
2. Mount Royal Trail
If you want to gain some hiking experience and work on your climbing agility for your first 14 year old, the Mount Royal Trail is a great place to do it. The hike is a challenging 4 miles round trip, but offers incredible views of the city of Frisco, Colorado.
The trail begins at the Ten Mile Canyon trailhead, a flat paved path, before transitioning to a steep grade through a forest of aspen and pine, the perfect ingredients for a fall hike in Colorado.
Once you reach the summit of Mount Royal (10,499 feet), you will have a spectacular perspective of the surrounding mountains.
Although a relatively short hike, the Mount Royal Trail presents an excellent hill workout due to its elevation gain of nearly 1,400 feet.
ADVICE: Wear micro crampons for traction in snowy conditions and hiking poles are ideal for tackling loose gravel on your descents.
3. North Tenmile Creek Trail
Conveniently located off I-70 and close to downtown Frisco, the North Tenmile Creek Trail is a 6.7-mile out-and-back hike that follows a creek, providing excellent viewing opportunities waterfalls near your turnaround point.
The trail begins with a decent incline that eventually levels out and winds through dense pine forest and the Eagles Nest Wilderness.
There are a handful of creek crossings to navigate, but nothing too difficult. There are short offshoots along the path if you want to get closer to the water.
Although this hike doesn’t give you amazing views of a mountain range, it does provide plenty of photo opportunities.
ADVICE: Keep an eye out for wildlife as elk have been seen in the area.
4. Mayflower Gulch Trail
The Mayflower Gulch Trail distance varies depending on what you want to explore and see. A wide, 2-mile dirt road leads to the old Boston Mines, where you can admire the old structures. It is a gradual incline but not very difficult (besides being at 11,000 feet above sea level).
Once you reach the fork, you can head left towards the mines or take a right and climb up to a ridge with stunning views.
First, check the mines, then return to the fork and turn right up a steep dirt road.
This accent is a challenge, especially if you are not used to high altitude. You gain about 500 feet in three-quarters of a mile, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views.
Hiking the Mayflower Gulch Trail can be done year-round, so expect beautiful golden colors in the fall, colorful wildflowers in the summer, and a snowy playground during snowshoe walks in the winter.
ADVICE: Arriving early allows you to see many of the ancient structures for yourself before the crowds arrive.
5. Meadow Creek Trail
Ready to burn your legs? Meadow Creek Trail offers nearly 2,300 feet of elevation gain during your 8.4-mile round trip.
Like most mountain hikes, you’ll pass streams, beautiful meadows, and stunning views of Red and Buffalo Mountains.
The summer months offer wildflowers in full bloom and the aspens will be a perfect shade of yellow in the fall.
From the Meadow Creek Trail, you can take a side trail to Lily Pad Lake. Or you can see what you’re made of by hiking an additional 2 miles to and from Eccles Pass (plus an additional 600 feet of climbing), with views of the Alpine Lakes Valley.
ADVICE: During the summer, be sure to wear bug spray.
6. Summit County Clinton Reservoir Loop Trail
The Clinton Reservoir Loop Trail is a good option for those looking to embark on hiking trips, as reaching an elevation of over 10,000 feet is no simple task.
The trail is just over 2.5 miles long and circles the reservoir with two distinct terrains. The north side is muddy and rocky due to water runoff and being closer to the water. The south end is covered in pine needles, giving an almost springy feeling with every step.
Halfway there, you are greeted by Clinton Gulch, which offers stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities of the meadows and reservoir. At the bend, you will gradually climb until you reach the south parking lot.
More spectacular views and even a summit of Fletcher Mountain are to be expected as you make your way through the dense pines.
Once you arrive at the south lot, a path connects you to your starting point. You’ll get one last view of the mountain here, but be careful as you’re right along the main highway.
Although breathtaking, the noise from the road takes away a bit from the ambiance, in my opinion.
ADVICE: Watch your step on the north side as the rocks become slippery from the mud. Some areas have thick vegetation, so watch out for low branches.
7. Lily Pad Lake Trail
Lily Pad Lake Trailhead is located just outside of Silverthorne, about an 18-minute drive from Frisco.
The trail is perfect for families looking to get out and explore what Colorado has to offer without much elevation change and with a shorter round trip distance of 3.3 miles.
Although the hike starts with a good incline on a service road, it is short, so don’t worry! Once the climb is complete, you’ll catch a glimpse of Dillion Lake in the distance and eventually pass a beaver pond.
The real highlight of this hike are, of course, the water lily ponds, and if you plan correctly (around July) you will even see them in full bloom, which is very special. Bring a snack or lunch and enjoy a picnic by the pond and in the open space.
ADVICE: The lake is also accessible from the Meadow Creek trailhead, but it is a more difficult hike.
8. Summit Trail
Peaks Trail is a great option for hikers looking for point-to-point exploration. 8 miles in one direction you can start in Frisco and head towards Breckenridge Peak 7.
What makes this a good point-to-point hike is that Summit County has a free shuttle service that will take you back to your original location (be sure to look up the shuttle stops – and the fact that you have to add extra mileage to get there).
Of course, you can walk back to your starting point, but be sure to allow plenty of time for a 16-mile round-trip hike.
Along the way, you will pass Rainbow Lake, aspen groves, bridges, streams and have panoramic views of the region.
ADVICE: Mountain bikers also use the Peaks Trail, so be careful on ascents/descents and turns.
To conclude…
Frisco, Colorado, is a treasure trove of high-altitude hiking adventures, offering an unprecedented opportunity to connect with nature. From challenging peaks to serene alpine lakes, this city offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences that will captivate you.
And after a day of exploring, there’s no better way to celebrate your trip than heading to Prosit for a well-deserved pint and savoring the feeling of accomplishment that only Frisco can provide.