Quick Info
Terrain: National Forest, wilderness, high alpine. Nearby 14ers: Grays, Torreys, Quandary. Season: June-October for high trails. Starting elevation: 9,100 feet—you're already high.
Frisco provides excellent hiking access to the White River National Forest and Eagles Nest Wilderness. The Tenmile Range rises directly behind town. Multiple trailheads sit within 20 minutes. And Frisco's 9,100-foot elevation means you're already acclimated before you start climbing.
Options range from lakeside walks to challenging 14er summits. The central Summit County location puts hikes in multiple directions within easy reach.
Popular Hikes
Quandary Peak
Distance: 6.75 miles round trip. Elevation gain: 3,450 feet. Difficulty: Strenuous.
The most accessible 14er from Frisco. Trailhead near Breckenridge (20 minutes). Well-marked trail to the 14,265-foot summit. Very popular—start early for parking and to beat afternoon storms.
Grays & Torreys Peaks
Distance: 8.5 miles for both. Elevation gain: 3,600 feet. Difficulty: Strenuous.
Classic 14er combo east of Frisco via Bakerville exit on I-70 (30 minutes). Bag two peaks in one hike. Class 1 route on standard trail.
Lily Pad Lake
Distance: 3 miles round trip. Elevation gain: 300 feet. Difficulty: Easy.
Family-friendly hike from Buffalo Mountain trailhead. Gentle trail through forest to a scenic mountain lake. Good for kids and altitude adjustment.
Peaks Trail
Distance: Variable, up to 10 miles one-way. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
Connects Frisco to Breckenridge through the Tenmile Range. Can be done as out-and-back sections or point-to-point with shuttle. Great views and wildflowers.
Mesa Cortina
Distance: 4-6 miles. Elevation gain: 400-800 feet. Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Meadows and forests north of town. Network of trails with Gore Range views. Less crowded than popular hikes.
Eagles Nest Wilderness
Multiple trailheads access this protected wilderness. Booth Falls, Gore Creek, and others offer alpine lakes and mountain scenery. Wilderness permits not required for day hikes.
14er Access
Frisco's central location provides access to several 14ers:
- Quandary Peak: 20 minutes to trailhead. Most popular from Frisco.
- Grays & Torreys: 30 minutes via I-70. Easy combo.
- Mount of the Holy Cross: 45 minutes. Challenging Class 2.
- Mount Elbert & Massive: 45-60 minutes. Tallest in Colorado.
Tips
Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline. Plan to summit by noon and descend before storms develop.
Acclimate first. Even Frisco sits at 9,100 feet. Take a day to adjust before attempting high-altitude hikes.
14er trailheads fill early. Quandary and Grays/Torreys parking lots fill by 6 AM on summer weekends. Arrive very early.
Bring layers. Weather changes rapidly in the mountains. Pack rain gear and warm layers regardless of forecast.
Check trail conditions. Snow lingers on high trails into late June. Verify conditions before attempting alpine hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best hike for families?
Lily Pad Lake—short, gentle, beautiful destination. Or the lakeside portion of the recreation path for easy walking.
Easiest 14er from Frisco?
Quandary Peak is the most straightforward—well-marked trail, no route-finding required. Still demanding due to elevation.
When do trails open?
Lower trails accessible May-October. High alpine trails typically snow-free late June through September, depending on the year.
Do I need a pass for parking?
Many trailheads in White River National Forest require a parking pass. Purchase annual or day passes in advance.
Are the trails crowded?
Popular 14ers get very crowded on summer weekends. Weekdays and lesser-known trails offer more solitude.