Recreating in Summit County
Recreation Planning Resources for your High Country Adventure
Summit County boasts a comprehensive trail system that seeks to accommodate all types of recreation, with over 400 miles of multi-use trails. Resources like COTREX, a virtual trail and recreation portal created by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, can assist you in determining the best trail for you. Trailhead signage is an important tool in knowing what types of recreation are allowed on the trail — be respectful of other guests and look at the signage before you head out!
Getting to our Trails
Leave the car behind and get to your favorite trail sustainably! Summit County’s many amenities, including much of our top-quality trails system, are available via the free Summit Stage bus system. Many trailheads are crowded from sunrise to sunset during the summer, so check out our Transit to Trails Program, as finding a parking spot is an adventure you don’t want to take.
Leave No Trace
With millions of annual visitors to Summit County, it is important to remember the importance of leaving no trace. A little care can go a long way toward maintaining our trails, wilderness, watersheds, and wildlife habitat. So remember to pack out what you bring in. Click the link below to learn more about how to leave no trace.
Recreating with Wildlife
Responsible recreation in Colorado is imperative not only for the preservation of the region’s natural beauty, but for the protection of plant and wildlife habitats. Help safeguard our precious natural resources and promote non-disruptive human-wildlife interactions by following these guidelines:
- Maintain a safe distance from and refrain from feeding wildlife.
- When possible, opt for non-peak times when visiting popular areas to alleviate congestion and mitigate the impact on trails and facilities.
- Anglers should practice catch-and-release methods, complying with fishing regulations to safeguard fish populations.
- Keep pets always leashed or under verbal control.
- Store food responsibly to avoid tempting hungry critters. Bear proof lockers can be rented from different organizations across Summit County, including at the Dillon Ranger Station.
- Use biodegradable and environmentally friendly products for any personal hygiene purposes.
These simple guidelines will help ensure that our wildlife is pristine for all to enjoy.
Explore Wilderness — A Unique Forest Designation
Wilderness is a special federal designation created by the 1964 Wilderness Act. The purpose of the Act is to preserve and protect the natural ecosystems and wild areas while providing opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. The Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness and Eagles Nest Wilderness can both be accessed from trailheads in Summit County and together make up approximately 145,000 acres.
Learn about the regulations and restrictions that help keep our wilderness areas pristine.
“Recreate with care and our land will be there for generations.”
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