Hiking

Your Hiking Excursion Awaits

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Live WILD - Help preserve the lands you love...

Our trails are filled with spectacular natural beauty, high mountains, rushing streams, and mountain meadows that will elevate your quality of life. With more than 75 percent public land, Clear Creek County offers unparalleled hiking trails for you to explore.

Please print this card, fill it out, leave it face down on your dashboard, as the information provided will assist local authorities in case of emergency.

Backcountry Safety Card (PDF)

On any of Clear Creek’s stunning trails, your senses will be treated to alpine lakes, waterfalls and wildflower meadows as you climb towards jagged peaks that pierce the Colorado sky. Find your ultimate trail right now.

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Throughout the 1800s, gold prospectors traveled across high passes and low paths to help carve out the trails we know today. Other relics of days past — from Ghost towns, to gold camps, to silver mines — can be seen while trekking along. In Clear Creek, hiking through nature also means hiking through history.

When planning your hiking trip, assess the weather, trail access, and possible closures. Also, make sure to pack the right gear. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Hiking equipment laying in grass in front of a rock wall

Safety Tips

Safety Comes First

To make your first high-altitude hike easier, try completing many different hikes of varying difficulty while learning about hiking safety. Along with taking a hiking safety course, don’t forget to print out a Back-Country Survival Guide + Emergency Information Sheet to not only get must-read tips, but commemorate the McManus Family and hikers lost to harsh terrain.

Hiking Tips

Pack the Right Gear

With high elevation comes fluctuations in temperature, so pack for all weather conditions. Also, a trail map, flashlight, firestarter, blankets, extra water, snacks, sunscreen, and a compass or GPS is necessary. No flip flops please (seriously).

More Tips

Hiking Trails

Hikes in Clear Creek County

Ready to get moving? There are so many fun, unique trails in Clear Creek County to choose from.

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Hiking Tips

Fitness

Understand that mountain hiking takes physical endurance. Some trails are up to 20 miles long and can take more than 10 hours to complete.

Safety Tips

Consider Snow and Ice

Remember that, during the winter, hiking over compacted snow can be dangerous. Snowshoes or crampons may be required.

Safety Tips

Beware of Avalanches

Avalanches are a major risk. Even with proper rescue equipment and training, there is a one-in-five chance of dying if caught in a significant avalanche. Read these avalanche safety tips.

Active Adventures

Get Free, Have Fun

With safety and ability in mind, it’s time to hit the trails. But if hiking doesn’t suit your speed, check out some of our other fun mountaineering activities here.

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