Eccles Pass - hiking in Summit County Colorado

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Eccles Pass

Length: 9.5 miles
Highlights: Magnificent views of Gore Range, alpine meadows, and the valley behind Buffalo Mountain.
Difficulty Rating: Advanced
Elevation Gain: Approx. 2,800 ft.

Directions: From Silverthorne take I-70 west to Frisco exit 203. As you exit onto the traffic circle, take the dirt road on the west side of the roundabout for about a half mile to the parking lot at the trailhead. This dirt road parallels I-70. Description: This is a challenging hike that consists of a fairly steady, steep ascent to the pass at 11,900' that will reward you with some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado.
	Above: The stunning Gore Range from Eccles Pass.

Below: After a stiff climb of over two miles through the forest, the hike gets interesting as you enter the open meadows

The Meadow Creek Trail ascends crisply through aspen groves to mine ruins and the junction of Lily Pad Trail at about .5 miles.

As you proceed along rushing Meadow Creek through the forest, the trail levels off frequently enough to provide brief respites from the climb and mitigates the effects of oxygen deprivation! Pause on occasion to look back for views of Lake Dillon. After a couple miles you enter a clearing dotted with mining ruins.

	This open area is undoubtedly the result of the efforts of 19th century silver miners. Approximately three or three and a half miles from the trailhead and a trek through more lodge pole pines, you reach a pristine alpine meadow at about 11,300'.
Above: A glimpse of Eccles Pass - still over a mile away.		Above: Turn right onto the Gore Trail as it intersects with Meadow Creek.
	Stream crossings and panoramic views add to the beauty as you approach the junction of the Gore Range Trail. Your destination, Eccles Pass, is clearly visible to the right (east) as you make this turn onto the Gore Range Trail. You still have an elevation gain of approx. 600' as you begin
Above: The last pull up to the pass.		Above: The back of Mt. Buffalo from Eccles pass
	the final steep pull but the lure of the summit will provide motivation. Many hikers explore the ridge toward Buffalo Mountain (12,313') after enjoying the tranquility of the views into Buffalo's incomparable backyard. You'll be sure to discover why the Summit County Explorers "Like to Be on Top!"
Above: The stunning Gore Range from Eccles Pass.		Above: Enjoy views of Lake Dillon before entering the forest on the return trip
	Suggestion: Purchase a "Summit, Vail and Holy Cross" Trail Map at Weber's bookstore on Main St. in Breckenridge before your hike. Locating Red Peak, the Ten Mile range and other features viewed from the pass will enhance your wilderness experience.	"I LIKE TO BE ON TOP" t-shirt and other merchandise Click logo above!
Above: Wild flowers bloom near mining ruins.

	beginner		intermediate	advanced
	Black Powder Pass		Mohawk Lake	Quandary Peak 14,265'
	Lily Pad		Chihuahua Gulch	Lincoln & Bross 14,291' / 14,177'
	St. John's		Mt. Royal	Bierstadt Peak 14,060'
	Mayflower Gulch		Wheeler Lakes	Willow & Salmon Lakes
	Loveland Pass		Radical Hill Trail	Upper Crystal Lake
	Salt Lick Trail		McCullough Gulch	Gray's & Torrey's 14,278' / 14,267'
	Mesa Cortina Trail		Mt. Sniktau	Mt. Democrat 14,152'
	St. Mary's Glacier		North Ten Mile Trail	Mt. Victoria
	Sally Barber Mine		Willow Falls	Mt. Elbert 14,433'
	Oro Grande Trail		Eaglesmere Lakes	Buffalo Mountain 12,777'
	Meadow Creek-Salt Lick		Mosquito Pass	Eccles Pass
	Shrine Mountain Trail		Webster Pass	Mt. Huron 14,003'
	Ptarmigan Trail		Ptarmigan via Wilder Gulch
	Peaks Tr. Barton Gulch		Wheeler Lake - Park County
	Hoosier Pass Loop		Lenawee Trail
	Spruce Creek Loop	NEW!	Nightmare on Baldy Mine
NEW!	Tenderfoot Mountain Trail

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Note: The Summit County Explorer website is for entertainment purposes only. SCE will not be held liable for the any accidents or injuries resulting from the activities listed on this site. Trail conditions change daily and we assume no responsibility for the safety of any individual during any of these activities. Please consult actual trail guides and maps before attempting any of the activities mentioned here.