Hiking to Summit County’s Alpine Lakes

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Summit County, CO, please refer to Colorado’s COVID-19 Travel Guidelines and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A half or full day of hiking depending on your chosen itinerary
  • 3% fees

What’s not included:

• • Transportation
  • Accommodations
  • Food

The best thing about hiking to Summit County’s alpine lakes is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. For beginner hikes, if you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

Depending on the chosen hike, you’ll cover anywhere from 2-8 miles (3.2-12.9 km). The Chihuahua Lake hike and Mohawk Lake hike are 6.5-mile-long round trips each, while the Crystal Lakes offer two separate hikes—one to Lower Lake (a 4-mile round trip) and Upper Lake (an 8-mile round trip). The Rainbow Lake Hike is a short, enjoyable, hike (a 2-mile round trip) and is great for families and kids.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Trekking poles (available to rent)
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Close-toed shoes
  • Synthetic t-shirt or long sleeve shirt
  • Long pants or shorts
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Food you can eat on-the-go
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For these private hikes, the max. client to guide ratio is 6:1. 
  • Cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!  

Hiking to Summit County’s alpine lakes can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to Summit County, most people fly into Denver International Airport just under 2 hours away from Summit County. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. Half-day tours depart at 8 am and 1 pm, while full-day tours start at 8 am. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.