Hiking the Continental Divide in Winter Park, Colorado

Hiking the Continental Divide in Winter Park, Colorado

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Did you know the Independence Pass Continental Divide is the longest trail distance that runs through Colorado? The trail runs approximately 3,100 miles from the Canadian border south to the Mexican border. Have you ever gone hiking in Winter Park CO? See why we do.

In fact, it goes through five states, and can take five months to trek the entire trail.

The trail reaches its highest peak (Grays Peak), having an elevation of over 14,000 feet, in Colorado.

Glacier National Park in Montana holds the lowest elevation (4,200 feet) of the trail.

Independence Pass Continental Divide Winter Park Colorado

Whether you choose to follow a babbling brook, stroll through a wildflower meadow, or climb up the side of a mountain, Winter Park offers hiking for every skill level.

There are 600 miles of hiking trails that stretch throughout Winter Park and the Fraser Valley for you to enjoy.

man wearing hiking shorts using trekking poles to ascend a grassy meadow Hiking in Winter Park CO, along the Continental

Winter Park Lodging

Nearby, the Continental Divide Winter Park Colorado has 50 miles of trails accessible by chair lift. At the top of the lift you will find the Sunspot, a great place to get a bite to eat and enjoy the 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

Berthoud Pass also offers a high starting point, but you can get there by car instead of a chair lift.

What is the Continental Divide – Independence Pass

Hiking in Winter Park CO, along the Continental Divide Winter Park Colorado Scenic Trail gives you a feeling of being on top of the world.

You can also access the Divide from Rollins pass. It tends to be a little less crowded, but that is because the road up is a little bumpy, unlike Berthoud Pass.

For those looking for a challenging hike, give Byers Peak a try. Reaching the peak at 12,804 feet may be difficult, but the views from the top are spectacular.

man wearing hiking shorts using trekking poles to ascend a grassy meadow on the Continental Divide in Colorado

Things to do in Winter Park Colorado

Devil’s Thumb, 12,000 feet, is a nice area for hiking, however it is best known for snow shoeing during the winter months.

After taking a nice morning hike you can relax and enjoy some free music concerts that can be found just about everywhere in Winter Park all summer long.

Music and food festivals also often take place in the area if you’re looking for entertainment after a long day of hiking in Winter Park CO.

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Continental Divide in Colorado

It would be impossible to cover all of the hiking trails of Winter Park and the Fraser Valley in this one short post. Fortunately, numerous free trail guides can be found at most area establishments along the Continental Divide trail.

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