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Strenuous mountain summit trail, amazing views through lush forest and rocky, above treeline running.


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Map Key

8.9

Miles

14.3

KM

72%

Runnable

12,736' 3,882 m

High

9,918' 3,023 m

Low

2,818' 859 m

Up

2,818' 859 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

108%

Max Grade (47°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Portions of this run are located within the Byers Peak Wilderness where wilderness regulations apply.

Overview

Byers Peak is one of the most visible peaks in the Winter Park & Fraser Valley. While a portion of the trail is on a closed off forest service road, a majority is on steep singletrack through forest and then climbing above tree line on rocky terrain. There is limited parking at the trailhead that could cause a longer approach, but the roads are good enough for passenger cars to make it. Bring a bike and ride the first couple miles along the jeep road if you want to skip to the singletrack.

Need to Know

Once above tree line the sun exposure can be severe and the temperature and winds can change quickly. There are many very steep sections above tree line as well with some exposure, so be careful. In addition, there are often a number of trees down across the road and trail - if you're feeling altruistic, it might be worth it to bring a saw.

Runner Notes

Snow stays on the trail through late June. First couple miles of the trail are on doubletrack road.

Description

From the gate at the trailhead, start out along a closed off forest service road that winds steeply for the first couple miles. The road ends at a small stream where there is a bike rack and a nice flat area. From here it's singletrack to the top of the peak.

The start of the singletrack leads through lush, dense forest with lots of small, runoff streams to cross. As you ascend, the ground gets much rockier and rougher. Once you reach tree line, the trail is primarily rock and loose gravel the rest of the way to the top.

At the top, take in the 360-degree view and allow yourself some time to check out all the amazing wildflowers that have the ability to grow at this elevation before heading back down.

Flora & Fauna

Much of this run is through the Fraser Experimental Forest. The trees are primarily pine with stands of aspen mixed throughout. Keep your eye out for moose and big horn sheep.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Davis

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 16 votes

#747

Overall
  4.6 from 16 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#156

in Colorado

#747

Overall
22 Views Last Month
10,945 Since Jun 30, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
12%
82%
6%

Photos

Flowers and views along the Byers peak trail
Jun 30, 2015 near Winter…, CO
The view up the trail towards the summit from right at treeline
Jun 30, 2015 near Winter…, CO
Flowers and north views of Indian Peaks from Byers Peak trail
Jun 30, 2015 near Winter…, CO
Views of Byers Peak through the trees along the trail.
Jun 30, 2015 near Winter…, CO
Going Up
Jun 24, 2018 near Winter…, CO
From the top of Byers Peak.
Aug 10, 2020 near Winter…, CO

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