HOOSIER PASS LOOP

Trail name: Hoosier Pass Loop

Trail length: 2.8-mile loop, round trip

Trail difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: ~700 feet

Best time to hike: May through October

Good for: Hikers of all skill levels

Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be on a leash

Starting Trailhead: Hoosier Pass Trailhead

Hoosier Pass Loop is a short trail that is moderately difficult. Located at the summit of Hoosier Pass, between Breckenridge and Alma, Hoosier Pass Loop is a great way to experience the above-treeline environment. Hikers can view pine forests, wildflowers, Montgomery Reservoir, and soaring fourteen-thousand-foot peaks from the high alpine.

Hoosier Pass Trailhead is located at the summit of Hoosier Pass. Heading south from Breckenridge, follow highway 9 until reaching the summit. The parking area will be on the right. The parking lot typically has quite a few cars, but not all hikers- many people stop to enjoy the roadside views as well! The start of the trail is hard to miss.

The trail begins through the pine forest before opening up to a rough 4×4 road. The trail is a loop, but most choose to hike the trail clockwise. As you begin the hike up the wide, gravel road, look to your left to view Mount Lincoln and Montgomery Reservoir down below. Keep an eye out for mountain goat! As you reach the end of the road, you can take a right up a steep hill towards the mountain summit. Looking north, you will see Quandary Peak, the only fourteener in the Tenmile Range.

Enjoy a mountain-top snack and take in the Tenmile and Mosquito Ranges views. Looking east, you will see Mount Silverheels, a thirteen-thousand-foot peak. Avoid hiking this trail in the afternoons and keep an eye on the weather forecast- hikes above the treeline can be dangerous during lightning storms!

Happy hiking!

Want to help contribute to our National Forest? Visit FDRD.org/calendar for a list of all volunteer opportunities. You can also visit www.dillonrangerdistrict.com to download free individual guides for all the trails.