GOLD HILL

Trail name: Gold Hill

Trail length: 2.9 miles, round trip

Trail difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Elevation gain: ~500 feet

Best time to hike: November to May for snowshoeing/cross-country skiing, June to October for hiking

Good for: Hikers of all skill levels

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

Starting Trailhead: Gold Hill Trailhead

Gold Hill is an easy-to-moderate trail that offers views of the Tenmile Valley, wildflowers, trees, and mushrooms, and views of Lake Dillon. Located off Highway 9, this trail is easily accessible during your stay in Breckenridge. Enjoy this 2.9-mile hike for a day of sunshine and views!

Gold Hill Trailhead is located right off Highway 9 between Breckenridge and Frisco. If you are headed North towards Frisco, it will be on your left-hand side. The parking area is large, with enough space for probably up to 30 vehicles. This trail is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running but is also a popular spot for fly-fishing. You’ll locate the start of the trail behind the large sign and map. Dogs are required to be on a leash on this hike.

The trail is well-trafficked and easy- mostly packed sandy dirt with minimal boulders or roots to deal with. Most of the trail is in direct sunlight with little shade, so make sure to bring some sun protection! You’ll start out through an aspen grove before the trail opens up to gradual switchbacks up the hill. After a short way, you’ll start to get some views of Lake Dillon in the distance.

As you hike higher and higher, you’ll eventually get into some lodgepole pine and blue spruce groves. Small mammals such as chipmunks, hare, and more love this area- keep an ear out for their chatter! Gold Hill is one of those trails where you can go as long or as short as you please. Eventually, the trail will meet up with the Peaks Trail. No matter how far you trek, look for the many types of wildflowers and mushrooms that are often found along the trail. After your hike, you can venture along the recreation path to enjoy the scenery of the Blue River as well!

Enjoy the sunshine and sweeping views that this trail has to offer and let us know what you think!

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.