Breckenridge Bike Guide: Peaks Trail

Summit Daily archive
Time: 1 hour to 1.5 hours
Rating: Moderate/Advanced
Type: Singletrack
Elevation: 9,084-10,230 (Gain of 951)
Season: June to September
Connectors: Colorado Trail, Gold Hill, Miners Creek Road, South Rainbow, Rainbow Lake, Siberian Loop, Zendo, Toad Alley, Game Trail, Wire Patch Road, Swinger, Ski Hill Road, Tenmile Rec Path, Lake Dillon Rec Path, Upper Blue Rec Path
Parking: Peak Trailhead where County Road 3 becomes Ski Hill Road in Breckenridge
It can be ridden as a tough ascent from Frisco to Breckenridge for those looking to kick their butt, but the downhill route, which has a bit of uphill feel at the start, is the way most Summit locals ride this legendary stretch.
Starting just below 10,000 feet the Peaks Trail will dip and ascend through the first mile of the trail before climbing gradually to the trail’s high point at 10,230 feet. From here, the middle section of the trail heads toward Frisco, the northern end of Breckenridge Ski Resort will be above and at the rider’s left. After dipping down to about 9,890 feet, the trail will generally climb again up to the 4.5-mile mark. From there, the first 0.4 miles will have a moderate descent before a full-throttle thrill over the last 3-ish miles of the trail.
When descending Peaks, experts recommend riders keep their eyes peeled and shout ahead of turns, as the singletrack sees a lot of two-way traffic from the two Summit County towns. Over the final three miles, be aware that the trail has almost 1,000 feet of descent with grades averaging around 7%. The blind, steep corners and turns through the forest at the foothills of the Tenmile Range is enthralling for adept, technical riders, but it should be pumped through safely.
This is classic Summit County singletrack, from a rocky and rooty start to the ride from the start near Breckenridge Ski Resort to more flowy, speedy singletrack over the final 2 miles to Frisco. This is also a locals favorite route included in the annual Summit Mountain Challenge Peaks Trail Time Trial event.
— James Welch


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