Hoosier Pass/ Mt. Lincoln

Trail Difficulty: Moderate+
This steady incline leads up a jeep trail with some areas of loose rock and tire ruts.

Trail Length:
This trail is as long as you want to make it. You could hike all day to reach the end, however, an hour’s hike will lead you to a great area to take in the incredible views of the surrounding Rockies.

Trail description:
This great family hike up the side of Mt. Lincoln begins at Hoosier Pass (elevation 11,540). Just getting to the pass is a scenic drive through the famous ski town of Breckenridge, along the winding State Route 9, and through the Arapahoe National Forest.

As you stand on top of Hoosier Pass, you are in a truly unique setting because here you are surrounded by 3 of Colorado’s Fourteeners: Mount Cameron, Quandry Peak and Mount Bross. The parking lot on the west side of Rt. 9 is where the trail begins. You will recognize it by the Mt. Lincoln elevation sign (a great place to take a family photo) and the jeep trail ruts. Follow the trail through the trees. When you reach a smaller trail that branches right continue along the left branch. The right hand trail is a dead-end.

On the left side of the trail, down a huge slope, is the beautiful water of Montgomery Reservoir. Depending on the time of year that you visit, you may see icebergs in the water. You will also catch glimpses of the valley to the east toward the town of Alma.

After 40-50 minutes of climbing, (depending on how quickly your group is moving), the embankment on the right side will be short enough that you can climb up off the trail a few hundred feet for a fantastic 360 degree view of the Rockies. (Generally we don’t encourage bushwhacking, however, we feel that it’s okay to get a good look from a higher point as long as it is close to the trail).

The alpine terrain is beautiful with lush short grass and dwarflike flowers. This is a good spot to call the “summit” or “end of the trail.” This location offers great views to feast your eyes on and is ideal for a picnic or quick snack.

No restrooms available at trailhead or parking lot.

Picnic spot recommendations:
A great spot to dine picnic-style is at the grassy hill or what we called the “summit” in the previous description. With the beautiful views and the alpinbe surroundings, it is a refreshing spot to eat.

Another recommendation is to dine at one of Breckenridge’s many restaurants or cafés.

Travel time:
The drive from Lakewood will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

How to get there:
Take I-70 west to Dillon. Exit and take Rt. 9 through Breckenridge. Keep on Rt. 9 until you ascend Hoosier Pass, which is almost 20 miles from I-70. Parking lot for hike is on the right side.

Special attractions:
On the way to Hoosier pass, you’ll need to stop in Dillon at the Safeway store for your morning Starbucks coffee (great to take on your scenic drive to the trailhead).
Breckenridge is an old mining town turned popular-ski-resort-town. Main street (Rt 9) is lined with hundreds of shops and restaurants that welcome any traveler to mosey on down the sidewalks to peer in the shop windows. There are ice cream shops, pizza places, and much more – we recommend the Breckenridge Brewery for lunch. The prices are reasonable, it offers a nice atmosphere, and a great children’s menu. Great beer for daddy too!