Copper Mountain: Hiking Trails and Seasonal Activities

Trails, elevations, and seasonal recreational activities shape the opportunities for things to do in Copper Mountain. The Colorado Trail passes through the area, and mountain roads are also open to hikers and cyclists. Other options include named routes, a guided nature hike, and activities in Center Village. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between activities by distance, elevation, and season: access, lift operations, and conditions are not the same for every activity.

Colorado Trail and Mountain Trails

The Colorado Trail runs from west to east through Copper Mountain, near the base of the mountain. It is accessible from East Village, Center Village, and West Village. Construction may result in seasonal detours or temporary changes to the trail route. Mountain roads are also open to hikers and cyclists and are classified as easy terrain. Weather, maintenance work, or closures may affect access to these roads.

The Alpine Overlook Trail begins on A Road near the upper stations of the Super Bee and Resolution lifts, at about 12,000 feet. From there, it heads east to the overlook at Spaulding Bowl and west to the overlook at Union Bowl. Lift and trail access may vary depending on the season and operating conditions.

Routes, Elevations, and Cycling

The Hallelujah Loop is 0.75 miles long. Its starting point is at the upper station of the American Eagle Lift, at 11,250 feet; the trail climbs to 11,350 feet. By comparison, the start of the Hallelujah Loop is around 750 feet below the approximate elevation of the Alpine Overlook Trail. Lift access and trail conditions for the Hallelujah Loop are seasonal.

For mountain biking, bicycles are carried uphill on a chairlift. Easy and intermediate trails are available. Bike-haul operations and trail availability are seasonal, making this activity different from using the mountain roads that are open to hikers and cyclists.

Recreational Activities and Nature Tours

Woodward WreckTangle, an outdoor ninja-style obstacle course with nine different sections, is located in Center Village. Seasonal opening dates and operating details may change. The nine-hole disc golf course is also accessible from Center Village and is free to use. Construction or fire restrictions may affect the course's status.

Copper Mountain has the only go-kart track in Summit County. Its location and operating details may change seasonally. For a guided nature tour, try Hike With A Ranger: this free hike is hosted by Friends of the Dillon Ranger District. It covers 3.8 miles and takes 2.5 hours; the tour includes a scenic ride on the Woodward Express Lift. Start and end dates vary seasonally, and the route and lift use may vary depending on the season and conditions.

At West Lake, you can ice skate and enjoy views of Copper Mountain and the Ten Mile Range. Ice skating is seasonal; the exact start depends on the weather and the operating season.

Historical Background

The Copper Mountain area was formerly known as Wheeler Junction. A settlement was established there in the 1880s, where miners from the copper mines lived.

The historic settlement of Wheeler had a stagecoach stop by 1879 and a railroad station by 1882. These details refer to the settlement's history, not to current transportation links.

Discover more destinations: Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Keystone

Go to the main travel overview: Summit.