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 Mt. Sniktau

Length: Approx. 3.5 miles roundtrip
Highlights: views of Grays & Torreys, the continental divide and four ski areas
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Elevation Gain: Approx. 1,300 ft.
Below: View from the trailhead. Follow the ridge to the first summit seen in the upper right of the picture. This is about one mile in  length
but a quick 1000' gain in elevation.
Directions:
Take highway 6 east from Dillon to the Loveland Pass
summit. Park on your right by the Continental Divide sign (elevation 11,990') and take the steps up to the trail.

Description:
This is a great hike for anyone that wants a true alpine
experience but doesn't have the time, or energy, to spend hours hiking  to get above tree line. Although a

relatively short hike,  the trail  gains about 1000' in elevation in the first mile so this probably
should not be the first thing you attempt if you've just arrived in Summit County from the plains!
 

 Below: As you begin your ascent you can see the first two false summits on
the left. You must cross over these before the third, steep summit becomes visible.


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The first section of the trail is clearly visible as it ascends the spine of the ridge leading to the first summit. Here you will find huge cairns that serve as wind forts so you may pause and derive some satisfaction knowing that most of your elevation gain is behind you.

At this first summit you will turn left (north) and overtake two more
summits before the final one comes into view. These are pleasant rock scrambles that lead to the  final, somewhat steeper summit. Everywhere you look spectacular views abound!

Be sure to spot Gray's and Torrey's off to the southeast. (bottom left photo)

Turn around for a bird's eye view of the Eisenhower tunnel! (bottom right image)

Note the ski trails at Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge and Loveland.
Above:  This photo shows the true summit of Sniktau does NOT come into view until you reach the top of the second false summit.

Above: Wind shelters at the top of the first summit. Most of your elevation gain is behind you at this point.

 

  
Use National Geographic's Trails Illustrated Map of "Idaho Springs, Georgetown and Loveland Pass" to help spot other landmarks.

A truly 'energizing" hike, anyone who summits Mt. Sniktau will quickly discover why Summit County Explorers "Like to be on TopTM"!
Left: At the top of Sniktau's summit, Grays peak in the background.

Above: This is a shot looking out over the Eisenhower tunnel to the Gore Range.

 

    

 

  
  beginner intermediate advanced
    Black Powder Pass   Mohawk Lake   Quandary Peak  14,265'
    Lily Pad   Chihuahua Gulch   Lincoln & Bross 14,291' / 14,177'
    St. John's   Mt. Royal   Bierstadt Peak 14,060'
    Mayflower Gulch   Wheeler Lakes   Willow & Salmon Lakes
    Loveland Pass   Radical Hill Trail   Upper Crystal Lake
    Salt Lick Trail   McCullough Gulch   Gray's & Torrey's 14,278' / 14,267'
    Mesa Cortina Trail   Mt. Sniktau   Mt. Democrat 14,152'
    St. Mary's Glacier   North Ten Mile Trail   Mt. Victoria
    Sally Barber Mine   Willow Falls  

Mt. Elbert  14,433'
    Oro Grande Trail   Eaglesmere Lakes   Buffalo Mountain  12,777'
    Meadow Creek-Salt Lick   Mosquito Pass   Eccles Pass
    Shrine Mountain Trail   Webster Pass   Mt. Huron  14,003'
    Ptarmigan Trail   Ptarmigan via Wilder Gulch    
    Peaks Tr. Barton Gulch   Wheeler Lake - Park County    
    Hoosier Pass Loop   Lenawee Trail    

 

  Spruce Creek Loop NEW! Nightmare on Baldy Mine    
  NEW! Tenderfoot Mountain Trail        
   

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Note: The Summit County Explorer website is for entertainment purposes only. SCE will not be held liable for the any accidents or injuries resulting from the activities listed on this site. Trail conditions change daily and we assume no responsibility for the safety of any individual during any of these activities. Please consult actual trail guides and maps before attempting any of the activities mentioned here.