Attractions and Considerations:
The Byers Peak Trail is an excellent day hike with its major attraction the panoramic view atop Byers Peak. Hikers may want to take a map of northern Colorado along and locate each of the mountains and valleys in sight. The steep slopes do not provide any camping, and hikers should be prepared for a stiff wind that generally blows atop the mountain. There is good fishing in the few small lakes just below Byers Peak although they require some cross-country hiking. Remnants of snow fields usually remain along the trail until the first or second week of July.

Narrative:
The Byers Peak hiking trail is a short but steep hike through the Fraser Experimental Forest. One creek, Byers Creek, is crossed a short distance from the trail beginning. The remainder of the trail to timberline travels through a rich forest of virgin timber. Huge Engelmann spruce of 75 feet in height flank both sides of the trail as it traverses the steep slope leading up to Byers Peak.

At timberline the tall spruces give way to gnarled and twisted subalpine firs, the only tree that seems to be able to survive the severe environment represented by rocky soil, extreme cold and continuous wind.

Directions: From Granby, Travel southeast on Highway 40 approximately 17 miles to County Road 73 in the town of Fraser. Travel west on Road 73 for 2 miles to Forest Road 160.2. Travel southwest on Forest Road 160.2 for 7 miles to Forest Road 111, then west 4 miles to the trailhead.

Elevation: 10,780 feet

Ending Elevation: 12,804 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,024 feet

Usage: Moderate to Heavy

Difficulty: Strenuous

Visitor Information