Miners Creek trail stretches from Frisco, up along the top of the Tenmile Range, then down to Copper Mountain. It can be accessed at either end.

Attractions and Considerations:

The hiker may want to leave a car at both ends of the trail because of its length. Pack adequate water, as there is very little along most of this route. Plan your trip to be off the high ridges by afternoon, as violent thunderstorms are common in the summertime. A map and compass are recommended for this route.

Narrative:
Walking up the Peaks Trail gives hikers the opportunity to observe beaver ponds and a wetland habitat along Miners Creek. From the Peaks Trail/Miners Creek Trail intersection, Miners Creek Trail goes up to high mountain meadows in a bowl beneath Tenmile Peak. The trail from here becomes more primitive as it climbs to over 12,000 feet and runs along near the top of the Tenmile Range. The trail through here is marked with rock cairns (large rock piles)- look ahead for these to keep oriented. The alpine ecosystem is extremely fragile. Please be careful in this area to protect the plant life. The trail then drops into the forest to the intersection with the National Wheeler Trail. The National Wheeler then goes down to the Wheeler Flats Trailhead, located near Copper Mountain.

Horseback Travel Recommendations:

This trail is suitable for horse use, but all water must be carried.

Directions: From Beaver Creek, Follow I-70 28 miles east to the Copper Mountain Exit, #195 and turn toward Copper Mountain. Just beyond the I-70 interchange, turn left into the Wheeler Flats trailhead. Park here and follow the gas line path 1/4 mile to the stock drive bridge. Veer left and continue up the trail 3 miles to the Miners Creek Trail junction.

Elevation: 9,150 feet

Ending Elevation: 9,720 feet

Elevation Gain: 3,250 feet

Usage: Light

Difficulty: Strenuous

Visitor Information

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