Top Hiking Routes at Hoosier Pass for Indiana Residents
Chillin' at Hoosier Pass: A Hiker's Paradise
Hoosier Pass, nestled at an elevation of 11,542 feet, separates the colorful towns of Blue River/Breckenridge and Alma in the stunning landscapes of Colorado's Park and Summit counties. This badass mountain pass is part of the famed Continental Divide, making it a unique spot where water sources flow into different oceans, even when they're just a couple of feet apart. Isn't that legit as hell?
The south side of Hoosier Pass funnels into the Atlantic Ocean Watershed, while the north side heads toward the Pacific Ocean Watershed. Pretty fucking cool, right?
Now, let's talk about the kick-ass hikes around Hoosier Pass that'll make your adventure heart pound. We've compiled a list of our top picks to ensure you find the perfect path for your hiking style and ambition. If you're dumping your sweat on the trails of Breckenridge and the surrounding areas, be sure to check out our epic guide to the Ultimate Breckenridge Hiking Binge.
Hoosier Pass Hiking Madness
Getting to Hoosier Pass is a breeze, literally. Just drive up a paved road all the way to the top of the pass, where you'll find a big ol' sign that'll make you feel like you're on top of the damn world. From there, you'll have a couple of badass hiking options from the parking area, with plenty more cool trails within a stone's throw of the pass.
Hoosier Pass Loop: The Essential Hoosier Pass Experience
- Distance: 2.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 688 Ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Hoosier Pass Loop is the perfect hike to get a taste of Hoosier Pass and soak in those high elevation views. At only 2.8 miles, it's a manageable trek, but the rugged terrain and gradual elevation gain make it a moderate undertaking. Your lungs might burn a bit, but the payoff is spectacular views in every direction.
Crystal Lake: Chillin' by a Beautiful Alpine Lake
- Distance: 3.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 285 Ft
- Difficulty: Easy
Don't get confused with Crystal Lakes near Breckenridge. Nope, we're talking about the Crystal Lake situated right near Hoosier Pass. This easy peasy hike offers breathtaking views and even takes you to a retired mining area. Once you reach the lake, take some time to explore and hike up the old mining road to a colossal mining area. Pro tip: all the mine entrances are collapsed, but the remnants of rock piles and equipment make for some cool discoveries.
Visit AllTrails for More Crystal Lake Info
Hoosier Ridge: A Ridgeline Rumble
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 544 Ft
- Difficulty: Easy
The Hoosier Ridge hike takes you on a joyride along a ridgeline that heads east from Hoosier Pass towards Red Mountain. Want to hit the peak of Red Mountain? This route can help you get there, baby! Just remember, it might be hard to find the trail, so it would be a good idea to download a track from an app like AllTrails. The 360-degree mountain views are well worth the effort.
North Star Mountain: A 13er for the Win
- Distance: 6.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,945 Ft
- Difficulty: Difficult
North Star Mountain is a 13er, a gorgeous peak that sits 13,406 feet above sea level. Climbing this badass beast is no walk in the park, my friend. You'll need to be acclimated and properly prepared before tackling this rocky trail, with its high elevation and rugged terrain. Don't let that scare you, though. The views are fucking mind-blowing, and there are tons of collapsed mines and cabin ruins to explore. Word of warning: this trail is not recommended for canine companions due to the rough terrain.
Hikes Near Hoosier Pass
Lake Emma: A Hidden Gem
- Distance: 2.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700 Ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
Lake Emma is a hidden treasure, tucked away near Hoosier Pass. It shares a parking area with the popular Decalibron Loop (more on that later), so it's a bit more hidden, but the hike is well worth it. This 2-mile trek takes you up to two alpine lakes that sit high above the tree line. The views are incredible, and there's plenty of mining history to uncover along the way.
See Lake Emma Trail on AllTrails for More Info
Blue Lakes Breckenridge: A Cool Blue Oasis
- Distance: 1.0 mile
- Elevation Gain: 78 Ft
- Difficulty: Very Easy
The Blue Lakes near Breckenridge offer a super chill hiking experience. This easy hike takes you to two stunning alpine lakes and a massive waterfall flowing between them. The trail is only a mile round trip, and it's relatively flat, making it a perfect option for a relaxing hike with some killer views.
Check Out Blue Lakes Trail on AllTrails
Wheeler Lake: An Adventurous Expedition
- Distance: 7.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1246 Ft
- Difficulty: Difficult
Wheeler Lake is one of our all-time favorite hikes near Breckenridge, and it's honestly one of the area's best kept secrets. The hike here is a 7-mile adventure that takes you up an extreme off-roading course, featuring breathtaking views, wildflowers in peak summer, picturesque lakes, and even a cool stream crossing. Just make sure your rig is up to the challenge, or you might find yourself in a world of trouble.
See Wheeler Lake Trail on AllTrails for More Info
The Decalibron Loop: An Epic 14er Extravaganza
- Distance: 7.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3136 Ft
- Difficulty: Difficult
The Decalibron Loop is a fantastic alternative to Quandary Peak, allowing you to summit no less than three fourteeners in just 7 miles (round trip). You used to be able to bag four fourteeners on this trail, but as of 2021, there's an issue with private property on Bross that prevents hikers from summiting. Here's hoping they clear that up soon! We loved this hiking route more than Quandary, and it's typically our recommended option over the Quandary trail.
For the latest details, check All Trails.
Winter Tales of Hoosier Pass
Hoosier Pass is a winter wonderland, too, thanks to its road being maintained year-round. However, it's essential to understand the risks involved in exploring the area during the colder months, as avalanches are a serious concern. Most winter sports enthusiasts stick to the front-facing side of North Star Mountain, the peak to the west of the pass, where the large, flat face is perfect for a leisurely snowshoe or ski. But if you're feeling adventurous, it's crucial to do your homework and research the area before venturing forth.
Speaking of research, make sure to familiarize yourself with avalanche risks and preparedness. Just recently, two snowshoers tragically lost their lives in an avalanche on the path leading to Crystal Lake. Avalanches require the utmost caution, so don't head out onto the trails without fully understanding the dangers and safety precautions.
More Hiking Adventures Await
Looking for more hiking options in the area? Check out these epic trails:
- Mohawk Lakes and Continental Falls
- McCullough Gulch
These trails will keep your legs moving and your heart racing as you explore the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Hoosier Pass. Happy trails, you beautiful badass!
- The breathtaking views and unique geography of Hoosier Pass make it a perfect spot for hiking sports, especially the Hoosier Pass Loop, which offers moderately difficult terrain and stunning scenery.
- Adventure seekers can explore the rugged trails near Hoosier Pass, such as the Hoosier Ridge hike, North Star Mountain, Lake Emma, Blue Lakes Breckenridge, and Wheeler Lake, each offering diverse challenges and breathtaking vistas.
