UN 12313 "Eccles Peak"

Overview

Not far out of Silverthorne, Colorado, this simple, rounded mountain in the Eagles Nest Wilderness provides fantastic views for miles around in every direction. The Eagles Nest Wilderness provides 180 miles of trails across 133,311 acres ranging from 7,900 to 13,500 feet in elevation.

This nicknamed (unofficially named) but ranked 12er provides fantastic views of the Dillon Reservoir, the Gore Range and verdant alpine valleys full of elk.

Colorado Rank: 1,130^th highest mountain in Colorado
Colorado 12ers: 439^rd highest 12er in Colorado
Prominence: 413 feet

Trails Illustrated Map: #108 Vail, Frisco, Dillon (Colorado, USA)

Getting There

From Silverthorne take I-70 west to Frisco exit 203. As you exit onto the traffic circle, take the dirt road on the west side of the roundabout for about a half mile to the parking lot at the trailhead. This dirt road parallels I-70.

The Trail

Route: Meadowcreek Trail
Roundtrip Distance: About 10 miles
Elevation Gain: More than 2,800 feet

Follow the Meadow Creek Trail as it climbs to an intersection with the Gore Range Trail. Turn right (east) on the Gore Range Trail. A wind-sucking, 600 ft. final push brings the hiker to the summit of Eccles Pass.

From Eccles Pass, make a right turn (east) to follow the ridge to the summit of Pt. 12,054, then onward to "Eccles Peak".

Camping & Lodging

CAMPING

There are nearly 350 campsites in the Dillon Reservoir area. Most of them are closed from early September through mid May. Below are five “east shore” campgrounds operated by the National Forest Service.

Campground	Commentary
Lowry Campground	Site has 24 camp sites at 9,388' elevation. Amenities: Vault toilets, water and garbage service. Fees are $16 per night, plus an additional $5 for an electric site.
Prospecter Campground	Site has 106 camp sites at 9,117' elevation. Amenities: Vault toilets, water and garbage services. Fees are $16 per night.
Peak One Campground	Site has 79 camp sites at 9,050' elevation. Fees are $17 per night. Amenities: Vault toilets, water and garbage service.
Pine Grove Campground	Site has 33 camp sites at 9,062' elevation. Fees are $15 per night, plus an additional $5 for an electric site. Amenities: Vault toilets, water and garbage service.
Windy Point Campground	Windy Point is available for group camping only and reservations are required (877.444.6777).

HOTELS, LODGES & CONDOS
Lodging options are almost unlimited in nearby Frisco, Silverthorne & Dillon, plus the Breckenridge and Keystone resort areas.

Weather

"Eccles Peak" is a year-round mountain, with caution taken in winter.

Winter & Spring: While approach trails should be well-packed thanks to heavy local traffic, excercise caution nearing Eccles Pass and carefully assess snow conditions.
Summer: "Eccles Peak" elevation may provide some respite from the heat and the wildflowers in the meadow are delightful, but the crowds may be a bit much to bear and parking will be tight.
Fall: Aspen on the lower reaches along with rich autumn colors of the sub-tundra on the summit area of "Eccles Peak" would make this a delightful peak to visit in the cool, crisp air of fall.

External Links

Summit County Explorer
US Forest Service, White River & Arapahoe National Forests

Restrictions

United States Wildnerness guidelines apply. No motorized vehicles. No bicycles. Dogs must be leashed. Follow LNT (Leave No Trace) guidelines when traveling in designated wilderness.
Leave No Trace

Images

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