Silverthorne is the doorstep to the rugged Gore Range and the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness, giving it some of the most dramatic — and least crowded — hiking in Summit County.
Hiking in Silverthorne at a glance
| Signature trails | Ptarmigan Peak, Lily Pad Lake, Willow Lakes, Buffalo Mountain |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate lakes to strenuous peaks |
| Trailhead notes | Gore Range trailheads (Mesa Cortina, Ryan Gulch) near town |
| Best season | Late June–September |
Best trails in and around Silverthorne
- Ptarmigan Peak — a long, steady climb to a high summit with panoramic views over the reservoir and the Gore Range.
- Lily Pad Lake — a shorter, family-friendly hike to a lily-covered lake with Buffalo Mountain looming above.
- Willow Lakes — a bigger day deep into the Eagles Nest Wilderness and the heart of the Gore Range.
- Buffalo Mountain / Mesa Cortina — from a strenuous peak scramble to a gentle traverse, depending on how far you go.
Conditions change fast up here — check current trail status, closures, and parking before you head out, and carry the day-hike essentials.
Planning your hike
Most trails around Silverthorne run roughly mid-June through September, with the highest routes melting out by mid-July. New to the altitude? Start with an easy lake or valley walk on day one to acclimate before a bigger climb. Want to turn a hike into an overnight? See our camping & backpacking guide; chasing a summit instead? Our 14ers guide covers the nearby fourteeners, and the rest of the county’s trails are a short drive via the other Summit County towns.
Before you go
Colorado afternoons build thunderstorms fast, so start early and be off high, exposed terrain by early afternoon. Carry the day-hike essentials, add the alpine pieces from our 14er gear list for summit days, layer up (our base layers work three seasons), and read up on the altitude before your trip.
Hiking in Silverthorne FAQ
What are the best hikes near Silverthorne?
Lily Pad Lake for an easy, scenic outing; Ptarmigan Peak for a big summit day; and Willow Lakes for a deep dive into the Gore Range. The Mesa Cortina trailhead accesses much of it.
Is the hiking near Silverthorne crowded?
Generally less so than the resort-town trails — the Gore Range and Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness draw fewer people, which is part of the appeal.
Is Lily Pad Lake a good family hike?
Yes — it's one of the more approachable Gore Range hikes, with a lake payoff and Buffalo Mountain views, though the altitude still applies.
When is hiking season in Silverthorne?
Roughly mid-June through September. The highest trails hold snow into July, and Colorado afternoons build thunderstorms fast — start early and aim to be below treeline by early afternoon. The lower valley and lakeshore walks open earliest.
What should I pack for hiking in Silverthorne?
Carry the day-hike essentials — plenty of water, layers, sun protection, and the ten essentials. Add the alpine pieces from our 14er gear list for summit days, and read up on altitude sickness before your trip.