Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Mt. Sniktau Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (43)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. Arapahoe Basin
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A well-used trail in both the summer and winter months. ”

Mikhaila Redovian
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.8

Miles

2.9

KM

Point to Point

13,216' 4,028 m

High

12,002' 3,658 m

Low

1,326' 404 m

Up

111' 34 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

68%

Max Grade (34°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

Due to the ease of access, the Mt. Sniktau Trail is a popular route no matter the weather. The proximity to Loveland Pass makes this an ideal spot for backcountry skiers and snowboarders in the winter months, and the large parking area and position along the Continental Divide make it a good choice in the summer.

The trail itself begins just east of the large parking lot. Don't expect too much a warm up, as you'll be starting your trip at an elevation over 11,000 ft, and the trail begins by climbing steeply. Luckily, the trail is well defined and fairly broad, so route finding skills won't be an absolute necessity here.

Enjoy the views as your hike, as you'll be looking out over some spectacular scenery! Without trees to block your view, visitors are able to take in miles of the front range. Famous peaks such as Grays and Torreys are visible, as are the ski areas of Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, and Keystone. While you're on the ridge, you'll be fairly exposed, so it's a good idea to come prepared with the proper warm layers.

Due to high elevation, this trail may have snow, even late into the summer. High elevation and lack of tree cover make this a dangerous place to be in a thunderstorm, so make sure that you plan your outing early enough that you can reach the peak and return to your car before the afternoon storms roll in.

Flora & Fauna

Delicate alpine ground cover can be seen from the trail, and you might get a glimpse of a marmot or pika.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Dillon Ranger District, White River NF

Shared By:

Mikhaila Redovian
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 43 votes

#1

in Arapahoe Basin

#56

Overall
  4.6 from 43 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Arapahoe Basin

#14

in Colorado

#56

Overall
37 Views Last Month
12,239 Since Apr 26, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
46%
18%
36%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

View from the summit of Mt Sniktau looking out at Grays and Torreys.
Feb 3, 2019 near Georgetown, CO
Loveland Pass. with permission from algill
Apr 29, 2016 near Keystone, CO
This view awaits on one of the saddles before the last climb to Mt. Sniktau.
Jun 5, 2017 near Georgetown, CO
View from Mt Sniktau - I-70 at the Eisenhower tunnel
Feb 8, 2022 near Georgetown, CO
On the ridge with a view of Mt Sniktau.
Feb 8, 2022 near Georgetown, CO
snow and ice on trail - Mt. Sniktau
Dec 4, 2018 near Georgetown, CO

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 76 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 4, 2024
Sean H
Lovely 3.8mi
Aug 13, 2023
Private User
Jun 19, 2023
Cece Bremner
Jul 17, 2022
Taylor West
Solo hike. Absolutely stunning.
Jun 25, 2022
Dakota Rowehl
Beautiful hike to start my summer
Jan 23, 2022
Mike Langenkamp
4mi
Oct 16, 2021
P Dub
Sniktau trail had fresh powder from the past couple nights. Started around 10am and as such weren't the first tracks and the trail was packed down. 4mi — 3h 00m
May 5, 2021
Josh Loth
Very windy day — 2h 37m

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started