Sleep In The Dirt

Section 20:

Dumont Lake Campground to Summit Lake Campground

What We Found

The content below contains general information about Big Agnes staff experience while traveling along the CDT through Colorado in the summer of 2018. While we have made an effort to provide you with a valuable trip-planning tool, we cannot offer any assurance that this information is current, complete or even accurate – if you choose to travel this route, do so at your own risk. A classic stretch of trail among residents of Routt County, this section of trail sees heavy use in the summer months by hikers, runners, and bikers. Expect a beautiful, wooded trail dotted with pristine lakes and streams along the way.

  • distance
    15.1 miles
  • elevation gain
    330 feet
  • elevation loss
    62 feet
  • highest point
    10,584 feet
  • wilderness area
    yes
  • percent on trail
    100%

"The section of this trail from Dumont Lake to the top of Buffalo Pass was beautiful. It is mostly covered by trees, with a few miles of open landscape. A little bit of a steep climb about three miles from the start at Dumont Lake, but other than that it was pretty mild. There were great lunch spots all the way across this section, and water seemed available for the majority of the time as well, but we would still top-off when we could. A couple of cross roads that might get confusing to someone if it were dark, so pay attention to where you're going!" On Trail: August 17th, 2018 - August 19th, 2018

Kayt Gary, Accounting, Big Agnes
Learn more about the hike

Our Itinerary

Southern Access Point:

Dumont Lake Campground. Ley Maps CO5

Northern Access Point:

Summit Lake Campground (Buff. Pass Road). Ley Maps CO4

Wilderness Area:

Yes

What We Experienced: 

This section is heavily used, with tons of on-trail water and lakes o’plenty.

Head into the town of Steamboat via Buffalo Pass Road at Summit Lake.

Additional Resources:

Leave No Trace Principles

Guthook Guide – Continental Divide Trail

U.S. Forest Service – Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests

Our Route

Ascent:
330 feet

Descent:
62 feet

Grade per Mile:
187 feet

Pro tips:

Lakes and streams are common along this section of the trail for topping off your water supply if needed.

Be ready to hunker down and bring dependable rain gear as the weather can change very fast in this region.

Skills We Needed

• Map Navigation
• LNT Ethics

* This site and routes described within contain general information about Big Agnes staff adventures in the backcountry, summer 2018. While we have made an effort to provide you with a valuable trip-planning tool, we cannot offer any assurance that this information is current, complete or even accurate – if you choose to travel these routes, do so at your own risk. Prior to setting out check local weather, trail conditions, closures, legal access points, Forest Service, BLM, or National Park rules and regulations, and other risks involved. We hope to inspire responsible backcountry and public land use, but by using our website you agree to use this information at your own risk.

12.8 miles / 4 days
Highway 14 to Dumont Lake Campground
20.7 miles / 2 days
Summit Lake Campground to North Lake Trailhead