Copyright: USDA Forest Service
The Tenmile Range and Breckenridge Ski Area
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Description
- Most of the outdoor attractions in the Summit County are on the public lands of the White River National Forest. Four major ski areas, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapaho Basin and Copper Mountain are located in the county. There are two large reservoirs, Green Mountain and Dillon. Dillon Reservoir lies between Frisco, Silverthorne and Dillon. Green Mountain Reservoir lies 15 miles north of Silverthorne. The district encompasses major portions of the Eagle's Nest and Ptarmigan Peaks Wildernesses.
Recreation - Summit County is a center for recreation activity, with the ski areas and large reservoirs to occupy visitors and locals throughout the year. Downhill skiing, fishing, and boating are the most popular activities here, but a plethora of other opportunities exist in the vast public lands of the area. Four-wheel driving, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding are only a few activities that can be enjoyed. There are 14 campgrounds in the area, including 1 group campsite. The campgrounds are located mostly around the two reservoirs and offer varying levels of services. Many of the campgrounds offer fishing and boating adjacent to the sites. Backcountry and dispersed camping opportunities also exist. Be sure to follow the backcountry and dispersed camping regulations, and 'Leave No Trace' principles to ensure the next visitor an equal experience. The district offers many miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Many trails in the area reach above 13,000 feet elevation. Climate - Elevations in Summit County range from about 8,000 feet around Green Mountain Reservoir to over 14,000 feet on several of the highest peaks. Vegetation includes sagebrush meadows at lower elevations, aspen and lodgepole pine at intermediate elevations, and Engelmann spruce/subalpine fir forests above about 10,000 feet. At the lowest elevations, around Green Mountain Reservoir, summer high temperatures extend into the low 80s. Because much of the county is over 9,000 feet, high temperatures can be significantly cooler, with evenings temperatures that can dip into the 30s. Winter lows occasionally dip to minus 35 degrees, though daytime temperatures are often in the 20s to 30s. The relative humidity is quite low throughout the year. Much of the annual precipitation comes in the form of winter snow, but afternoon summer thunderstorms are common. Snow is possible at any time of year in the highest elevations. The high elevation roads and trails are often not clear of snow until mid-July. Location -
Summit County, lies about 70 miles west of Denver; just west of the Continental Divide. Towns in the county include Silverthorne, Dillon, Frisco, Breckenridge and Keystone. The county includes portions of the Gore Range, Tenmile Range and Williams Fork Mountains. The Blue River runs through the middle of the county, from south to north. Other major drainages in the region include the Snake River, Swan River and Tenmile Creek. The county has two large reservoirs, Dillon and Green Mountain. Interstate 70 cuts through of the county from east to west.
LAT: 39.5744309
LONG: -106.0975204
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