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Mount Zirkel Wilderness Loop

Routt National Forest, Colorado · 3 min read

Distance
14 mi
Elevation Gain
2,600 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
July through September
Est. Time
8-11 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Spectacular alpine lake chain in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness
  • Wildflower-covered basins in late July and August
  • Loop format covering diverse wilderness terrain
  • One of Colorado's original wilderness areas with protected character
  • Views from the Continental Divide traverse
lakewildflowersviews

The Mount Zirkel Wilderness Loop in Routt National Forest circles through the heart of one of Colorado's original Wilderness Act designations, covering 14 miles of alpine lake terrain, high meadows, and Continental Divide scenery. This is a benchmark Colorado mountain loop, demanding and rewarding in equal measure.

The Mount Zirkel Wilderness was among the first areas designated under the Wilderness Act of 1964 and has been protected for over 60 years. The terrain reflects that protection: the trails are maintained but minimal, the lakes are clear and cold, and the wildflower basins in late July are exceptional.

The Route

The loop begins from the Slavonia Trailhead north of Clark and climbs into the wilderness via Gold Creek. The outbound leg passes through a chain of alpine lakes, each at progressively higher elevation, before crossing the Continental Divide. The return descends via the North Fork of the Elk River drainage through meadow and forest terrain.

The divide crossing is the high point of the loop, sitting above 11,500 feet with views north into Wyoming and south across the Routt National Forest. The lake chain on the outbound leg is the visual highlight.

What to Expect

The loop is best done as a two-day backpack to fully experience the wilderness lakes and allow time for photography, fishing, and rest. Day hikers need an early start and solid fitness for the 14-mile distance and 2,600-foot gain.

Afternoon thunderstorms are common from July through August. The Continental Divide crossing is fully exposed; plan accordingly. Mosquitoes in the lower meadows can be intense in July; bring repellent.

Nearby

Clark, Colorado, is the nearest community, a small ranching town with a general store. Steamboat Springs is about 25 miles south on US-40 and offers full services, including one of Colorado's most well-regarded ski resorts operating year-round as a summer destination.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Safety Considerations

The strenuous rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout Routt National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.

Trailhead Parking

Slavonia Trailhead off Forest Road 400 near Clark. Gravel lot with room for 20 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Routt National Forest

More Trails in Routt National Forest

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Gilpin Lake Trail

5.5 mi1,400 ft gain
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Hike to Gilpin Lake in Routt National Forest, Colorado. This moderate 5.5-mile out-and-back gains 1,400 feet to a quiet alpine lake in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness with summer wildflowers.

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Gold Creek Lake Trail

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Hike to Gold Creek Lake in Routt National Forest, Colorado. This moderate-hard 7-mile out-and-back gains 1,600 feet to a pristine alpine lake in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness with wildflowers.

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Hahns Peak Trail

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Summit Hahns Peak in Routt National Forest, Colorado. This strenuous 5-mile out-and-back gains 2,200 feet to the top of an extinct volcano with panoramic views over northwest Colorado and into Wyoming.

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Hinman Park Trail

4.5 mi600 ft gain
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Hike the Hinman Park Trail in Routt National Forest, Colorado. This moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back follows a meadow-lined drainage through a classic Colorado mountain park with wildflowers and wildlife.

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Seedhouse Road Trail

6 mi800 ft gain
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Hike the Seedhouse Road Trail in Routt National Forest, Colorado. This moderate 6-mile out-and-back follows the Elk River through forested terrain with summer wildflowers and excellent elk and deer habitat.

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Seven Lakes Trail

9 mi2,200 ft gain
July through September

Hike to Seven Lakes in Routt National Forest, Colorado. This strenuous 9-mile out-and-back gains 2,200 feet to a chain of alpine lakes in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness with meadows and views.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Slavonia Trail

8.5 mi1,800 ft gain
July through September

Hike the Slavonia Trail in Routt National Forest, Colorado. This moderate-hard 8.5-mile out-and-back gains 1,800 feet to alpine lakes and meadows in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness near Steamboat Springs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a permit required for the Mount Zirkel Wilderness?
No permit is required for day hiking or overnight camping as of 2026. Standard wilderness regulations apply, including group size limits and Leave No Trace practices.
How long does the loop take?
Most hikers take 8 to 11 hours for the full 14-mile loop as a day hike. Many prefer to split it into a 2-day backpack to fully appreciate the wilderness lakes.
When is the loop accessible?
The high-elevation loop is typically accessible from mid-July through early October. Snow can persist in the upper basins into July in heavy snow years.
What is the wilderness like?
The Mount Zirkel Wilderness covers 160,000 acres along the Continental Divide. It was one of the original wilderness areas designated under the 1964 Wilderness Act. The terrain is characterized by spruce-fir forest, alpine lakes, and high tundra.