Are dogs allowed on Mount Zirkel?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Mount Zirkel but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Mount Zirkel?

No, Mount Zirkel does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Mount Zirkel?

Mount Zirkel is rated expert. It is 24.8 miles long with 8,753 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Mount Zirkel suitable for kids?

Mount Zirkel is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Colorado trail conditions

ExpertOut and Back

Routt National Forest/Colorado

Mount Zirkel

Walden, Colorado

24.8 mi

Distance

8,753 ft

Elev. Gain

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Mount Zirkel is the highest summit of the Park Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The prominent 12,185-foot (3,714 m) peak is located in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness of Routt National Forest, 25.9 miles (41.7 km) north-northeast of the City of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States, on the Continental Divide between Jackson and Routt counties. Mount Zirkel was named in honor of German geologist Ferdinand Zirkel.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,718 ft

Max:3,681 ft

2,668 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

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Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

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Address:CO

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context