Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Dumont, Colorado
Dumont sits in Clear Creek County along I-70, a small community that most people blow past on the way to bigger-name destinations. That's their loss.
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Dumont sits in Clear Creek County along I-70, a small community that most people blow past on the way to bigger-name destinations. That's their loss. The hiking around Dumont leans heavily on old mining and forest roads that push into the surrounding gulches and ridgelines, giving you access to terrain that sees a fraction of the foot traffic you'd find at nearby Georgetown or Idaho Springs. North Empire Creek Road shows up repeatedly in the local trail inventory and for good reason — it's one of the more accessible corridors into the hills above town, rated easy and manageable for most fitness levels. Turkey Gulch Road and Red Elephant Hill Road round out the gentler options, while Shale Hill Climb Road and Bill Moore Lake Road offer routes with more elevation gain for hikers who want to work harder. North Spring Gulch Road and its associated spurs give you additional variety without requiring a long drive to a trailhead. Most of these routes follow former road grades, which means wide paths and generally straightforward navigation. The trade-off is that you're not walking through a curated wilderness experience — you're hiking real mountain terrain on utilitarian corridors that happen to be beautiful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest hiking near Dumont, Colorado?
Red Elephant Hill Road, North Empire Creek Road, Turkey Gulch Road, and North Spring Spurs Road are all listed as easy-difficulty routes. North Empire Creek Road in particular has multiple access points and is a good starting place if you're new to hiking at elevation or bringing kids along.
When is the best time of year to hike around Dumont?
Late June through September is the most reliable window. Snow can linger on higher routes like Shale Hill Climb Road and Bill Moore Lake Road well into June, and early-season mud can make the road-grade trails slippery. Fall hiking in September and early October is excellent — cooler temperatures, fewer people, and the aspens typically turn in the surrounding drainages.
What time of day should I start a hike here?
Start early, especially in summer. Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly over the Front Range and can roll in by early afternoon on exposed ridgelines. Being off higher ground by noon or 1 p.m. is a reasonable target from July through August.
What gear do I need for hiking near Dumont?
Even on the easier routes, bring layers — temperatures at elevation drop fast when clouds move in. Waterproof trail shoes or light hiking boots handle the road-grade surfaces well. Carry more water than you think you need, since there are no reliable services along these routes, and pack a rain layer regardless of the morning forecast.
Are there any permits or fees required to hike these trails?
Most of the routes listed around Dumont are on National Forest or county road corridors that don't require a permit or fee for day hiking. That said, regulations can change, so it's worth a quick check with the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Clear Creek Ranger District before your trip, particularly if you're planning an overnight stay.
