Colorado · Hiking

Sugarbowl

3.2 mi
round trip
647 ft
climb
10,100 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Sugarbowl open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Sugarbowl is a moderate out-and-back hike in Colorado's White River National Forest, within the Aspen Ranger District. The trail is about 3.2 miles long, climbing from a low point of 9,447 feet to a high of 10,100 feet, a gain of about 650 feet one way. The Forest Service manages the land. The route is on natural surface, and both horses and bikes are allowed. The trail is open year-round, and the nearest parking is at the Government trailhead, about 0.8 miles away. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical July averages from a nearby weather station run around 73°F for highs and 39°F for lows, and September cools to about 62°F. That station sits roughly 360 feet below the trail's high point, so temperatures on top run a bit cooler. Nearby, Government Trail and the Government hike are both within about a mile and a half. Silver Bar Campground offers camping about 2.5 miles away, and Maroon Creek is a canoeing option about 1.8 miles off.

Go with a guide

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Sugarbowl

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      31° / 3°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 3°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      39° / 9°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      44° / 18°

      8 wet

    5. May

      55° / 27°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      68° / 34°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      73° / 39°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      70° / 38°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      62° / 31°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 23°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      39° / 14°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 6°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sugarloaf Rsvr, CO, 28.5 mi away at 9,738 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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