Acorn Creek Trail #71

This trail is a nice option not too far from Dillon and Silverthorne that doesn't seem to get the same crowds as similar trails across the valley in the Gore Range. With that in mind, some switchbacking sections toward the top are pretty steep and loose. The first half of the trail is fairly mellow with a sustained but gradual uphill grade. This makes for a great warm-up before the grades start to kick it up a notch the further east the trail gets. Near the border with the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness, the trail starts to climb more seriously, heading through expansive aspen groves. At the top, and end of the trail, you can link up with the Ute Peak Trail #24, which is pretty tough to follow in places, but it's above treeline so you can mostly follow the ridge.