Overview
Peak 8 sits at the top of the Breckenridge ski area. It only counts as a 13er since newer survey work added a few feet, putting it at 13,005 feet. This route walks up the ski runs from the Peak 8 base to the Vista Haus restaurant, then follows service roads and a broad ridge to the top.
It is Class 2 with no exposure. Most of it is grass and ski runs, with some scree and talus near the summit. In July and August the runs are full of wildflowers.
The round trip is about 5.4 miles with just over 3,100 feet of gain, usually 4 to 5 hours. It is a solid family hike if your kids can handle 3,000 feet of climbing.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be on top and heading down by noon.
Nothing hard. The last stretch is steeper with scree and talus.
Easy. Follow the runs to Vista Haus, a service road to the ridge, then the ridge to the top.
None reliable. Carry it.
Getting to the trailhead
Peak 8 Breckenridge
From I-70, take a Frisco exit and drive south on Highway 9 to Breckenridge. At the roundabout north of town, head west on North Park Avenue, which soon turns south. After about 0.7 mile, turn right (west) on Ski Hill Road and follow it up to the Peak 8 base.
Day parking at the base lot may not be allowed. If not, continue along Ski Hill Road in the direction of the Peak 7 base. Just past the Grand Lodge there is a small official trailhead lot.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Peak 8 Breckenridge. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →