Fishers Peak Parking Lot to Summit - Out and Back

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A trail to the summit of the iconic Fishers Peak. This trail is part of Colorado's Fishers Peak State Park (est.) 2023. This route is the most direct trail to the summit. From the parking lot head up the Challenge Trail section to the "hub" then on the Fishers Peak Trail to the summit. The Fishers Peak Trail trail is identified by sections. Osita Ridge, Shady Forest, Stone Guard, Peak Approach Trail, Summit Loop Trail.

There is a $10 daily parking fee unless you have one of the various Colored State park passes. There are NO Water Sources on this trail. Bring plenty of fluids! Be aware of wildlife closures. Mountain Bikes are allowed on the trail to the green gate (beginning of Stone Guard section).

The grade of the trail is runnable in many sections. There are loose rocks in many spots.

From the parking lot stay on the Challenge Trail (gravel road) for 1.3 miles and 736 feet of elevation gain to the "hub" and central point where three singletrack trails come together. From here the tail is singletrack. Take the Fishers Peak Trail, Osita Ridge Section, to an intersection with the Osita Point Trail. (~3.8 miles from start) At the intersection, there is a sign noting the final distance and what to expect.

Continue on to the Fishers Peak Trail - Shady Forest Section. At the end of the Shady Forest Section (~5.5 miles from start) there is green gate. Note: This gate is locked from March 31 to July 31 for wildlife closures falcon nesting. The next section is called the Stone Guard Section. Note: The last 150 yards of the Stone Guard Section is on private land and is well marked to Stay on the Trail.

The next section is the Summit Approach Section. This is the most technical and steep section of the route. There are several areas where the trail is narrow and close to steep drop-offs. Don't be tempted to go out on out crossings for selfies! The rock looks unstable in many spots.

To get to the summit, there is a narrow chute to scramble through to get to the Summit Loop. The Summit is a loop that circumvents the table top of Fisher's Peak. Stay on the trail! The plants at on the summit are sensitive high altitude flora. To return reverse the route. Note: when you get back to the "hub" you can elect to take one of two trails back to the parking lot.

The trail goes through several different zones as the elevation changes. At the lower level there is cactus, pinion, cedars, and dry grass. From there you'll encounter scrub oak and different species of evergreens (pine, spruce) then to some aspen and more scrub brush. Small wildflowers are scattered along the route. There are deer, elk, bear, and bobcat and various bird species.

This area was private land for many many years with no access to the anywhere near the peak. You can read about the history of the area on the The Nature Conservancy website. nature.org/en-us/about-us/w…