Climb Mount Royal
Frisco, Colorado
Description
Added by Austin Smith
A sub-peak of the 10 Mile Range's Peak One. Provides one of the best payoffs in Frisco - a panoramic view of all of Summit County. Easily accessibly, short, but sometimes mildly strenuous 3.5 mile (roundtrip) hike. Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet.
To access the trailhead, drive 4 blocks South to the end of 2nd Avenue from Frisco's Main Street. The trailhead is located around 9,075 feet.
Being a popular hike, the trail is clear in the summer months and usually populated by boot prints and snowshoe tracks in the winter. Follow the trail from the parking lot up the side of Mount Royal. About a half mile up the trail you will pass through the ruins of Masontown, a small mining community established in the 1860's. All of the structures from the community are gone, but plumes from the mine and scattered ephemera from the millworks can still be seen. From Masontown, there are three lengthy switchbacks to the top of Mount Royal, each between 100-200 yards long. Before the last switchback, you'll see a sign noting the directions to both Victoria Peak (another sub-peak of Peak One) and Mount Royal; take a right at this sign. The summit ridge is only another 120 yards from this point.
The trail terminates at the summit ridge, directly overlooking Highway 70 to the West. From this point you can scramble to gain views of the Gore Range to the North and the Front Range to the East. To descend, simply follow the trail back down the way you came. Typical times to ascend Mount Royal range from 45 minutes to 1 1/4 hours.
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Reviews
Easy to get to and easy parking. Many options from parking in town, overnight kayak parking, or the lot to the right directly off the highway. Fairly full parking lot when I got there a bit before 10 on a September Thursday, but saw no more than maybe 20 people on the hike up and then down. Typical CO, this is pretty much a solid climb up, especially once you get to the last turn before the intersection between Mt Victoria and Mt Royal. Did the climb in Chacos. Up was fine, but be sure to watch your footing on the way down as it's a ton of lose rocks, roots, and in general rocky terrian. Unfortunately, very few are considerate of the current mask regulations. From the top of Royal you see highway 70 and the surrounding pass. On the other side you got views of Swan Mountain and Keystone. Overall, solid hike to get the heart pumping and will do it again at some point to get to Mt Victoria and/or Peak 1
4.0
Did this on the way to the Tenmile Traverse from Frisco to Breck and was pleasantly surprised. Fall is definitely the best time to do it since you basically ascend a gully of Aspen trees. VERY steep, but the views on top are worth it!
4.0
It's pretty much straight up out of Frisco, but the views of Dillon Res are well worth the effort. Follow the obvious trail up steep switchbacks and hang a right after the intersection for Royal and Victoria. You'll summit at a massive pile of cairns, which provide a great view of I-70, but descend just a bit further to the tip of Royal and you'll be rewarded with an awesome panoramic view of Summit and surrounding peaks. Hang out long enough and you may be greeted by climbers topping out on Royal Flush, the multi-pitch rock face off of the I-70 side.
5.0
1st day on the mountains for our hiking vacation - good starter trail that got us in the "know" again. We parked at the main parking lot right off of 70 - it gave us a good walk to get warmed up before heading to higher ground. Trail boots were a must along with plenty of water. There are some areas that require some strong quads but otherwise the views were great, easy to find & peaceful. Thanks!!!!
5.0
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Nearby
Hike or Snowshoe to Rainbow Lakes
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Frisco to Vail through Hike
Hike Red Buffalo Pass, Frisco to East Vail
Sunset Shots at Lake Dillon
Hike to Old Dillon Reservoir
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