Hahns Peak Lookout

Views from Hahns Peak’s 10,839 foot summit make a drive to the Steamboat Lake area rewarding. The summit is an easier hike than it would first appear. You’ll be treated to spectacular 360 degree views of the Routt National Forest and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, as well as north all the way into Wyoming. You can also explore boulder fields and discover a great variety of wildflowers/berries. Please respect the trail, as it actually is private property.

NOTE: Start the hike early in the morning to avoid afternoon electrical storms, and avoid the top at all costs if storm clouds move into the area or if you see lightning even in the distance.

The start of the hike is an old jeep trail, splitting shortly after the trailhead; one trail heading left and downward, the other to the right (straight) and elevating. Turn right at this junction. After traveling a short distance, on the right a hiking trail veers off of the jeep road. This is the #1158 trail that will take the user to the top of Hahns Peak. Once through the forested area, the trail consists of loose, volcanic rock. Be careful not to slip or send rocks tumbling downhill. At the peak sits an old fire lookout tower, having been constructed in 1912 and reconstructed in 1942. It has not officially been used since the 1950’s and it is listed on the Colorado Inventory of Historical Places.

– USFS Overview