Grizzly and Cupid Peaks Hike

Route Description for Grizzly and Cupid Peaks Hike

The Grizzly and Cupid Peaks Hike is a challenging feat for even the most adventurous hikers, but it’s not impossible. In fact, we like that the elevation gain undulates as you traverse the trail, it’ll help you acclimate to the high altitude. This hike is demanding in sections, so make sure you wear appropriate footwear with traction to help you navigate the steep pass. Additionally, we recommend wearing layers and expect inclement weather at the summits.

Though this adventure is only a day hike, ensure to bring plenty of snacks and water to keep hydrated and energized as you navigate the difficult terrain. Furthermore, microspikes and hiking poles might come in handy as you ascend and descend steep rocky screes and snow dusted summits.

The Grizzly and Cupid Peaks Hike is unique in that it can be enjoyed year-round. Trade your hiking boots in for snowshoes in the winter season and you are good to go. Note this trail is very exposed so be prepared for some windy conditions over the pass. Though the exposure often denotes inclement weather, it also means that there are zero view obstructions. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Continental Divide, neighboring snow-dusted peaks and lush forested valleys below.

Depart from the Mount Sniktau parking lot and track northeast on the Mount Sniktau Trail. Continue east on the trail as it ascends up the alpine tundra terrain. Shortly after your departure from the trailhead you will meet an intersection, here turn right onto the Grizzly Peak Trail.

Follow the Grizzly Peak Trail as you ascend the rocky ridge to Cupid Peak. As you near the base of Cupid Peak the route will get steep and you will have to maneuver a rocky scree up to the summit. From the summit, bask in the beauty of the Colorado landscape. See Barker Mountain in the east and Mount Sniktau in the north. Enjoy the vista before continuing south down the saddle to Grizzly Peak.

Follow the Grizzly Peak Trail down the rocky vale before beginning your final ascent. Navigate the steep, and most likely snow packed terrain with microspikes and poles up to the highest, and final summit of this excursion. Summit Grizzly Mountain and revel in the scenery. Cupid Peak will be in the north, and dumbfounding sights of the incredible Torreys and Grays Peak will be in the southeast.

Also, in the south you will see the small Chihuahua Lake below. Revel in the impressive postcard-esque vistas before beginning your return back to the trailhead. Simply retrace your steps all the way back to the parking lot.

Trail Highlights

Grizzly Peak

The Front Range’s Grizzly Peak stands at 4,094 m. The Grizzly Peak is one of Colorado’s 13ers and is nestled between the Clear Creek and Summit counties on the Continental Divide. Surprisingly, the Grizzly Peak is not the only peak so named in Colorado. There are actually four other Grizzly Peaks and a Grizzly Mountain in Colorado… not very original am I right? The Front Range’sGrizzly Peak ranks 5th in elevation compared to the six other namesakes.