Mesa Cortina Trail

From Coloradohikingtrails

Mesa Cortina Trail
The Mesa Cortina Trail is a pleasant hike through pine forests and meadows, with views of Lake Dillon and the surrounding peaks. Wildflowers in the spring and summer, golden leaves in the fall, and snow-covered solitude in winter make this a superb year-round trail.

Fast Facts
Distance(Miles):	2.7 miles one-way to Gore Range Trail
Trail Surface & Condition:	Dirt
Other Trail Users:	Dogs, mountain bikes, snowshoers and skiers in winter
Ownership:	National Forest
Best Seasons:	Year around with snowshoes/skis in winter
Type:	Out-and-Back
Beginning Elev (Feet):	9,200
Ending Elev (Feet):	9,440
Elevation Gain (Feet):	+420
Difficulty Rating:	6.2
Trailhead Coordinates:	Latitude: 39.62384 Longitude: -106.081917
Intersection with Gore Range Trail Coordinates:	Latitude: 39.637127 Longitude: -106.112132

Mesa Cortina Trail In Winter

Trailhead Information

Mesa Cortina Trailhead
Near To: Silverthorne, Dillon, Frisco, Colorado

Driving Directions To Trailhead From the Silverthorne exit (Exit 205) off Interstate 70, go north on Hwy 6, and almost immediately turn left onto Wildernest Road at the traffic light. Go 0.2 miles to Adams Road. Turn right (north) and almost immediately make a left (west) onto Buffalo Mountain Drive. Follow Buffalo Mountain Drive for 0.8 miles to the intersection with Lakeview Drive. Turn right (north) on Lakeview Drive and drive 0.4 miles to Aspen Drive. Turn left on Aspen Drive (Note: Google Maps lists this road as Royal Red Bird Dr., locally it is called Aspen Dr.). The Mesa Cortina Trailhead parking area is about 1/10 mile ahead on the right. No facilities.

Mesa Cortina Trailhead

Maps & Images Lat: 39.62384 Long: -106.081917

Street map from Google Maps or Yahoo! Maps

Satellite image from Google Maps or Microsoft Virtual Earth

Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA
Elevation: 9,200'

Trail & Hike Description

From the trailhead, the path begins a very gentle ascent through meadows and forested areas, skirting along the edge of Mesa Cortina, offering views of the surrounding peaks, Lake Dillon, and later of the Blue River valley below. A walk of a little less than a mile from the trailhead brings you to a sign marking the entrance to the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Shortly after the sign, the hike becomes more difficult, as it ascenda a series of switchbacks through the forest, ascending to about 9,620'. From here are views of Lake Dillon and the Keystone ski area to the south, and the Williams Fork Mountains to the northeast.

At about 1.7 miles the trail merges with an old road that comes in from the right (east), and begins a gentle descent towards South Willow Creek. Another mile brings you to South Willow Creek, where the Mesa Cortina Trail merges with the Gore Range Trail.

External Links & References