Summit County, CO

Tenmile Rec Path: Copper to Frisco

Google Street View

The Tenmile Rec Path that runs between Copper Mountain and downtown Frisco is one of the more popular recreational paths in Summit County. This is also a unique one, as the Summit Stage bus runs between the two towns (seasonal), allowing for a one-way run! This is a scenic, paved multi-use trail roughly following I-70 along a former rail line for 8.2 miles. There are some terrific mountain views, and the path is hidden from the highway in spots by thick stands of lush aspen groves (really pretty in fall!). This trail is also considered the lower portion of the 14.2 mile Vail Pass route.

The more popular way to run this trail is to start at Copper and enjoy the gradual downhill, losing ~1,000 feet over its 8 miles. It’s 6.7 miles to the Mount Royal trailhead lot off Main St. in Frisco, and another 1.2 miles (also called the Temple Trail in this section) to St. Anthony Summit Hospital, and the Frisco terminus of the Blue River Bikeway trail to Breckenridge.

Add-Ons: The iconic 14.2 mile Vail Pass multi-use path (Ten Mile Canyon National Recreation Trail) begins at the Copper trailhead of the Tenmile Rec Path. In Frisco, can connect to the Blue River Bikeway to Breckenridge.

Essentials
  • Up to 8.2 miles (13.2 km)
  • Gradual downhill from Copper to Frisco; From Frisco to Copper, the gain is ~1,000 feet
  • Copper: Near Day Use parking lots; Frisco: West end of Main Street just outside of the Mount Royal trailhead
  • Parking: Day Use parking lot at Copper; Frisco: Mount Royal trailhead lot. Also note the Summit Stage bus!

Comment on this Route/Share a Photo!

Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!

Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
  • Up to 8.2 miles (13.2 km)
  • Gradual downhill from Copper to Frisco; From Frisco to Copper, the gain is ~1,000 feet
  • Copper: Near Day Use parking lots; Frisco: West end of Main Street just outside of the Mount Royal trailhead
  • Parking: Day Use parking lot at Copper; Frisco: Mount Royal trailhead lot. Also note the Summit Stage bus!