Tenderfoot Loop

The Tenderfoot Loop offers a pleasant 3-mile hike with an elevation gain of 610 feet in Dillon, Colorado. It's a straightforward hike that showcases the natural beauty of the area without too much elevation gain and varied scenery.

You can park your vehicle at the trailhead along County Road 51 in Dillon or use the small parking lot at the trailhead. Start your hike by taking a left uphill onto the connector trail just past the trail sign. From there, make a right onto the Tenderfoot Upper Trail. The trail begins with a moderate uphill climb and then winds through an aspen forest for about 1.4 miles.

Around 0.9 miles in, stay straight at a junction, and as you reach the highest point of the trail, continue onto the Old Tenderfoot Trail. This section of the hike provides open views of Breckenridge Ski Area, Buffalo Mountain, Dillon Reservoir, and the Tenmile Range. It's a great spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

The trail also features many types of wildflowers, particularly on the southern part of the loop, adding some color to the already scenic views. As you approach the end of the loop, you'll have more expansive views to the north, including the Eagles Nest Wilderness. The hike descends a windy singletrack before joining a flat trail that sidehills along the slope until leading reaching the parking area.

This loop is commonly used by mountain bikers, and most of the trail is fairly smooth, non-technical, and gently graded. Although hikers generally have right-of-way over bikers, keep an eye out for bikers while on the trail. Also, check for the numerous wild raspberry bushes that grow along the trail for a mid-hike treat (berries ripen around mid August)!

You can choose to hike the loop in either direction, but going clockwise is recommended if you prefer tackling the elevation gain first and saving the best views for the end.