1.3 km away
Royal Gorge Rim
Hike along the rim of the 1,250-foot-deep Royal Gorge.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 230 m
- Descent
- 230 m
The easiest way to the top of Fremont Peak.
Hiking Difficult
Fremont Peak rises to a height of 7,233 feet above sea level, towering over Canon City (5,331 feet) below. While this desert peak is of modest elevation compared to the nearby major mountain ranges, it does form the high point of a jagged ridge rising above the Royal Gorge, known as the Gorge Hills.
"A visit to this peak is a pleasantly invigorating desert outing with knock-out views," writes Sarah Simon on SummitPost.org. From the top, you'll enjoy stunning views of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Range, Pikes Peak, the Royal Gorge directly below you, and the Royal Gorge Bridge shining in the sunlight.
The route shown here is the shortest and easiest way to reach the summit of Fremont Peak. The hike begins from the East Ridge Trailhead in the Royal Gorge Park by traversing fairly mellow singletrack trails, with occasional views into the gorge itself. You'll enjoy the beautiful pinon pines, stunning views of the gorge, and the incredible high desert landscape that surrounds you!
While most of the hiking along this route is quite easy, the final push to the summit of Fremont Peak is much steeper, following a loose, narrow, switchbacked trail to reach the summit. The final stretch pushes the FATMAP difficulty rating to "Difficult," although it does toe the line with "Severe," but only briefly. Most reasonably fit hikers will have no problem with this ascent.
After you're done enjoying the views from the summit, you can return to your car via the same path or add in some bonus miles to form a loop by using the Canon Vista trail.
Difficult
Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.
1.3 km away
Hike along the rim of the 1,250-foot-deep Royal Gorge.
Moderate Hiking
3.9 km away
The Hogbacks trails can be accessed easily from downtown Canon City, providing incredible views over the city and the mountains beyond.
Severe Hiking
4.3 km away
Fremont Peak: the hard way.
Difficult Hiking
4.3 km away
An easy but beautiful hike into the Royal Gorge.
Easy Hiking
4.5 km away
An easy but scenic hike through the lower Hogbacks area.
Easy Hiking
9 routes · Hiking