Zirkel Circle
~3 days · 10.7 mi · easy · Loop
Quick facts
What the Zirkel Circle is known for
A classic loop in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, starting and ending at the Slavonia Trailhead (published at roughly 10.5-11.5 miles). The route climbs the Gilpin Trail through subalpine forest past Gilpin Lake to the high saddle junction, then returns down the Gold Creek Trail past Gold Creek Lake. Both lakes offer documented backcountry camping in Routt County, Colorado.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 27,546 ft to 35,338 ft over 10.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 5.1 mi · 49%
- Downhill 5.1 mi · 49%
- Flat 0.3 mi · 2%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Zirkel Circle?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Zirkel Circle scores 18/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Zirkel Circle take?
Most backpackers hike the Zirkel Circle in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 10.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Zirkel Circle?
The Zirkel Circle climbs roughly 2,477 ft total — about 231 ft per mile, topping out near 10,774 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.