Curtain Ponds sit in a scenic alpine pocket of Summit County, Colorado, offering visitors a quiet retreat surrounded by towering peaks and dense subalpine forest. Located near the popular Breckenridge-to-Frisco corridor, these ponds reward hikers with panoramic mountain views and a sense of solitude that larger reservoirs in the area cannot match. Whether you are looking for a peaceful afternoon walk or a family-friendly nature outing, Curtain Ponds deliver on scenery without demanding a grueling backcountry trek.
The trail to Curtain Ponds is accessible for most fitness levels and sits right off a well-traveled path, making it a solid pick for families with children or anyone seeking a short hike with big payoff. In summer, wildflowers carpet the meadows and the surrounding peaks frame reflections across the water that photographers love to capture. Bring a picnic and settle in at one of the open areas near the shoreline for a relaxed lunch with a mountain backdrop that feels far more remote than it actually is.
Winter transforms Curtain Ponds into what visitors call a majestic winter wonderland. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes pass through the area, and the frozen ponds sit beneath snow-dusted ridgelines that draw landscape photographers from across the Front Range. The quiet winter setting is ideal for anyone looking to escape the crowds at nearby ski resorts while still enjoying Summit County's high-country beauty.
Curtain Ponds are not stocked for fishing and lack developed facilities, so plan to bring everything you need and pack it back out. Cell service can be unreliable in this drainage, so download trail maps before you head out. The ponds are best visited from late June through early October for summer conditions, or December through March for snowshoeing. Afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline in July and August, so an early start is always a smart move in Summit County.