Swan River Section

The Swan River section of the Colorado Trail gives riders the opportunity to experience a section of the best that the 400+ mile long Colorado Trail has to offer plus a bonus singletrack downhill to boot! The trail runs through the Swan Valley drainage

The Swan River section of the Colorado Trail starts in thick pine forest along the Swan River and the North Fork of the Swan River. The ride then climbs steeply, almost 1000 vertical feet, on singletrack up to and above the tree line. Views become expansive in this area as the ride navigates through alpine meadows and drops into a smooth and fast singletrack downhill back to the valley.

Riders can access different roadways and trails to descend from this ride. There are several intersections along the way with gravel roadways and other trails. In this instance, a trail map is very handy and will eliminate confusion.

The Swan River Section of the Colorado Trail is multi-use so riders may encounter hikers, trail runners and other users and should follow right of way protocol when meeting other groups. The Colorado Trail is higher elevation and can experience sudden weather shifts, so riders should bring appropriate warm layers in anticipation of this. In addition, riders should be prepared with a stocked repair kit and a first aid kit.

From Breckenridge ride north along the bike path that parallels Highway 9 to Tiger Road. Head east on Tiger Road, past the golf course. Follow this roadway up and pay attention for signs to the left designating trail access for the Colorado Trail.