Middle Fork Swan River

4.9/5 (72 reviews)
Middle Fork Swan River 4WD trail follows the river up its valley through picturesque pine forest and onto the high alpine tundra between Whale Mountain and Wise Mountain. From the high saddle, there are spectacular views, with Breckenridge Ski Resort visible to the west and the iconic Red Cone descent to the east.The Swan River Valley was ground zero for the second Summit County gold and silver rush in the 1880s. Many popular 4WD trails now follow the routes established by prospectors' mules a... Read More
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Highlights of Middle Fork Swan River

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Camping Category Icon Camping
Forest Category Icon Forest
Ghost Town Category Icon Ghost Town
Iconic Category Icon Iconic
Mine Category Icon Mine
Rock Category Icon Rock
Scenic Category Icon Scenic
Highest Elevation
12629 ft
Shape of Trail
Straight Through
Typically Open
05/20 - 11/23
Best Direction
East
Official Trail Name
6, 6.2, 5.1
Nearest Town
Breckenridge
Nearest Services
Breckenridge
Management Agency
White River National Forest
District
Dillon Ranger District

Overview

Middle Fork Swan River 4WD trail follows the river up its valley through picturesque pine forest and onto the high alpine tundra between Whale Mountain and Wise Mountain. From the high saddle, there are spectacular views, with Breckenridge Ski Resort visible to the west and the iconic Red Cone descent to the east.

The Swan River Valley was ground zero for the second Summit County gold and silver rush in the 1880s. Many popular 4WD trails now follow the routes established by prospectors' mules and heavy ore carts. Middle Fork Swan River connects to several of these trails, including North Fork Swan River, Deer Creek, Saints John, Georgia Pass, and SOB Hill. These trails can be combined into various loops offering a full day of fun near or above the treeline.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Guide Overview
19 Waypoints
59 Trail Photos
2 Trail Concerns
72 Community Reviews
1 Video
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