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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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10/04/2020
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Rating:
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Only ran from Montezuma SB to the rock ledge seen in waypoint #4. Was riding solo in a little trail width SXS, no lift or a-arm extensions, so didn't feel like risking it going too far. Road was rocky, completely manageable. High clearance stock 4x4s (Xterras, Wranglers, 4-Runners, Tacos) should be fine long as you don't act foolish. Some slopes were a little steep, but even a quad should be fine here with an experienced rider with no issues. Minimal traffic on the mountain, saw 3-4 other SXSs, couple of Jeeps, nothing else. Weirdly quiet for being that close to Denver in perfect weather on a weekend. If you OHV it from Montezuma, MVUM suggests you have to go a half mile up Saints John road before it's "legal," though I saw other people who just unloaded at the edge of town. There are a couple of large generous turnoffs on the switch backs you can park and drop ATVs once you're in the legal area. First half is pure alpine forest, really nice. Then once you're above the treeline it's full on tundra. It was ~60F for temps, but soon as the wind picked up I ended up throwing a flannel over my tank. Lots of great places with 360 degree views you can pull over, drop some chairs, and chill out if you don't mind the wind. As mentioned, please don't go off trail or mess with the collapsed mine ruins.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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10/03/2020
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Rating:
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Ran this south to north. Spectacular views from this trail. The hill climbs at WP 3 & 4 were easy driving, but spooky (blind summit!) for a novice like myself. My favorite trail so far.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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09/21/2020
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Rating:
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We took the family up this loop in a 2020 Toyota TRD Venture edition with a 2.5" lift (at this time) and it did great. We did the Saints John/ Deer Creek loop and it was breathtaking. You really can't buy that kind of entertainment. The first section by the cabins is rocky but it's to be expected., the switchback section going to the top is fun. There is one or two sections at the top where you are descending at a steep pitch with sharp corners at the bottom but isn't that why you offroad? This whole area (Montezuma) is awesome, take a couple hours and enjoy.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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09/18/2020
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Rating:
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Probably my new favorite trail to date. Camped out at 11,300ft. Amazing views even with the smoke. Connected to middle fork swan and SOB hill. Great day!
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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09/05/2020
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Rating:
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Ran the Deer Creek trail from Montezuma south. Ran the Saints John trail from south to north in a stock 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Trail was dry, and we didn't see any wild life. Nothing was too difficult. Deflated tires to 20 psi. My Jeep handled the challenging sections without issue. The worst part of the trail was after you enter the tree line before Montezuma. Trail was quite rocky. It was more of a nuisance than challenge. Fun loop. Fantastic views. Few others on the trail. Recommended.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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08/02/2020
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Rating:
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Drove this 8/2 with Stock 2019 Tacoma SR. Started from Middle Fork Swan River. Really good hill climb. Lots of fun with good views.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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07/19/2020
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Rating:
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The trail is now completely clear, from beginning to end. Awesome views at the top, though it's a bit rocky coming down into Montezuma, so watch your speed and lines. Ran into a herd of mountain goats near the trailhead, which was super cool. Great trail overall!
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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07/13/2020
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Rating:
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Overall a good trail, but due to some trail washout, it was slightly more challenging than I initially anticipated, otherwise, tons of amazing views!
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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07/01/2020
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Trail is blocked by a big snow field at the top. Will be a while before it melts. Photo is coming from North Fork of Swan River. Also, don’t be like whoever tried driving through it. Cut your losses and turn around before instead of through the snow.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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08/23/2019
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Rating:
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Did Saints John to Deer Creek in a stock 2008 FJ. Didn’t have a problem, but needed to take it nice and slow at times. Definitely recommend this loop. Can see Mount of the Holy Cross and plenty more from up top.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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08/09/2019
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Rating:
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Trail is clear as others have said . The views are a must see that's for sure.
We did it in 2 lifted subarus . Ran the trail back down deer creek trail .
All tho . I do not recommend .trying to take a stock subaru anynear this area ;)
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Author:
| Official Crew |
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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07/27/2019
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Rating:
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Drove up Deer Creek and Down Saints John today. The snowbank on the high tundra has receded and the trail is clear. The tracks out on the tundra are bad, but hopefully, they are dispersed enough that they will heal soon.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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07/23/2019
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Rating:
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Started the trail out of Montezuma. Trail was completely clear and open. Had a great time and no issues in a stock 2017 Wrangler JKU.
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Author:
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Status:
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Impassable
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Offroaded on:
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07/21/2019
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Rating:
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Started this trail from the top side and quickly found a large lingering snow drift blocking the trail. I saw 6 people drive around it and clearly enough people have driven around the snow drift that the illegal detour area is all torn up now. Please do not drive around snow drifts! It tears up the environment and the forest service closes roads because of it!
Technically this trail is still impassible unless you break the law and drive around the snow between waypoints 1 and 2. Please refrain from doing so. (Trail is on the left in picture).
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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09/22/2018
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Rating:
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Nice drive, the one rock shelf is a little tricky but it looks worse than it really is from below. If you take a short detour onto Middle Swan Fork you get on top of the mountains and get some amazing views! Cool mines. The colors are pretty bleak in late-September.
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Author:
| Official Crew |
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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08/03/2018
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Rating:
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Love this trail! Views are epic and there is something peaceful about being above timberline almost the entire trail. Keep your camera ready for frequent mountain goat sightings.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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07/04/2018
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Rating:
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Ran this on the 4th of July in a stock 4Runner Off-Road. Started in Montezuma up Sts. John road and then connected with Deer Creek to make a loop. Great drive that I was able to complete with no issues in the stock truck. There was one section on the big downhill (big uphill in this description) at the top that was a little difficult and maybe I wish I would have had rock sliders for, but with a careful line and taking it slow we were able to get through it. 100% open, only ran into about 5 other vehicles.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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06/25/2018
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Open and 100% snow free. Really beautiful day today. One other truck up there.
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Author:
| Official Crew |
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Status:
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Partially Open
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Offroaded on:
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10/08/2017
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Summit County has had a couple of snow storms now. Most trails that go above treeline are blocked with snow.
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Author:
| Official Crew |
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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08/20/2017
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We took our SxS up North Fork and looped around Saints John, Deer Creek, and Middle Fork. I guess since school has started the crowds are winding down. We only saw a handful of SxS's and and two trucks the whole day.
Even with some recent rain, the trails are pretty dry and sometimes dusty. Afternoon storms rolled in and made us nervous about lightning, but we only got a few sprinkles of rain.
Over all, a great day!
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Author:
| Official Crew |
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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07/15/2017
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Trail was open end to end and we ran this after running Hunkidori Mine. The views on this trail were breath-taking and Jen drove up above 12,000 feet for the first time. Great day on the trail.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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07/01/2017
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Trail is open. Wet in a few places. Great ride.
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Author:
| Official Crew |
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Status:
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Partially Open
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Offroaded on:
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06/24/2017
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Out of Montezuma, reports are that the road is open for a couple miles and then you run into avalanche debris. I did not verify these reports.
Coming from North Fork, there is a very large snow field across the entire trail just after waypoint 2. The snow is very slushy and less than a foot deep, so I wouldn't expect it to last more than a week or 2.
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Author:
| Official Crew |
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Status:
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Partially Open
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Offroaded on:
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05/21/2017
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We visited the northern (Montezuma) end of the trail. Another foot of snow was added last week. Snowmobilers have packed the snow pretty well, but I think it's deceiving. There's a fairly firm crust, but if you break through, there's a good 1-3 feet of soft stuff underneath. There were tracks about 20 yards in where someone did just that and looks like they had a tough time getting back out. I wouldn't try it.
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Author:
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Status:
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Open
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Offroaded on:
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07/31/2015
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This was the first trail we did on our trip, upon arriving in Colorado. We camped along this trail near a gorgeous lake. This trail has varying degrees of difficulty, but it is easy enough for a beginner to do as long as they go slow and ride the brakes when going downhill along some of the switchbacks. You pass several deserted mines and if you're lucky enough, you'll see a lot of wildlife.
