North Fork Swan River

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4.7/5 (58 reviews)
Breckenridge, Colorado (Summit County)
Last Updated: 07/01/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Camping Category Icon Camping
Forest Category Icon Forest
Iconic Category Icon Iconic
Mine Category Icon Mine
Rock Category Icon Rock
Snow Wheeling Category Icon Snow Wheeling
North Fork Swan River 4WD trail is one of the lesser known jewels of Summit County. The lower section offers a tight, rocky forest trail with loads of camping options and a few white knuckle moments. Above treeline, you'll find some excellent historical mining sites, and high alpine views that will take your breath away.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Over all, North Fork Swan River 4WD trail is a bit tougher than its sister, Middle Fork. They both offer tight, rocky forest roads, a taste of mining history, and epic alpine views. While Middle Fork's crux has a much more challenging optional rock climb, North Fork is rougher throughout and has a couple of unavoidable obstacles. The two trails together, along with a short section of Saints John Road, make a fine loop. Or either of them can be combined with Saints John or Deer Creek to connect Breckenridge to Montezuma. North Fork Swan can be done in a good, high-clearance, stock truck with a skilled driver. The tallest rock obstacle (at waypoint 5) can be bypassed by narrower rigs, but full size trucks will have to clear the 18" rocker panel biter. Full size trucks will also need a bit more nerve to get through the V-notch (waypoint 6). And, naturally, wet or snowy conditions will bump up the difficulty a notch or two for everyone. Note: The .gpx track offered here takes the easiest route. As noted in the waypoint descriptions below, there are some more challenging lines that will deviate a bit, but should end up back on the track after the obstacle. Enjoy the challenge, but please stay the trail! Cellphone signal will be spotty to nonexistent throughout this trail. The nearest emergency room is at St. Anthony Summit Medical Center (970-668-3300), located just off CO-9 south of Frisco. Summit County Sheriff office (970-453-2232) is on CO-9 in Breckenridge.

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (58)
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3000
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/24/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Ran this today from Breck. Even though the trail has been made easier recently, I still would rate it a 4 due to the very top hill climb. I have never used my lockers for an entire section until now (6 years experience). I am not sure my 4runner would have made it up over the loose rocks if there was any moisture. Fun trail, just has some steep challenges in several places and a few bigger rocks. Be aware.
Open
Rated 2/5
Visited: 09/23/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Wow this was disappointing! This trail has always been a favorite of mine but the forest service really ruined this one. not sure the reason but the trail has been graded smooth with all real obstacles being removed. Very sad to see an excellent middle of the road trail ruined, the views are still great but just another boring bumpy trail now.
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800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/13/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

The down tree mentioned below was cleared. The trail is clear from trailhead to saints John. Water crossings are no deeper than 1ft.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/11/2023

Tree down on the trail between waypoint 4 and 5.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/29/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We enjoyed this part of the route from Breckenridge towards Montezuma and stopped at the mine waypoint 10 for lunch and could see the mountain goats up the hill towards waypoint 11. Great day if you like views after some steep climbing through forests.
Trail Review: North Fork Swan River - Bob Maloney
Trail Review: North Fork Swan River - Bob Maloney
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