The CT Series is a special series of hiking articles about the Colorado Trail (CT) that runs from May through October. The CT is a unique and well maintained continuous trail, spanning 485 miles from Denver to Durango. The Colorado Mountain Club Guidebook to the Colorado Trail is an indispensable tool for planning and executing trail excursions. The book divides the CT into 28 segments of varying length. The Colorado Trail Foundation website (coloradotrail.org) also has a ton of useful information.

Snowy Summit County is the heart of Colorado ski country, and during winter and beyond the peaks and ridges surrounding this CT section are likely to have a healthy blanket of snow. This route is a classic “upadowna” with the first half a steady climb of about 1,000 feet, then a steady drop of 1,000 feet, then turn around and repeat the process. Trailhead access is relatively easy via mostly paved Tiger Road connecting to North Fork Swan River Road.

From Highway 9 north of Breckenridge, drive east on Tiger Road for about seven miles to FS Road 354 aka North Fork Swan River Road. Turn left and drive about a half mile to a large parking area for the trailhead at a lofty height of about 10,000 feet. Continue walking up the road for about 100 yards to where the CT crosses the road and cut left onto the trail along an old road that heads northward. The path crosses a creek and some wet areas then climbs steadily for about three miles, cresting at over 11,000 feet.

The trail hovers along the top of the ridge for about a mile, where Gray Jays might cruise by to investigate the two-legged creatures invading their high altitude hangout. After this brief section of relatively flat terrain the trail drops precipitously down an extended series of switchbacks. After about another 2.25 miles and a drop of about 1000 feet intersect Red Trail at the bottom of a drainage.

Find a nice spot for a lunch break to prepare for a “rinse and repeat” cycle on the return trip, going up and then back down again over the 6.5 miles or so back to the trailhead. Along the way snowy alpine ridges and the jutting features of 13ers Mount Guyot and Bald Mountain enhance the landscape. The hiking day also ends well with a scenic drive out along Tiger Road and the Swan River Valley, with the impressive Tenmile Range lining the horizon to the west.

Joe LaFleur has lived in Woodland Park since 2016 and has logged about 200 miles of the Colorado Trail from Denver to the Salida area. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.