Tiger Road and Golden Horseshoe Trail System (North/Middle Fork Swan River) - Breckenridge, CO
The Trail: Quick Stats
Distance: varies depending on which trails in the system you complete.
Time to ride: If on an ATV/UTV, allow 2-3 hours for stop-offs and photos. If on a dirtbike, allow 2 hours with photo stops.
Elevation Gain: 9,400-11,000 feet
Sites/Views: several old mining areas, cabin on top of the pass, mountain goats!
Best Time to Ride: June through early October.
There are many beautiful trails and forest roads accessible via Tiger Road in Breckenridge. This is a great spot to camp for a weekend. There are old cabins, mining buildings, and waterfalls nearby. Riding can get busy in the summer, but never feels overly crowded once you get above treeline. Depending on the route you take, intermediate - advanced experience is recommended. There are large ruts, slippery gravel sections, and some very steep rocky uphills. Once you get above treeline, the route is much easier. There are many routes you can take and you are likely to see highly modified jeeps and Rzr’s at the top! We have seen mountain goats (and babies) up top 3/3 times we’ve ridden this trail. Returning below treeline is just as scenic. There are old cabins, waterfalls, ponds, and wildflower fields.
Check out this great map - want to buy the book for more trail info? Click here to be taken to Amazon!
Give yourself at least 2 hours to complete the standard loop with plenty of time thrown in this estimate for exploring. Keep an eye on your gas if you’re branching out to more forest roads.
To get here for camping from Denver: Follow I-70 W to CO-9 S in Summit County. Take exit 203 from I-70 W. Follow CO-9 S and Tiger Rd to North Fork Swan Road. Alternatively, enter these GPS waypoints -> 39°30'54.2"N 105°56'31.6"W. North Fork Swan Road will be on your LEFT as you drive up Tiger Road. To the right of your turn, you will see a large gravel pit. If you pass a dog kennel, you have gone too far.
North Fork Swan Road turns into a FR. You will ride past the 5th wheel campers on your right and go through a creek. Exploring the forest roads will take you above treeline, where you will be greeted with beautiful scenery. Be advised if you’re riding dirtbikes that there are a LOT of jeepers and UTVers on this trail and there are quite a few blind corners while you head to the top of the mountain.