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Print Friendly MapThe Swan Mountain Recpath is a scenic, windy route along the eastern edge of Dillon Reservoir in Summit County, Colorado. Running uphill from Keystone's Summit Cove neighborhood to the Sapphire Point Overlook, the trail is a strenuous challenge. However, those who make it are rewarded with stunning views of the lake and the adjacent Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges from the overlook at 9,500 feet—as well as the prospect of a satisfying descent back to Summit Cove.
Alternatively, trail users can continue south on Swan Mountain Road to reach the Farmer's Korner neighborhood of Frisco, where the Frisco-Farmers Korner Recpath and Blue River Recpath meet. The road has been upgraded with a climbing lane for cyclists heading north; those heading south have to carefully intermingle with car traffic. Eventually, the Swan Mountain Recpath will continue south alongside the road, completing the Summit County Recreational Pathway System's impressive paved loop around Dillon Reservoir.
At US 6 in Summit Cove, head east on the Snake River Recpath to access the popular Keystone Resort and its Lakeside Village and Mountain House areas. Or travel west instead to reach Dillon, where you can consider taking a journey along the western and southern edges of Dillon Reservoir on the Dillon Dam Recpath.
Limited parking is available at the Sapphire Point Overlook on Swan Mountain Road, roughly halfway between Breckenridge and Keystone. Additional parking can be found at a trailhead for the Snake River Recpath on US 6, directly opposite Cemetery Road. Take the trail southeast a short distance from the parking lot to reach the Swan Mountain Recpath's northern endpoint.
This bike path is stunning and steep can be a rough ride if you’re not seasoned
The trail is well marked, and I felt safe on the shoulder even with traffic. Most of the cars have extra room anyway. Once I made it to the top I could proceed towards Keystone via some switchbacks, or turn around and fly down the highway. The pavement is of the highest quality. Highly recommended!
We rode our eBikes on this trail only to learn afterwards that eBikes aren’t welcome in this community. This being contrary to the bike friendly community signs posted along the roads and trails. (Colorado passed a law last year defining the classes of eBikes and our bikes fall into the category of Class I bicycles.) Unsure why this community doesn’t want eBikes on their trails. We were passed by multiple road bikers, without warning, traveling much faster than us. Despite the unwelcome attitude toward our bikes we did enjoy our ride, not much choice than to finish up once it we had gone so far. Ended up being a loop around Dillon Reservoir, all bike path except for small section of downhill road on Swan Mountain. Stopped for some lemon-aid from some enterprising little girls with a trail side lemon-aid stand.
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