Middle Fork of the Swan to Red Cone – Breckenridge, Colorado

Follow the track log from Breckenridge. The track winds through woods and up Humbug Hill. Eventually the trail comes to Highway #285. Then turn left to go to the trail head for Webster Pass Road. At the time of this trip in early July, Webster was still blocked by snow near Webster Pass. The track takes a right fork turn onto the Red Cone Trail.

This is a somewhat challenging climb through the trees. High ground clearance stock vehicles should be able to make it through Red Cone. The track breaks out of tree line at about 11, 700 feet. From here on the trail has some of the most spectacular scenery of any trail in Colorado. There is a long ascent on a road that is often on the crest of a ridge. At the top is a 360 degree panorama view of the Webster Pass Road descending into the town of Montezuma, Radical Hill Trail (which is the adopted trail of the Rover Riders 4WD Club), Webster Pass and Handcart Trail (which is also called Webster Pass Trail).

The top is small and will only accommodate 6 to 8 trucks at one time. You will now begin one of two very steep descents to reach Webster Pass. The beginnings of the descents start by edging your truck over an edge without being able too see the trail. Be sure to go as slowly as possible. I suggest stopping every few feet to be sure you are under control. Keep pointed straight down the hill. This is a safe descent if you go very slowly. The decent down Red Cone is very challenging and is the reason for my rating of the trail at difficult. Some areas are so steep it is almost impossible to walk up or down.

The last Red Cone descent ends up at the top of Webster Pass. Keep an eye out for the herds of mountain goats that frequent this area. In my opinion Red Cone is one of the most exciting trails in Colorado. Continue to follow the track log down Webster Pass road to Montezuma and on to Frisco, Colorado.