How does this work?
Breckenridge, Colorado, United States

Red Cone - Radical Hill &The Swan - Alpine Adventures

This is actually 3 trails ran together for a full day of adventure.

Viewed 4710 times
    This guide contains photos
 (1 vote)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 22 miles / 36 km
Duration: Full day
Family Friendly • Dog Friendly
 
Overview: Trail Ratings:
Red Cone - 5
Radical Hill - 6
Swan - 4
I would clasify as a class 5 if you plan to do Radical Hill and not take the Montezuma Bypass that section you better plan on a class 6 trail.

Season: Mid July - September be sure to check if it is open before heading up. Snow drifts hang around along time at that altitude and snow starts early.

From Hall valley follow the map to the Red Cone entrance. You will head up a valley that runs next to a creek a ways up.

If the trail is wet there are a few muddy areas before you reach the tree line.

Red Cone Mtn is awesome with the rolling ridge and views. Also have a look around for Mountain Goats that tend to be in the area.

After dropping down to Webster pass continue down to the junction marked on the map. Head West to go up Radical hill or go North to take the bypass.

The next ridge I think is just as good as the top of redcone.

Dropping back into the trees you will merge with Tiger Rd and this will drop onto Hwy 9 Just North of Breckenridge.

Be safe and keep the rubberside down.


Tips: TRAIL RATINGS-
5: Road surfaces are rutted, rocky and sandy with steps not exceeding 14". Water not exceeding 12" with some mud possible. Good vehicle approach and departure angles are helpful. Tall tires (33" plus) and traction added device (lockers, limited slips) are nice additions. Above average driving skills are desirable.


6: Roads are difficult with considerable erosion damage repaired just enough to be passable. Water in excess of 12" is possible with mud conditions. Steps not exceeding 24". Tall tires (33" plus) with traction added devices (lockers, limited slips) are recommended. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and ground clearance are helpful. Excellent driving skills are recommended.

Points of Interest

Information
map

Metal Gate

If this gate is shut the trail is closed.... no exceptions and do not try to go around. This trail is open July - September.
Information
map

Tundra Plains

Now at the altitude of 11,650 ft you will pop out of the tree line and enter a whole different type of terrain. Stick to the trail the grasses are fragile at this altitude.
Mountain
map

Red Cone

This is the highest point on this trip. Yep 12,801 ft!!!!!! How sweet is that there is a steel sign at the top great photo opportunity.
Information
map

Red Cone Descent

CAUTION!!! Very Steep and loose descent. Keep it in 4lo and take it easy.
Junction
map

Webster Pass

Elevation 12,114 feet

This gem of a pass is framed by Red Cone Peak on one side and Handcart peak on the other. From here heading north you will continue on towards radical hill.
Junction
map

Radical Hill Bypass

Radical Hill can have its challenges and it will vary year to year. If you choose not to do it (not for the new wheeler) there is a bypass. Head north at this intersection and you can follow the route to rejoin the trail at the top of Radical Hill.
Information
map

Rocky Draw

There is a short section that seems to have some boulders that move around a bit. Some years this is a breeze others it takes some planning and spotting.

DO NOT go over the steeper trail up over the hill with out the boulders. This is an illegal route the NFS has tried to shut down many times. If you cant make it through the boulders take the bypass.
Information
map

Tricky Switchback

This is the part of the trail that gives this trip a higher rating.... some years the ruts are small but I have seen them almost 3 feet deep. Good spotting and driving skills are needed for this little surprise right before the top. This pic is just before the switchback.
Viewpoint
map

Amazing View

There are two really nice spots to get some great pics up on this ridge. Both of them have the trail tracing the ridge and on a clear day you can see forever.
Viewpoint
map

View

This seceond view point is every bit as amazing as the first. Be sure to at least stop at one and take it in.
map

Dredge Tailings

These piles of rock are from the old boat dredges that run up and down the base of the valley up until the mid 1940s.
Animals/Wildlife
map

Mountain Goats

We always seem to see some mountain goats on this trip but they always seem to be on this hillside. Look for the oddball patches of white.
Information
map

Creek

This creek runs next to the trail for a bit if you look down you will see some small waterfalls scattered up and down the valley.
Information
map

Montezuma

The town of Montezuma consists largely of historical buildings and houses lining unpaved streets at the end of the paved county road that ascends the Snake River/Webster Pass from Keystone near the west side of Loveland Pass.
Pictures in this guide taken by: alpinespirit

Red Cone - Radical Hill &The Swan - Alpine Adventures Map


POIs: numbers | icons View large Map

Have an iPhone or Android?

  • Map your route while you move
  • Add trip photos to your map instantly
  • Share trips right from your phone
  • Find and follow trips from other travelers

Available For:
iPhone | Android

About the Author

alpinespirit
alpinespirit
4 guides
view alpinespirit's profile
Outdoors and responsible 4 wheeling are the best!!!!

Red Cone - Radical Hill &The Swan - Alpine Adventures 3 Day Forecast

Extended Forecast
Other Resources
How To Get There
Get directions from: