Near Swampy Pass Trail Out and Back
Aspen Forest
Near Swampy Pass Trail Out and Back
Scenic view.
Near Swampy Pass Trail Out and Back
More Aspens!
Near Swampy Pass Trail Out and Back
Swampy Creek Crossing on Swampy Pass Trail.
Near Swampy Pass Trail Out and Back
Trail in the trees.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Swampy Pass Trail Out and Back

4.7 (3 Ratings)
A long stroll in one of the most incredible aspen forests out there.
11.1
mi
Distance
1,875
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
ViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
11.06mi
Distance
1,875ft
Elevation Gain
1,875ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
10,310ft
High Point
9,003ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
This trail is close to 12 miles long with about 1,700ft of elevation gain. You'll spend a lot of time on this route walking through beautifully lit Aspen forests. And if that wasn't a sweet enough treat, the understory is full of veratrum, delphinium, and other flowering species. There are tons of wildflowers and expansive views at the beginning of this trail. There are some short sections of uphill, but the trail is not very steep throughout. There are around 10 stream crossings, some easier than others, but they all have a path that can be found through broken logs and partially submerged rocks. Due to the abundance of trees, there is a mix between shade and sun. In the last mile or so, the trees are more sparse and there is more sun shining through. This lack of trees gives some pretty good views of the anthracites. There are also places to camp along the trail if you're looking for a night out. The trail intersects with another trail at the end so if you're really enjoying the walk, you can keep going before turning back towards Ohio Creek Road.If you're looking for a really lovely long walk in the woods, this is the trail for you. Whether it's wildflowers in the summer or changing leaves in the fall, this is a beautiful trail no matter the season.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Mount Emmons Summit Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Mount Emmons Summit Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.25 mi
+3,019 ft
Lake Irwin Loop Trail

Hike Route

Lake Irwin Loop Trail

Lake
easy
1.65 mi
+47 ft
Beckwith Pass Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Beckwith Pass Out-and-Back

Views
moderate
4.76 mi
+1,126 ft
Dark Canyon Trail Point to Point

Hike Route

Dark Canyon Trail Point to Point

Fall Colors
moderate
13.99 mi
+1,836 ft
Horse Ranch Park Loop

Classic Hike Route

Horse Ranch Park Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
5.46 mi
+1,519 ft
The Scarp Ridge Traverse

Hike Route

The Scarp Ridge Traverse

River/Creek
strenuous
10.46 mi
+1,996 ft
Contributors
Ashley Peterson