Trail Overview

Most people start on the southern leg, about 5 miles south of Fairplay. Doing the loop, plus Lamb Mountain is 20 miles.The main loop of Browns and Breakneck Passes is mostly in the trees. There are groves of aspen on each end of the loop. The southern leg is extremely narrow, and there are long stretches where it is difficult to pass an oncoming vehicle.The western spur toward lamb Mountain rises into the tundra and affords a great view of Horseshoe Gulch. This is the most interesting part of the trail - do not miss it.

Photos of Browns & Breakneck

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Difficulty

Narrow Sections

Technical Rating

Dave H

Nov 22, 2025

Open

Eastbound from trail 175 going up, trail 176 was rutted, rocky, slippery and narrow. It was tight and a challenge for my stock FX4, even with BFG’s. I’d say the rating was more of a 6 than a 3.

Mandy Winefeldt

Oct 07, 2025

Open

Gretchen p

Sep 20, 2025

Open

Doug Strahm

Sep 18, 2025

Open

Dry conditions but very little dust. Breakneck trail has been rerouted to bypass constant wet area at intersection with FR173. This reroute also eliminates access to FR173 as it requires transiting the muddy area. Breakneck is gated off at intersection with Brown’s Pass forcing traffic onto Brown’s to continue travel. Excellent color along the Breakneck section.

Mike Mills

Jun 20, 2025

Open

Drove Breakneck to Browns today to cross off a 30 year bucket list item. Completely open and very dry. The trail is tight in many spots with loose rocks. The trail rating is mostly accurate but it may be slightly harder depending on the direction traveled. The climb up to Browns is a bit steep with smaller loose rocks and ruts in spots. Definitely something a stock high clearance 4x4 can handle though. Didn’t get any pictures unfortunately due to traveling with a sour wife and two car sick dogs.

Eamon Dillon

Jun 19, 2025

Open

Did this in a stock 4Runner. Limited camping sites available that we could find but we stuck to the main pass and did the water crossing. Left water crossing was deeper, probably up to 18 inches, right was probably mid wheel.

Brad Schlegel

Jun 19, 2025

Open

Went up Browns and came down breakneck. Beautiful day with great views. Was warned that trail would be too hard for stock bronco, but had no issues.

Steve Campbell

Jun 06, 2025

Open

Patrick Gallegos

Sep 21, 2024

Open

Kevin Frier

Jun 26, 2024

Open

our trip was fun! I suggest that you drive the breakneck pass road to camp. we did not find any camping spots at the Browns Pass road. this is a very rocky area with steep hills, you will be engaged in 4Lo all the way on Browns Pass. there are many off shoots you can take. one is a huge loop around that takes you too peerless mine. there are 2 water crossings, one is easy on the right, the left water crossing, the water comes over your hood so don't be deceived. its a very nice area! I recommend it!

Dakota Thomas

Jun 26, 2024

Open

Austin Johnston

Apr 02, 2024

Open

Mike T

Aug 20, 2023

Open