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Breckenridge Bike Guide: Blair Witch Trail (video)

Overlooking the abandoned dredge lake near the start of Blair Witch trail on Tiger Road in Breckenridge.
Explore Summit file photo
Trail Fast Facts

Distance: 1.4 miles one way

Rating: Easy/advanced

Time: 30-45 minutes

Elevation: 9,639 feet

Type: Double/singletrack

Season: Early June
to September

Extensions: Colorado Trail, Horseshoe Gulch Trail,
Hay Trail

Parking: 2.5 miles up
Tiger Road at the Horsehoe Gulch/Tiger Dredge
parking lot

Found off Tiger Road in Breckenridge, the Blair Witch trail is one of several routes that spiderweb across the thickly wooded hillsides on both sides of the road. The road itself weaves past secluded neighborhoods and the Breckenridge Golf Club before turning to dirt, where it opens up to three mountain drainages teeming with jeep roads and Alpine meadows.

Like dozens of bike trails in Breckenridge, Blair Witch passes by abandoned dredges and other relics of the town’s mining past — spooky indeed. Early on, it also crosses paths with the fabled Summit County stretch of the Colorado Trail. The scenery is impeccable, with views of the lower Swan River Valley near the trailhead before leading to the serene, peaceful pine corridors of Horseshoe Gulch. Sadly, no one has come across the titular witch, but on a stunning ride like this, it’s easy to overlook everything except for the scenery and singletrack.

The trail has limited sustained climbing, but lots of tight twisty turns that will keep any rider on their toes. Riders must keep a heads up for the next bend, but the lack of dense trees allows you to see further up the trail.



Blair Witch is a south-facing trail and often dries out in time for late-May rides. But be wary of pooling water near the dredge pond and along dips in the singletrack. It’s also a popular stop for trail runners. Keep your eyes peeled when pedaling through the first mile of rocky blind corners, especially during weekends, which are often busy.

The out-and-back loop takes riders 3.3 miles through Horseshoe Gulch. From the Tiger Dredge trailhead on Tiger Road, pump past the pond and over dredge rock for about a half-mile along a windy, looping trail. The early section crosses two footbridges over the Swan River before heading slightly uphill to a brown metal gate.



From the gate, continue straight, crossing past the Colorado Trail and pump another 1 mile to a flat intersection buttressed by spurs. Take the left fork leading uphill. For the next 1.5 miles, you’ll be in the heart of Blair Witch as it twists and weaves through pine forests littered with deadfall.

The loopy singletrack eventually reconnects with the Colorado Trail at a “T” intersection. From there, turn left and descend for about 1 mile until reaching a river crossing. Bear right shortly after the bridge and return to home base at the trailhead.  

A short climb from the Tiger Dredge parking lot and you find yourself cruising past the Colorado Trail. An open valley is quickly replaced with a left turn back into the forest and the start of one of the twistiest and tightest trails in all of Summit County. Enjoy the fast and fun singletrack as you gradually build speed and race back down to the start of the loop on the Colorado Trail.

— Taylor Shelden


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