Swett Ranch Loop

Swett Ranch Loop

Swett Ranch Loop hike was a quick morning hike before the forecasted storm hit. The loop can be ridden or even skied in the winter. This 6 mile hike was a pretty walk through the forest and around meadows past the historic Swett Ranch. Swett Ranch is on the National Register of Historic Places as an example of an early pioneer homestead. Oscar Swett homesteaded the family’s original claim in 1909 and raised 9 children there.

Starting at the Glendale Overlook we hiked down about half a mile to the starting of the loop. From here we turned right and continued around the historic ranch. We skipped the side trip to the ranch because they were branding cattle and I didn’t really want to see that. The hike is mostly on a rough road that narrows to doubletrack. There is an option to turn right when you are almost back to the meeting of the loop. Taking this trail would add on 3.4 miles each way, but get you out overlooking the gorge.

I like how quiet and remote this loop felt even though we were never that far from the highway. The forest is thick at the lower reaches of the loop with aspen, fir and pine trees everywhere. Higher up we passed through lots of sage, juniper, grasses, blue bells, paintbrush and ridiculous amounts of sweet smelling flowering bushes.

Fat raindrops started to fall the moment we reached the truck and we were relieved to escape the storm.

Bear Canyon Hike

I was a little nervous with a name like Bear Canyon, but it was a short, sweet 3 mile loop. We hiked out through meadows to an overlook of the gorge. There isn’t a whole lot to say about the hike other than check out the picture of the cicada!!!!!!