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Tour of Apex Park through multiple biomes with a good variety of terrain.


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Map Key

7.9

Miles

12.8

KM

83%

Runnable

7,339' 2,237 m

High

6,168' 1,880 m

Low

1,750' 534 m

Up

1,751' 534 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

51%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Magic Mountain and Enchanted Forest are both bikes only on EVEN days, no foot traffic. It is open to foot traffic and horses on ODD calendar days.

Overview

This run takes you through the best of Apex Park, starting with a tough climb up through Enchanted Forest. Hitting five different trails, this route winds through old growth forest, ponderosa pine, and meadows and has stunning views of the city from Grubstake Loop.

Need to Know

Wonderful facilities at the trailhead, including a filtered water bottle filler and clean toilets.

Lots of mountain bikers on this trail, so keep your head up around those turns and listen for the bells.

Get there early! This one is close to civilization and gets busy late morning.

Description

Starting at the Apex trailhead bypass, climb the rocky Apex Trail to the junction with Enchanted Forest. Continue on Enchanted Forest through dense forest and meadows on a climb that seems relentless in spite of a few magnanimous drops. This section of trail is less rocky, but there are roots and other foot-level obstacles to be mindful of.

Meeting up with Apex again, you get a reprieve as you descend to the mostly flat Hardscrabble Trail. Things get a little more challenging as you meet Sluicebox, whose switchbacks climb once again over rocky terrain. The downhill challenge begins at Grubstake Loop, which winds through ponderosa pine forest (Abert's squirrel spotted here, hence the name) and around Indian Mountain, finally climbing through wildflower meadows along the east facing ridge where you'll find spectacular views of Golden and Denver. This is the most exposed part of the entire route. The last leg is a gentle downhill on Argos Trail back to Apex Trail and the parking lot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Fedoroff

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 11 votes

#3

in Apex Park

#3481

Overall
  3.9 from 11 votes
5 Star
27%
4 Star
55%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
9%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Apex Park

#551

in Colorado

#3,481

Overall
36 Views Last Month
3,657 Since Jul 14, 2019
Intermediate Intermediate

8%
8%
42%
33%
8%
0%

Photos

Premium singletrack trail!
Sep 11, 2015 near Golden, CO
Looking back down the Apex trial after crossing  one of the bridges.
May 23, 2015 near Golden, CO
On this trip I was showing my man child a great hike. Enchanted Forest is awesome.
Apr 4, 2017 near Golden, CO
Snow covered trail leading into the Enchanted Forest area.
Mar 2, 2018 near Golden, CO
Apex Trail looking north
Jul 16, 2019 near Golden, CO
Views of South Denver early on Pick N' Slege.
Sep 11, 2015 near Golden, CO

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Check-Ins

Oct 19, 2024
Justin Rich
8.3mi — 1h 58m
Mar 26, 2023
Angela Delos Santos
Jun 25, 2022
Mary Cavalier
Aug 25, 2021
Chris Hunt
7.9mi — 1h 34m
Jun 22, 2021
Ashley Papa
Jun 21, 2021
Ashley Papa
Aug 30, 2020
Matt Church
Made a wrong turn which extended the run slightly. 8.3mi — 1h 19m
Jun 23, 2020
Matt H
7.9mi
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