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
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