Argentine North Fork Access Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This trail/road starts NE of Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, just NE of the turn off for the last parking lot. There is also a CDOT Building right by the start of the trail. There are no official trail markings or signs.

I hope you already warmed up because this trail starts going steep uphill right away. The grade is not only steep, but the road is full of very loose rock. If this isn't for you, turn back now, it only gets steeper and looser! High mountain air and meandering wooded streams try to help you block out the pain in your legs and thin air in your lungs.

Grind through a few switchbacks until you reach the top of the Black Mountain Express and the Black Mountain Lodge. You are now just over 1 mile and 500 feet from where you started. If you hit this on a Friday or Saturday afternoon, you'll most likely see a wedding at the Black Mountain Lodge. Don't run over the bride!

From Black Mountain Lodge--you guessed it--keep climbing, but enjoy the epic views of the east wall of A-Basin, including Lenawee Peak. It gets steeper and looser from here. The road is completely rideable, but mere mortals will likely require a rest stop or two or Hike-a-Bike. After another 1.5 miles and about 1000 feet of climbing, you reach the top!

Enjoy vast views while you catch your breath. From here, Catch the Lenawee Trail (recommended), or head back down the way you came.