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Apex Park Tour

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.5 (256)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Golden
  5. Apex Park
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“This technical front range ride is only possible on even numbered days but it's worth the planning! ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

9.3

Miles

15.0

KM

100%

Singletrack

7,302' 2,226 m

High

6,169' 1,880 m

Low

1,651' 503 m

Up

1,651' 503 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Technical

All or portions of certain trails in Apex Park are directional by day. This route is for even numbered days only. Please see maps posted at trailheads for further information.

Overview

This route incorporates two of the best descending trails in Apex Park: Enchanted Forest and Apex Trail. Both of these trails are one-way downhill on even days and are hiker-only on odd numbered days, but when you're allowed to descend them, they are a ton of fun.

Need to Know

Once again, please observe the directional restrictions on odd numbered days.

Description

Start this ride from either parking lot and climb Apex Trail to Argos Trail. Argos Trail is a grind of a climb but there are some great views of Denver and Golden as you climb. At the top of Argos, turn right onto Pick N' Sledge. Continue climbing on Pick N' Sledge until you reach an intersection with Grubstake - stay left here.

Continue climbing Pick N' Sledge, which is still rocky and steep, until another intersection with Grubstake where you'll turn right. At this point, the trail enters the woods and the character changes dramatically. There are some very steep sections on Grubstake that are littered rocks and the dirt usually stays way better back here thanks to the aspect and tree cover. After the descent, pedal the mellow climb on Grubstake back to Pick N' Sledge and retrace your steps back to the top.

This time, take Sluicebox, which descends through a series of difficult, rocky switchbacks to a junction with Hardscrabble, and eventually Apex Trail. Turn right on Hardscrabble.

Follow Hardscrabble which offers a smooth connection to Apex Trail. Stay right onto Apex and get back on the pedals. Continue the fairly mellow climb all the way to the top of Enchanted Forest. Now the fun really begins.

Drop your saddle, open your suspension and let it rip. Don't be fooled, however, as Enchanted Forest has a few very steep climbs that intersperse the rapid descent. Eventually, you'll pop out at the bottom of Enchanted Forest at a junction with Apex Trail. Stay straight onto Apex and from here, it's all downhill.

Prepare yourself for steep rocky sections and lower grade, higher speed sections. This is a technical trail that will have the descend-happy riders grinning from ear to ear. Apex Trail terminates at the parking lot.

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Mountain Bike Association

Land Manager: Jefferson County, CO - Open Space Dept.

Shared By:

Brian Smith with improvements by Joe Kozlowicz and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 256 votes

#1

in Apex Park

#42

Overall
  4.5 from 256 votes
5 Star
57%
4 Star
34%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Apex Park

#9

in Colorado

#42

Overall
158 Views Last Month
78,775 Since Dec 15, 2014
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Photos

The biggest drop on Enchanted Forest. There is a bypass to the right
Apr 18, 2017 near Genesee, CO
Putting the Wyatt fatbike through the paces in Colorado!
Jan 17, 2017 near Golden, CO
The rock chute on Argos.
Jul 9, 2021 near Golden, CO
Enchanted forest in early summer.
Oct 8, 2015 near Genesee, CO
The ROOTS! The last section of Enchanted is full of big gnarly roots.
Apr 18, 2017 near Golden, CO
Enchanted forest is all about ripping through the trees!
Sep 16, 2016 near Genesee, CO

17 Comments

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 24 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 3, 2024
Jason Atwell
Aug 22, 2024
Jack Nichols
10mi
Jul 10, 2024
Patrick Burns
Despite the crowds, this is not the best the region has to offer. A nice climb, followed by lots of pedaling to get back down.
Jul 9, 2024
Nolan Payne
May 30, 2024
Nathan McDonald
first time on Enchanted Forest. had to walk some features, especially the rocky buts with several consecutive small drops. first time on a black tr…
May 20, 2024
Reed Greisen
Sep 23, 2023
Levi Roberts
Sep 12, 2023
David Rapp
15.6mi — 3h 10m

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