Elk Park (North) #113

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Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Hike-a-bike

The only reason you would try and ride the upper section of the Elk Park Trail is to connect you onto other trails as part of a long adventurous route. This trail has no endearing qualities that would otherwise entice mountain bikers, it is hard to follow in places, and it involves some hike-a-bike in both directions. There are plenty of rocks, stream crossings, confusing clearings and likely downed trees to negotiate. If you can stomach all of that, perhaps you'll enjoy the beautiful wilderness and solitude that the trail also provides.

Riding the trail from east to west from Beaver Creek would be easier as you have less elevation gain and only 1 big climb, however accessing this trail from the East is a huge undertaking in itself as you have to ride up the long and difficult Beaver Creek Trail. Riding the other direction from Lower Elk Park you would have 2 big climbs, one at the start and one at the end, but then you would be almost at the highpoint of Beaver Creek Trail, where you could then have a big long backcountry descent.

The junctions at the end of the trail are well signposted. The hardest part to navigate this trail is around clearings and meadows, or if deadfall is blocking the trail. Look for rock cairns around the clearings, and signs of cut logs through the trees, but also bring your GPS just in case.