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Relentless climb followed by a technical, fast descent.


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8.0

Miles

12.9

KM

95%

Singletrack

7,538' 2,298 m

High

5,688' 1,734 m

Low

1,853' 565 m

Up

1,853' 565 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

A fun way to ride Chimney Gulch Trail from Golden. Climb a grueling 1,800 feet in 4 miles to the top, then fly down one of Golden's most underrated downhill trails. Encounter rocks, roots, and flowy singletrack as you enjoy 1,800 feet of uninterrupted downhill back down into Golden.

Need to Know

This trail can be very busy. For a less interrupted ride, try midweek or dawn/dusk.

Description

Start this ride from the Lions Park area and continue along the bike path until you reach the Chimney Gulch Trail. Get comfortable in the saddle as you prepare for 1,800 feet of nonstop climbing. You'll encounter lots of challenging rock gardens, steep sections, and seemingly impossible stair steps.

After the steep switchback section, you'll top out at a private driveway, follow the signs for Chimney Gulch Trail. Climb a steep section of trail and up a rock garden to reach Lookout Mountain Road. Cross the road here and continue on Chimney Gulch Trail for more uphill abuse!

When you reach the top of Chimney Gulch Trail, you'll cross the road and head over towards the Windy Saddle parking lot. Continue biking up the Lookout Mountain Trail. You'll pass intersections for the Beaver Brook Trail and Buffalo Bills Grave. Stay on the Lookout Mountain Trail, as these trails are hiker only. Reach the top of Lookout Mountain Trail and take in the views before your descent.

Be mindful of hikers and other trail users on the way down! Be sure to yield to everybody on your way down. Don't give mountain bikers a bad name by having bad trail etiquette!

History & Background

More info here.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter Swanson with improvements by FunHater and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 24 votes

#1

in Golden

#954

Overall
  4.1 from 24 votes
5 Star
42%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Golden

#220

in Colorado

#954

Overall
30 Views Last Month
7,014 Since Jan 14, 2019
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
17%
78%
4%

Photos

Rocks and roots.
Jun 22, 2019 near Golden, CO
Sending it on lower Chimney Gulch Trail.
Jan 14, 2019 near Golden, CO
Newly improved thanks SPOT bikes and Golden Giddyup Crews
Aug 25, 2018 near Golden, CO
One of the many rock gardens along Chimney Gulch
Aug 25, 2018 near Golden, CO
Chimney Gulch includes its fair share of technical challenges on top of 2K feet of climbing.
Sep 24, 2016 near Golden, CO
Nice flow just off the topout of Lookout Mountain Trail.
Jun 22, 2019 near Golden, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 69 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 14, 2025
Anonymous
Incredibly difficult climb. Long and flowing descent with natural hits. Berms are in good shape 8mi
Jul 27, 2025
Brandon Douglass
Mar 29, 2025
Jackson Nupp
All clear conditions, good to ride. A few damp spots but nothing muddy or snowed over
Sep 13, 2022
Ryan MD
Jun 28, 2022
Jamey Mossengren
Jun 19, 2022
Ryan Capp
Sep 27, 2021
Reed Harrington
Road up, trail down 8mi
Aug 29, 2021
John Holland
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