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MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	36 trail reviews
Status: Needs Maintenance updated 1/9/12 by mathicks	Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 8 miles	Global Rank: #361
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Network
Ridden: 313	Wishlist: 104
Avg. Speed: 5.62 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 4min
Elevation Gain/Loss: +3,726/-1,877 ft
1 trail check-ins

 

Vail Mountain in Vail

 

Bergen Peak in Evergreen

 

Buffalo Creek in Pine

 

Hall Ranch in Lyons

 

  
reviewed by Phrozien on October 30, 2011

Pick and Sledge is still dry, everything else is mud and snow

  
reviewed by speeedracer27 on September 9, 2011

Challanging climb to Lookout Mountain. Be aware that the trail runs in one direction depending on the day of the week. One you start the climb there's no going back. Lots of technical rock sections. Make sure to have plenty of water, a clif bar and, enjoy the views!

  
reviewed by davefourtwenty on August 30, 2011

This ride has a very nice climb at the beginning that is rewarded with a nice downhill back to the parking lot. While most of the trail is fairly smooth single track, there are a couple of areas that add some excitement with moderate technical sections that are all ridable for the average rider.

Similar Trail: White Ranch, Red Rocks

  
reviewed by sspragu3 on July 2, 2011

Fairly technical trail overall. Always a good workout, all though the new Argos trail makes the initial climb easier. A great trail if you are lucky enough to ride it during off times, as crowds are always a concern.

  
reviewed by sweetlivin on June 13, 2011

This was my first ride in CO after moving to Denver from Western PA and was probably a perfect pick for my experience level. I ascended the hard pack up the right side from the beginning and it was a really nice workout. Eventually worked my way back down Sluice-Box to meet up with the Apex trail in the gulch. I decided to ascend Apex and ride down through Enchanted Forest. This is the easier route. Ascending the Enchanted Forest is very techinical. Hell, descending it can be pretty technical. It is rocky and I ate sh*t at one point going over my handle bars. But it was super fun and challenging for someone who is used to some technical rides back in the hills of Western PA. It was a pretty popular trail that Sunday afternoon. Probably saw about 10 other bikers and 10 or more trail runners / hikers so you just have to be on the lookout for others.

* Review edited 6/13/2011

  
reviewed by MtnBikeMike on April 14, 2011

Had a great time here, close to town, great workout going uphill and the down was a rocky blast, i didnt get to do the whole thnig due to the sun going down but I hope to this weekend! Good fun check it out!

Similar Trail: Mathews Winters

  
reviewed by maddslacker on March 14, 2011

This trail is rocky, steep in places, and FUN! It is a network and there are several options for riding it, including going up the right hand side for a long hardpack climb and then down either the rocky middle trail or Enchanted Forest, which is just like it sounds. (Picture the land speeder scene from Return of the Jedi) Another popular route is going up the rocky middle trail, back down Enchanted and continuing down the way you came in. This is the fastest, and the most technical bang for your buck. PLEASE NOTE: Jefferson County Open Space has imposed new rules for this park. On even days, MTBers can ride in any direction, but on odd days, the trails are one-way for MTB. The one way portions are basically up the technical sections in order to reduce overall speed. Details here: http://jeffco.us/jeffco/openspace_uploads/trail_use_changes_at_apex_park.pdf

Similar Trail: White Ranch

  
reviewed by DanRan88 on March 13, 2011

This is an excellent place to work on some technical skills as well get that adrenaline rush from a fun, fast and technical downhill. I strongly recommend riding this park on an even day and running the sluicebox, enchanted forest and apex sections going downhill, especially if you are less than an advanced rider. Also, stay off this place for another couple weeks because the snow on the enchanted forest ruins it.

  
reviewed by pherod on October 18, 2010

i recently rode this trail as well. i can climb everything there though depending on my mentality for the day, not nec. on the first try. i think it should remain "advanced" if you don't circumvent the hard section. if you opt for the argos then yes, its an intermediate trail.

  
reviewed by cromagno on September 10, 2010

After 15 years away from this trail, I visited again and was stunned. It's almost all new, freshly built trail. The hideous start section (where I broke my wrist last time I was here) can now be all circumvented by the new Argos Trail section. Beautiful scenery & wildlife. Some technical sections and switchbacks that required dismounting (enough to keep it interesting) for me but lots of smooth & fast trail as well. People rate this "Advanced" but I bet that is based on what the trail used to be-I would firmly call it "intermediate" now. I absolutely loved it. Also, about as close to Denver metro area as they come. mad Kudos to Jeffco for rehab'ing this trail!* Review edited 9/10/2010

* Review edited 9/10/2010

Similar Trail: Centennial Cone

  
reviewed by bstat on July 28, 2010

Rode this park on a weekday in the morning on an EVEN day which means you can ride any trail any direction. The new trail (climbs up from Heritage, no signs at the park yet, but labeled online as "Argos") is a very smooth climb, but 100% exposed. The other new trail that connects to Sluicebox is also very smooth and is a good way to avoid the lowest part of Sluicebox. I rode Apex to "Argos" to Pick N Sledge to Sluicebox to the other new trail (very smooth) to Apex to Enchanted Forest and then down Apex. Apex and Enchanted Forest are as others said - there are sections that a less experienced/less confident biker will walk. Apex is quite rocky - similar to Plymouth Creek at Deer Creek Canyon JCOS. This route gives you a pretty intense climb - 1000' in about 1.7 miles - then you get to try your technical skills out on Sluicebox/Enchanted Forest/lower part of Apex. The ODD day restrictions seem to remove a lot of 'fun' from this park - the only way out is to climb up Sluicebox (!!). I assume the park will be busy on EVEN days due to the ODD day restrictions. If you like technically challenging rides with diverse terrain, you will love this ride. This ride is not for beginners - an easier climb/ride would be Alderfer/3 Sisters (esp up Evergreen Mtn) or LOTB/Pence Park.* Review edited 7/28/2010

* Review edited 7/28/2010

Similar Trail: Plymouth Creek Trail

  
reviewed by skibum on July 12, 2010

This is a great trail network with plenty of aerobic and technical challenge. Enchanted Forest is unique in the area and well worth a visit, but be advised, current regs make it a one way (uphill) for bikes on odd-numbered days, so if you want to ride it down (great fun!) be sure to go on an even numbered day. This area is very popular with other trail users, especially on weekends and after work, so be prepared to share. Makes a nice loop with Chimney Gulch (in either direction), but that does require a few miles of city bike path and busy highway to complete the loop.

Similar Trail: Chimney Gulch

  
reviewed by cucycling44 on June 23, 2010

This trail has everything. Technical rock sections, lots of climbing, smooth singletrack, switch backs and fast downhills. Enchanted Forest trail is great! The best trail networks in the area.

  
reviewed by Bwpaulk on January 8, 2010

Hike and biked up Apex and down Enchanted Forest and found the whole experience to be more work than fun. To clarify, I'm new to the sport, live in Kansas and was riding a borrowed Trek with front suspension. I've ridden several trials on the front range and Apex was just a few miles from my hotel. By no means am I out of shape, but relative bike skills combined with the altitude left me whooped. Apex from the parking lot is up hill with lots of rocks and water bars. I found myself hiking several sections. The ride down through Enchanted Forest while certainly easier going was over too soon I and not worth all the work. (Going endo didn't help) The front range has better options for beginning and intermediate riders. Check out my helmet cam video in Enchanted Forest that ends in a cloud of dust.

Similar Trail: Deer Creek: the climb is just as tough but the pay off is better

  
reviewed by SportBilly on September 27, 2009

I'm new to Colorado - just moved here from London with my wife - and this was the first trail in the mountains that I tried. HA! I've currently got a 15 year old Trek, no suspension, clunky gears, and not been on a trail for a few years. To give you an idea of my unprepared-ness - I was wearing a button down shirt. Its safe to say that Apex kicked my arse! Went up the trail, did the pick and sledge, if I'm honest I probably walked about 50 per cent of the climb and what with the altitude, nearly quit a couple of times. Then came down the Sluicebox, which was technical and rocky, but still really fun. Came down Apex after that because I was running out of water. i found that part a slightly irritating downhill not much chance to get speed up and some super tricky rocky sections - especially with zero suspension. After that the shallow downhill to the car park has a couple of little jumps and is a nice respite. I thought this trail was awesome, I just need a bit more experience and possibly a better bike and I'l be back. Next time I wont miss the enchanted forest bit.

  
reviewed by Speedman on September 20, 2009

As many have said, don't miss out on Enchanted Forest trail. I descended this section and it was very nice. I also found the Grubstake trail that completes the lower loop is a great downhill - tight turns, drops, and sweeping corners. It can be a pretty high-speed decent if you catch it on a not-so-busy day.

Similar Trail: White Ranch

  
reviewed by FooserX on July 21, 2009

I'm pretty new to mtb, and the first time up this trail had me borderline angry! lol The rocks were jagged and the trail was steep! I definitely hiked a lot of the initial technical stuff which wasn't too fun. Now I've been up twice, and absolutely love it. I can ride down it without stepping down...except for all the switchbacks on the other trails. When I do eff up, I just try it again. Some parts can be scary though as you are high on the mountain side. Some of the switchbacks are just crazy because there are a lot of obstacles around them. This ride is awesome once you get over the fear of some of the rock drops. I definitely prefer a trial like this to smooth single track as it requires focus and skills. Enchanted Forest is straight out of Lord of the Rings and is a necessity! It feels like you're in another world being so shaded from the sun with all the trees around you. Going up the technical terrain is a killer workout, and I really don't mind because I'm there to hone my skills. It doesn't take long to get zonked though and have to walk. I definitely wouldn't make this a first ride for a beginner, but an intermediate level rider with a few rides under his belt would be fine. If it gets too scary, just walk it...no big deal. After a couple tries and falls, everything is fun. Definitely try to avoid times with lots of hikers/bikers...but the technical sections are spaced out so you can stop to let them by, and not really miss your momentum too much. There are some steep climbs all over this park, but that's just par for the course for CO, no?

* Review edited 7/21/2009

Similar Trail: Dakota Ridge, White Ranch

  
reviewed by JonnyP47 on July 12, 2009

Are you kidding me? This trail is from hell. First time riding it I took Apex trail up to Enchanted Forest, hung a left, and down Enchanted Forest, reconnected to Apex and back to the Parking lot. The ride was about 5.5 miles. This trail is extremely difficult on the climb as you have to contend with 3-5'' rocks after rocks, forcing you to hike-a-bike a few sections. I didn't take "pick n' sledge' rather continued climbing ALL THE WAY UP to Enchanted Forest which was very secluded and picture perfect. Even still, some ridicuously steep climbs + roots + rocks=Hike-a-bike. On the down hill extremely rocky with only short sections of smooth single track. Definetly had to pick your lines on the way down, if not, prepare to endo and sample Colorado's finest soil. I would ride this trail once more for the abuse, but thats about it. Thank you.

Similar Trail: N/A.

  
reviewed by kuala_tahan on July 5, 2009

Real fun trail, riding Apex up is technical in parts, pretty decent climb. Enchanted Forest is a blast, ride up Apex to the top to catch Enchanted downhill, great stuff. Couple other trails in the network I didn't get a chance to check out

Similar Trail: Hall Ranch

  
reviewed by Shanet74 on May 24, 2009

Lots of work up. Not for beginners. Enchanted forest is one of the best sections of trail in the state, so worth the climb. Exposed area, so ride early or on cooler days. Probably best to avoid on weekends with hikers.

  
reviewed by rblasko55 on May 22, 2009

Great trial. Good for Upper intermediate to expert riders. For a great work out you can do Super Apex (take Apex to the top then ride along the lookout mountian trial and down Chimney Gulch then back.)

Similar Trail: Deer Creek Canyon

  
reviewed by nathanho on May 9, 2009

Too many people on Apex. Enchanted Forest is awesome! This trail is better hiked than biked.

* Review edited 5/9/2009

  
reviewed by stillfat on December 1, 2008

Apex has been rerouted a bit and has bike-specific regulations on odd-numbered days. I don't like the idea of riding up Enchanted Forest, (much better going down) so I only ride even days now. The new trail sections added make things a bit more manageable and are welcome relief from plodding through the ledges and rockpiles on the Apex Trail. Still the big downside to riding here is the crowding - not with bikes but with other user groups. Avoid weekends and evenings, it's busy even mid-day, mid-week.

* Review edited 6/8/2011

  
reviewed by BFD on September 4, 2008

Technical uphill for sure, but the rewards for your labor are definitely worth it. I'll just call the uphill sections a "labor of love"! Maybe taking the trail counter-clockwise would be less work, more play?

Similar Trail: Waterton Canyon/Colorado Trail Loop

  
reviewed by osutammy7 on August 16, 2008

This is a challenging uphill but worth it to get to the trails at the top. I rode the proposed directions and found it a great ride. The Sluicebox trail is a kick to ride down, very technical with all the rocks and switchbacks but an awesome ride! I would definitely recomend riding down Sluicebox instead of coming up it- it was my favorite part of the whole day!* Review edited 8/16/2008

* Review edited 8/16/2008

Similar Trail: Deer creek canyon

  
reviewed by Permagrin on August 10, 2008

Although a bit daunting with the initial climb and the elevation, this trail was tricky fun. A bit technical in some spots because of all the rocks and the switchbacks on Sluicebox but the climbs weren't too bad once warmed up and the scenery along Enchanted Forest was pretty. We did the entire loop as described (counter clockwise up Enchanted for a nice downhill) and I took a fall coming down Apex onto my back on the rocks but I'd ride it again if in the area.

  
reviewed by steve32300 on November 1, 2007

From the lower parking lot of heritage square its all up hill,even way down at the bottom the trail starts right off with water breaks and rocks.not much of a warm up,so pedal around the parking lot for 5 or 10 minutes to get a litlle blood flowing first.the rock garden here is at the lower portion,and its challenging,although i've cleared it probably half the time.from the rock garden you can go right(pick and sledge i believe)or you can go strait up(apex)i've mostly went right to ride around the front side.nice little climb with switch backs.got a few choices up top also.i've never took grubstke yet although i hear it is cool.loop around the back side and into apex and go right to continue up to enchanted forest or go left and back down to parking lot.its pretty technicaly rocky either way you go so have fun and yes,watch out for hikers.this trail is popular.

Similar Trail: mathews/winters

  
reviewed by Lancefan on December 1, 2006

This is a great downhill, I suggest going down Enchanted Forest. I looped this trail with Chimney Gulch. You can get back by using a paved path at the bottom of heritige square.

* Review edited 12/1/2006

  
reviewed by MarkZahn on October 15, 2006

Apex is a technical riders trail, beginners will find themselves hike-a-biking frequently. Uphill isn't that bad for me, I am not challenged physically but technically in skills. Downhill I can clear everything which is very tough, and very obtuse and violent rock formations & sequences put you on the edge. It's a good trail to fine tune climbing skills, I saw many times small groups of bikers repeating sections to progress their skills. I learn something new on this trail everytime, and increase my courage more each time due to increasing the variables of physics to increase the intensity of the challenge (speed at going over sections). If you're a beginner, try it but plan on hike-a-biking, it's a good way to get familiar with trails such as these.

* Review edited 7/24/2011

Similar Trail: Dakota Ridge, Deer Creek Canyon, Mathew Winters/Red Rocks Trail

  
reviewed by yellowdman on June 23, 2006

It's a fun ride! Honestly I think it's an easy ride but I've been riding Mtn. Bikes for years so don't take it the wrong way. It's a good leg burner to help get you in shape because it's a steady uphill with some flats which makes it even more fun when your coming back down. It can be technical for some riders but I don't think it's that bad. It's a great after work ride!

Similar Trail: Hogback

  
reviewed by Monkeybutt on April 25, 2006

This is a great early season or winter ride One of the first ones I have done in colorado. But kicking climb to prepare you for the rest of the season. I gennerally prefer the up and back route. You can get some serious speed and launch off some nice little rollers. The upper section has some awsome single track. This trail has a bit of everything. Watch out for people as it can be very crouded on a nice day...

  
reviewed by c3667 on October 19, 2005

I like apex . it is deffinatley a challenge to make it over all the obsticles, but very doable. the climb up is worth the amaizing downhill you get in return.

Similar Trail: Mt. falcon

  
reviewed by jbersch on October 18, 2005

A beautiful, challenging climb along the pass. Many difficult obstacles await you (rocks and logs) and this kills your momentum a bit. But it's mostly wide singletrack, heavily worn in some areas. I really like the terrain and isolation of this ride. Head down Enchanted Forest for a sweet downhill run through the trees. There are a few other side trails too, which I'll have to try another day. Consider heading up Chimney Gulch (separate trail) and then down Apex for a spectacular ride.

Similar Trail: Chimney Gulch

  
reviewed by mtberman on January 16, 2005

This trail is heavily used by runners. Most days it's not possible to ride more than a few minutes without stopping yield. I agree with the reviewers that said it's overused & there are much better area rides. I also agree that it's a challenging uphill. There have problems in the last couple years with downhill enthusiasts using it as a shuttle and a few of them have angered hikers by not yielding and/or by skidding and causing trail problems. On a quiet weekday, however, it can be a lot of fun. Just don't try tom come down the way you came up.

Similar Trail: Dakota Ridge or White Ranch

  
reviewed by mscottcody on September 1, 2004

This trail is way too popular and way too over used. There are better trails in the area that don\'t have as much foot traffic. It\'s not for beginners as they will get too frustrated with the technical and steep sections.

Similar Trail: Mathew Winters, Chimney Gulch

  
reviewed by trek7k on March 26, 2004

Whoa, this trail is crowded on weekends. The trail has some fun sections but overall I have to say it's pretty overused and therefore not in the shape it might have been in years past. Definitely a technical challenge for advanced riders, not a great loop for a training ride or for beginners. Don't let the length fool you either-this trail is difficult.

Similar Trail: Some of the other Denver area trails are simliar (though I don't know if I would recommend them): Mounta Falcon, Deer Creek Canyon

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