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MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	23 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 8/3/09 by abovetheridge Closed Open Wet / Sketchy	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 5 miles	Global Rank: 455
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Loop
Ridden: 137	Wishlist: 66
Avg. Speed: 5.21 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 28min

 

3 Sisters / Alderfer in Evergreen

 

Colorado Trail / Green Mountain in Deckers

 

Vail Mountain in Vail

 

White Ranch in Golden

 

  
reviewed by Goo on November 12, 2009

The sections that we rode of this trail were very wide, almost double-tracky, with a couple of ok climbs and descents. I believe there were some more challenging options, but didn't get the opportunity to ride those because of the people with us. Definitely a good place for beginners to learn, though.

  
reviewed by abovetheridge on August 3, 2009

Rode the Elk Meadow trail on 7/15. Didn't get a chance to ride Bergen Peak, only had limited time before hitting the road. Great trail, great climbs, great views, highly recommend. Can't wait to go back and ride Bergen Peak.

  
reviewed by COGator00 on July 17, 2009

Fun loop with wide range of technical objects, quick & tight rolling singletrack, and many hikers/trail builders. Many ways to do loops with renegade cutoffs by the end of Meadow View linking with Painters Pause by Buchanan/Bergen Park. Good pace (careful of hikers/runners) great to see trail builders by Elk Ridge maintaining the water bars!

Similar Trail: Lair 'o the Bear, Monument (Mt. Herman), Plymouth Mtn./Creek

  
reviewed by markp136129 on July 4, 2009

We rode the trail clockwise up to Bergen Peak and had a great ride. We came across many bikers and hikers and all were agreeable and chatty. The further up to Bergen Peak the fewer hikers/bikers we encountered. The ride down has tight switchbacks and rocky sections. We has a pinch flat and some challenging rock bands but there is plenty of room for quick decisions.

Similar Trail: Mt Falcon & Liar the Bear

  
reviewed by haupt on September 22, 2008

A really fun, quick ride that has enough technical features to keep a good rider interested.

  
reviewed by GreenWheel on August 7, 2008

We rode this trail as an 11 mile counter clockwise loop. It was quite a hammer fest. There are tight switchbacks and 4-5 moderate technical sections and 2-3 difficult rock techy areas. Of course the downhill is fast and fun with plenty of switchbacks and rocky sections to keep you busy.

Similar Trail: Lair of the Bear, Buffalo Creek, Deer Creek

  
reviewed by BFD on August 3, 2008

Elk Meadows is a beautiful ride, awesome scenery and well maintained trails. Colorado at it's best.

  
reviewed by Lagardinere on July 29, 2008

My husband and I just moved here. We are not in "Colorado Shape" and to make matters worse we have cruiser bikes! We had a lot of fun on this trail. It was easy and fast when you come into the meadow section of the loop. It took us about an hour and 15 minutes. We had so much fun that it has inspired us to invest in quality bikes and get into the more challenging rides.

  
reviewed by lostcause on July 2, 2008

This trail is loosing it’s luster over the last few years they have taken some of the sweet single track and turned it into a pea gravel recreation path hopefully they wont make it wheelchair accessible the whole way around!

  
reviewed by gregger on June 3, 2008

The 2nd half of Meadow Ridge (counterclockwise) is like a singletrack roller coaster, SO much fun! This is a must-ride park; i have to get back to try out Too Long & Bergen Peak trails next time. Plenty of hikers even on a weekday, so watch your speed.

Similar Trail: alderfer/3 sisters

  
reviewed by hippiedeb on May 30, 2008

This trail began on Meadow Ridge, which at the beginning is out in the open field. It was a steady easy climb and we were worried that it was going to be boring. Sleepy S was even more out in the open. We turned onto Painter's Pause which led us back to the other side of Meadow Ridge which was just unbelievably fun. More than a handful of cool downhills that turned into switchbacks that went back uphill. Lots of rocks, roots and big rocks for about a mile. Loads of fun! Made the boring beginning well worth it! Need to mention that there were LOTS and LOTS of hikers and dogs for the first 3 miles or so.

  
reviewed by jkovaly on November 11, 2007

Elk Meadows is really a tale of two rides. The Bergens Peak/Too Long trail up-and-down is a typical front range ride up and down tight, rocky switchbacks. Along the way are several overlooks where the views of the Meadow and of the foothills are fantastic. The shadows begin early so don't start this ride too late in the day. The other ride starts with "Sleepy S" trail and then makes its way through the meadow and back along Meadow View and Elk Ridge trails. This route provides a great ride across Elk Meadow with very little elevation change, you can take Meadow View trail back along the base of the mountains, a thoroughly enjoyable, fast ride that has a few rocky sections and some short uphill/downhill sections, just enough to keep it interesting but far less challenging than the Bergens Peak ride. I did both of these rides in about 2.5hrs.

* Review edited 11/11/2007

  
reviewed by steve32300 on October 29, 2007

its a climb,and its got rocky technical and water bars.switchbacks.ya just gotta be in the right frame of mind for that stuff and its a awsome feeling to power up that stuff.it was cold the day we went and i had bronchitis a little while ago so my lungs were screaming at me and my somach was too.made for an early exit.what we did climb though was pretty cool stuff to come back down.im definately going back.

* Review edited 10/29/2007

Similar Trail: white ranch

  
reviewed by raleighman91 on July 25, 2007

Pretty fun

Similar Trail: Bergen Peak

  
reviewed by teamfreak16 on June 13, 2007

This is a fun area - Elk Meadow is a good place to take a beginner, and Bergen Peak is fairly tough up toward the top. The worst part of this place is the user conflict between hikers and cyclists - try to go during the week if possible, when less crowded. I've heard personal accounts from guys who've been clotheslined by hikers out here, so ride carefully.

Similar Trail: Waterton Canyon

  
reviewed by arnolda14 on June 5, 2007

The Bergen Peak section of this ride is one of my favorite rides on the front range but I consider that a separate ride since you can start it from another th. The elk meadow loop is nice and sweet and real easy. A lot of people in this park so ride friendly.

* Review edited 6/6/2009

  
reviewed by Lancefan on December 1, 2006

My freind and I rode this trail to the top of Bergen Peak and then completed the loop. It was one of my favorite trails.

  
reviewed by jbersch on August 16, 2006

This is a long steady climb with absolutely beautiful scenery and some killer singletrack. Many switchbacks both up and down. They get a bit old but the rest of the ride more than makes up for it. A wide variety of skill levels can appreciate this park. Plenty of technical sections if you choose to climb to the top while smooth, easy sections exist for beginners (Meadow View, Sleepy S). If youíve got the time, go to the top of Bergen Peak. Itís worth it.

Similar Trail: Mt. Falcon

  
reviewed by yellowdman on July 4, 2006

I've only riddin this trail up to the top of Bergen Peak I've haven't done the Meadow trail loop yet. The trail up to the top of Bergen Peak does have some technical rocky sections and some technical & tight switchbacks but it's a steady not to steep climb to the top and besides the technical rocky parts and switchbacks it's a pretty smooth trail. It takes at least an hour or more to get to the top of Bergen Peak unless your in racing shape but the look out is well worth the climb and so is the downhill. If you can, try doing this trail in the morning because it can get pretty hot and it's not a fun trail to ride when it's hot because your on a steady climb and you can overheat yourself (kind of like Mt. Falcon). If your looking to improve your technical skills then this ride is for you if your looking for an easy ride then don't take the trail to the top of Bergen Peak because like I said it's got some technical rocky sections and some technical switchbacks and it's a steady climb to the top. This place also has some sharp rocks on the trail so I recommend riding over the rocks since my buddy and I both got our sidwalls sliced up going around some rocks. This trail is used by hikers and horse riders too so don't go to fast :). I forgot my camera but I'll bring it with me next time to show off some the the great scenery! Ride On and Have lot's of FUN!

  
reviewed by wwozman on June 25, 2006

We havne't yet attempted the upper section to Bergen Peak but will later in the season. The meadow trail section is excellent. I would recommend a counter-clockwise loop. There is an up hill that will get you breathing especially if you are not used to altitude and two switchbacks that will stop most riders going up but otherwise everything is ridable by even novice riders. This is a great trail for anyone, coming down is great fun and definitely worth a visit. Oh and watch for Horses and Hikers.

  
reviewed by lostcause on September 4, 2005

This is one of my favorite training rides I like to use it on an easy day so I usually don't ride to the top of Bergen Peak. I ride the loop arround the meadow about 6 miles. Most of the trails in the meadow are free of snow from about April to November. Insted of parking on Stagecoach I park at the Bergan Park Park And Ride.Take Pioneer Trail past the ball feilds and shopping center, cross under HWY 74 and follow Painters Pause Trail.07 mile to Meadow View Trail turn right and and follow Meadow View Trail 2.8 miles to Sleepy "S" Trail turn left. This section is a fast downhill with many water bars that make good jumps. Lots of air be careful not to get too much speed.Do as I say not as I do! continue on Sleepy "S" Trail up a short hill and somemore downhill with more water bars.Pass the parking lot turn left on Painters Pause Trail follow the trail 1.7 miles back to Pioneer Trail and on to your car. This trail has everything a nice climb some sweet singletrack, switchbacks that are rideable and a fun downhill.The only drawback is there are lots of people.

Similar Trail: Aqueduct Trail in Colorado

  
reviewed by getonthetrail on July 30, 2005

I was able to ride this with a bro from the east coast who recently moved to Denver while I was in town for a wedding in Breakinridge. We took a left onto Too Long, a 2.4 mile or so climb up the mountain. Once at the top, descend on the Bergen Peak Trail. After 2.7 miles of downhill, you will intersect with the Meadow View Trail. Take a left, and ride for 0.2 miles to the junction with Elk Ridge Trail. From here, you can either take a right and backtrack back to your car, or take a left onto Meadow Trail again. This trail was great, nice techincal rocky uphill areas with some great DH! I had difficulty with the climb but I think it was mostly due to the elevation. There was one section of the uphill that was a must walk but other than that it was pump'n. You'll know the section I'm refering to when u hit it. :)

  
reviewed by yeti on April 22, 2005

Whoever rated this as an aerobic level of 2 only played down in the meadow! The Bergen Peak section of this park is a real lung and leg burner. On this section, you gain 1730 feet in about 3.7 miles. Your reward for pumping and/or pushing your bike uphill is a great view and a high-speed downhill back. Don't do this section early in the season or you'll just come home with low self esteem- wait until you have built up some stamina!

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