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Apex-Enchanted Lollipop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.3 (79)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Golden
  5. Apex Park
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“This is one of the best runs on the Front Range. ”

Eric Singleton
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5.7

Miles

9.2

KM

85%

Runnable

7,312' 2,229 m

High

6,172' 1,881 m

Low

1,179' 359 m

Up

1,179' 359 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Magic Mountain and Enchanted Forest are both bikes only on EVEN days, no foot traffic. It is foot traffic and horses only (no bikes allowed) on ODD calendar days.

Overview

This is the classic Apex Loop. Runners will start out with a steady climb that leads to the Enchanted Forest. You'll swear you are in the Appalachia on this portion of the run as it rolls through a dense forest.

Runner Notes

Watch for out for mountain bikers. This trail description runs clockwise and will be exposed for the first 3 miles, but this rewards the runner with amazing downhills through Enchanted Forest.

Description

From the parking lot head west on the Apex Trail. The Apex Trail is a steep ascent. It's steep enough to get your heart rate up, and characteristics like water bars and large rocks keep it interesting. The way back is similar and can be hard on the knees. You'll be encompassed in a rugged valley for most of the duration of the trail.

At junction of Apex Trail and Enchanted Forest continue on the Apex Trail for the loop. At the next junction, turn southwest into the Enchanted Forest and follow this trail until it rejoins the Apex Trail and heads east back to the parking lot.

Enchanted Forest is a great alternative to the upper section of the Apex Trail and enables the creation of a loop at the top of Apex Park. Aptly named, the trail follows tight and twisty singletrack through dense forest (by Colorado standards), lending it a different mood from other trails at Apex. The lush, dense forest that Enchanted Forest runs through can look more like the Pacific Northwest than the Colorado Front Range.

Contacts

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

Shared By:

Eric Singleton with improvements by Matt Paulsen and 2 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 79 votes

#1

in Apex Park

#103

Overall
  4.3 from 79 votes
5 Star
44%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Apex Park

#32

in Colorado

#103

Overall
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10,109 Since Apr 21, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Looking back down the Apex trial after crossing one of the bridges.
May 23, 2015 near Golden, CO
Snow covered trail leading into the Enchanted Forest area.
Mar 2, 2018 near Golden, CO
Apex Trail looking north
Jul 16, 2019 near Golden, CO
After the break off from Apex- heading up into the forest
Mar 31, 2015 near Golden, CO
Going up the Apex Trail.
May 23, 2015 near Golden, CO
After the break off point from Apex- heading into the forest
Mar 31, 2015 near Golden, CO

2 Comments

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Check-Ins

May 31, 2021
Thomas Horner
Apex -> Pick N Sledge -> Argos 6.9mi — 1h 19m
Sep 7, 2020
p r
5.5mi
Jul 30, 2020
Corbin Larsen
7.1mi — 1h 22m
Jun 12, 2020
David Mini
Dec 14, 2019
Lauren Bosche
5.7mi — 1h 30m
Jul 17, 2019
Stephen K
Jul 16, 2019
Tyler Jones
Jun 23, 2019
Nick Fedoroff
Rocky and sweet. Descent through enchanted forest is tricky. Trail dry and in good shape. 5.7mi

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