When climbing up Argos and Pick-n-sledge trail on ODD numbered days, keep a lookout for downhill traffic.
A climb up the Apex system with several challenging tech sections followed by a long and fast, flowing descent.
This route takes a loop approach to combine several of Golden's top trails ending with a long and fast flowing descent down Chimney Gulch.
Starting near the bottom of Chimney Gulch, allows for several good parking options. This also allows to for a good warm up along the paved US 6 Trail as you make your way to Apex Park.
The climb up Apex provides several steeper sections scattered with technical step-ups and rocky cruxes, eventually coming to a great overlook of Golden and a high point to start off the first descent down Bonanza Trail. You will then re-climb a short section to complete the first mini loop prior to heading further west along the Apex Trail to the second descent down the highly entertaining Enchanted Forest Trail. You will then re-climb a short section of the Apex Trail thus completing the second mini loop. This time you will top out the Apex Trail then head north along Lookout Mountain Trail where you will start your final 1800' descent down Chimney Gulch Trail
Thanks to countless sweaty hours from volunteers within the community and the Golden Giddyup the Chimney Gulch trail has seen great improvements creating a wonderful downhill trail.
Route Supporters
Best of Colorado MTB
since 2019
Best of North America MTB
since 2019
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Details
More Stats for Ape' Ney - Apex to Chimney mountain bike route
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Avg time1 hr 37 min
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Altitude min5,706 ft
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Altitude start5,710 ft
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Altitude end5,705 ft
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Grade max-53.7%
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Grade min33.4%
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Distance climb8 miles
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Distance down7 miles
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Distance flat1 mile
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