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7.5 miles
Distance
-2,955 ft
Descent
00:58:52
Avg time
-2,957 ft
Altitude change
8,029 ft
Altitude min
10,986 ft
Altitude max
10,986 ft
Altitude start
8,028 ft
Altitude end
-7.5%
Grade
-37.3%
Grade max
-0.4%
Grade min
7 miles
Distance down
131 ft
Distance flat
00:58:52
Avg time
Two Elk Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Horse
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaVail Pass
Vail, Colorado -
Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyBlack Diamond (2 votes)
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Local Popularity65 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 45 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
- 5 in Horseback
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Global Ranking
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State Ranking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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DirectionDownhill PrimaryPopular Direction Shown
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Climb DifficultyBlack Diamond
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Physical RatingHard
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike Allowed
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Land Owner
Typically referred to separately as Two Elk and Two Elk East, with the division at Two Elk Pass sign and the Bowman's Shortcut intersection. Two Elk via Bowman's is one of the areas best longer rides, shuttled by many via Shrine Pass Rd our of Red Cliff. Other good options to ride are up Mill Creek Rd from Vail, or ride the Vail Gondola for a boost, and acess via Grand Traverse Trail and mountain roads up past Chair 21 and the Poma. Ride goes through Vail's Back Bowls, and becomes moderately technical with rock gardens and hidden pedal strikers on Two Elk Creek past Chair 5. Drops you at the gun range in Minturn.
Disclaimer
This trail is subject to a USFS seasonal wildlife closure from 5/6 - 6/30 to protect deer and elk during calving season
Trail Supporters
Slifer Smith & FramptonSponsor
USFSLand Manager
Local Trail Association
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Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 8 rides
- 20 miles avg distance
All
- 57 rides
- Last: Oct 3, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Two Elk Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of users are riding a trail in its intended direction.
- > 96%
- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
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- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
- no data
Trail Last Used
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- < 1 week
- < 2 weeks
- < 1 month
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- > 6 months
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- Downhill Primary
- Both Directions
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- Uphill Only
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Trail Popularity ?
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Directions to two-elk trailhead
(39.591320, -106.293080)
Photos
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Videos
5 more »
Trail Lists
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Seasonal Wildlife Closures
23 trails
Routes with this trail
★ 5.0 • 23 miles • 4,221 ft • 4 • Loop •
Ride Two Elk from Minturn as a loop on nearly all single track - Oct '20 reroutes on Cougar Ridge trail...
20 Reviews & Comments
monkytrick
Way cooler and more rewarding than two elk east IMO. Old school tech which demands that you slow down and pay attention, and if you allow it, that expands your awareness to the magic of the lush subalpine forest and sculpted sandstone of the cascading creek that lights your way. All depends what you seek.
Cbake
Awesome DH trail. “Moderate” tech and chunk in the lower part but nothing extreme but be sure to keep pedals level and eyes peeled. Certainly a few rocks to trip you up. Overall very fun trail and scenic. If you like longer rides or no shuttle then ride up Cougar Ridge (it’s a great climbing trail) to Grand Traverse and over to Two Elk then have Tacos in Minturn
shadow117
If you enjoy getting off your bike and pushing over awkward rocks this is the trail for you! Honostly dont know who this trail is for besides hikers.
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Nearby Trails
- Sleepy Time Road 2 miles
- Mill Creek 4 miles
- Gore Valley Trail (east) 4 miles
- Cougar Ridge 5 miles
- Vail Trail 5 miles
- By todd
Trailforks & contributors - #14156 - 11,186 views
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