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Apex Park

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (37)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Golden
  5. Apex Park
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“A must-see tour of Apex Park conveniently located just outside of Golden. ”

Kristen Arendt
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5.4

Miles

8.6

KM

Lollipop

7,201' 2,195 m

High

6,171' 1,881 m

Low

1,205' 367 m

Up

1,199' 366 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

55%

Max Grade (29°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This loop rewards you with great views of the surrounding foothills, downtown Golden, and the greater Denver area. Be ready for a steady climb at the beginning and some short rocky sections, but it is well worth the effort!

Description

The hike starts on the Apex Trail which is the main trail connecting many of the Apex Park trails. Start on the east (bottom) off of the Heritage Park parking lot where there is plenty of parking located just outside of downtown Golden. The Apex Trail is a steep ascent in a rugged valley, but as you are only on the trail for a short section before turning onto Argos Trail, just take it as a warmup for the rest of the hike.

Bearing right shortly after the beginning of Apex Trail will bring you to Argos Trail which is a short, easy trail that winds up to its endpoint and intersection with Pick N' Sledge. It is a steady climb, but not steep.

Continue right on Pick N' Sledge which offers a switchback-filled route through the trees. This trail has great views of Golden and the greater Denver area as you ascend, but those views disappear quickly as you get deeper into the park. Overall, it's a great trail; it is a bit rocky, but not so bad that you can't look up and take in the views.

Near the end of Pick N' Sledge, take a right onto Grubstake Loop to continue your tour through Apex Park. This trail provides some easy hiking through open spaces and a few forested areas. There are a series of switchbacks that are just moderate enough for enjoyable running or hiking for those who choose. Enjoy the descent on this trail until it intersects with Pick N' Sledge where you can retrace your steps down Pick N' Sledge, Argos Trail, and Apex Trail back to the trailhead.

Contacts

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

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 37 votes

#2

in Apex Park

#433

Overall
  4.1 from 37 votes
5 Star
35%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
19%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Apex Park

#91

in Colorado

#433

Overall
23 Views Last Month
8,788 Since Sep 15, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

On this trip I was showing my man child a great hike. Enchanted Forest is awesome.
Apr 4, 2017 near Golden, CO
Sheep atop the hill
Mar 2, 2018 near Golden, CO
Premium singletrack trail!
Sep 11, 2015 near Golden, CO
Views of South Denver early on Pick N' Slege.
Sep 11, 2015 near Golden, CO

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Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 4, 2023
Rachel Hamalian
5.4mi
Jan 16, 2023
Ari R.
Dec 9, 2022
Kaitlin Pfister-Minogue
Added a little tail down Slucebox for an even 6. Mostly clear trail with a few patches of icy snow in the shade. 6mi
Oct 9, 2022
Sierra Morell-Tomassoni
Aug 20, 2022
Tarita Fisher Boersma
With Acadia and Mesa 5.4mi — 2h 09m
Jun 26, 2022
Liz Ryan
Lots of bikers. Middle back half very nice, shady. 5.2mi — 2h 17m
Aug 9, 2021
Joe Harper
5.5mi — 1h 55m
Mar 7, 2021
Steve Blix
5.3mi

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