Argentine North Fork to Lenawee, CT Segment 7, Ptarmigan Peak
Argentine North Fork (or Wheels Up to Beaver’s Loop) to Lenawee - Arapahoe Basin to Montezuma
Length - 2.6 (or 1.7 + 3.4 ) + 3.3 miles each way
Elevation Gain - 2,394ft
Route Type - Out and Back or Car Shuttle
Description - This ride starts at Arapahoe Basin. You will have the option of taking Argentine North Fork Trail, or the longer but more gentle climb of Wheels Up followed by Beaver’s Loop. Riding above tree line is not easy. Once at the top you will be rewarded by the now downhill Lenawee Trail which will take you down some pretty sweet steep terrain through rock gardens, over roots ending at Peru Creek road. From here you can turn around and ride it the other direction, or my preference, leave a vehicle in Keystone and let gravity take you to Keystone where you can either take another stab at it, return to Arapahoe Basin to do a loop on their new well maintained trails, or call it a day.
Colorado Trail Segment 7 - Breckenridge (Gold HIll) to Copper Mountain
Length - 13.9
Elevation Gain - 3,586ft
Route Type - Out and Back
Description - Up up and away. If consistent grueling climbs are your thing then this is the trail for you. Challenging, but bikeable most of the way for those of you who are in great shape and used to intense cardio at high elevation. As you climb in elevation there will be a super steep hike a bike section before the trail becomes smooth and rideable again. Once at the top sitting at 12,500’ you will be rewarded by the panoramic views of Copper Mountain and the Gore Range and beyond. From here you can either follow the Wheeler Trail to Copper Mountain and onto Segment 8 of the CT or turn around and enjoy the rewarding downhill back to the Goldhill parking lot.
Ptarmigan Peak - Silverthorne
Length - 8.4 miles
Elevation Gain - 2,518ft
Route Type - Out and Back
Description - Don’t be scared away by the first 1/2 of a mile or so of this trail. It is steep, and rocky, therefore depending on your abilities you may be hiking your bike. After this section the remainder of the trail is very rideable for expert riders with a handful more real steep sections. Due to the final mile of the trail being a designated “Wilderness Area” you either need to turn around or leave your bike and hike the final stretch. If this is your plan you may want to pack a bike lock. I’ve heard more than one mountain biker say that the views and the downhill make it all worth it!
FREE COLORADO GPS TRAIL MAP
I highly suggest downloading the totally free COTrex App prior to heading out on your ride. Select your activity: Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, Motorcycle, ATV, OHV, Nordic Skiing, Snowmobiling, or Snowshoeing to see what trails are open and available for each activity. This app is only a couple year old and covers all trails in Colorado. It is not yet great at rating or describing trails in our area, but it is GPS connected, so you will always know where you are and what your trail/road options are when it comes to getting back to your vehicle or accommodation. I’ve also found it useful when planning longer rides in areas unfamiliar to me.
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