Near Apex-Enchanted Lollipop
Views of South Denver early on Pick N' Slege.
Near Apex-Enchanted Lollipop
Going up the Apex Trail.
Near Apex-Enchanted Lollipop
Sheep atop the hill
Near Apex-Enchanted Lollipop
Apex Trail looking north
Near Apex-Enchanted Lollipop
Looking back down the Apex trial after crossing one of the bridges.

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Hike Route

Apex-Enchanted Lollipop

4.3 (81 Ratings)
This is one of the best hikes on the Front Range.
5.7
mi
Distance
1,265
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
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.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.67mi
Distance
1,265ft
Elevation Gain
1,265ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
7,349ft
High Point
6,162ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
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.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Eric Singleton