"Apex Park offers a network of trails within a short drive of Boulder, Denver, and Golden. Hence, it can get crowded on weekends. But don’t let its proximity fool you into believing that Apex Park doesn’t have some of the toughest trails surrounding the metropolitan area. Delivering rocky singletrack, steep climbs, and exposed hillsides, Apex Park is sure to deliver quintessential Front Range riding. Be sure to
wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water while on the trail.

The route described below covers the northeasterly sections of Apex Park. To add roughly 3 more miles of singletrack to your ride, continue heading west through the park on the Apex Trail to its terminus at Lookout Mountain Road. From its terminus, I highly recommend returning via the Enchanted Forest Trail. Terrain: Singletrack with a good deal of large, loose rocks and sand."

--Stephen Hlawaty, Mountain Biking Colorado's Front Range (Falcon Guides).

"Awesome singletrack; close to Denver; excellent, steep climbing with great views of Denver and the Front Range. Tread: 0.3 mile on paved roads, 0.5 mile on doubletrack, and 4.6 miles on singletrack.

Mountain terrain requires preparedness. Get in good shape before you attempt any of these rides, and know your limits. Keep your bike running smoothly with frequent cleaning and maintenance. Do a quick check before each ride to ensure that tires, rims, brakes, handlebars, seat, shifters, derailleurs, and chain all survived the last ride intact and are functioning properly. Always carry at least one water bottle (and don’t forget to fill it)."

--Bob D'Antonio, Mountain Biking Denver & Boulder (Falcon Guides).

"Another thigh builder, this trail climbs along the old Gregory Wagon Road to Lookout Mountain. I recommend this trail for a quick evening training run. It's rocky in many places and your technical skills need to be above average.

The trail is similar to the Dakota Ridge Trail, except you will encounter fewer bikers and it has more varied trail surface. Personally, this trail has a higher "fun" factor than the Dakota Ridge Trail. Terrain: Sandy hardpack with many small loose rocks, numerous waterbars, roots."

--Tom Barnhart, Front Range Single Tracks (Fat Tire Press).

"This run combines the two runs previously described, but throws in the Enchanted Forest Trail to finish off the loop. To start, follow the description for the Grubstake to Hardscrabble Loop. When you get to the Hardscrabble/Apex Trail junction, instead of turning left and running down the canyon, turn right and gently climb up the canyon. Initially the trail passes through a nice open meadow before joining back up with the creek, passing through interspersed aspen groves, meadows, and creek-side growth."

--Adam W. Chase, Nancy Hobbs, Peter Jones , Best Trail Runs: Denver, Boulder, & Colorado Springs (Falcon Guides).

"This is a great ride if you don't mind a climb. After you reach the top, you start a fast downhill. Watch out for the switchbacks; some have loose rocks and may be difficult to clean. Terrain: Loose dirt and gravel, occasional medium sized rocks, waterbars.

From the trailhead, bike west on Apex Trail, up past the
Pick ‘n Sledge Trail to the Sluice Box Trail (1.4). Travel north on the Sluice Box Trail, back and forth, up the loose switchbacks, until you reach the junction of the Sluice Box Trail and Pick ‘n Sledge Trail (2.0). At this point, Grubstake Trail continues onto the north. Take the Grubstake Trail north, to reach the highest point of this ride, Indian Mountain (2.2)."

--Tom Barnhart, Front Range Single Tracks (Fat Tire Press).

"Situated below Lookout Mountain, and surrounded by ever-increasing urban sprawl, lies this beautiful piece of open space. Apex Park is a quick getaway into a beautiful deep gulch that offers hikers great views, beautiful wildflowers, cacti, yuccas, and a pine forest—all a mere 15 miles from downtown Denver.

From the parking area go down the steps and pick up a park map
at the kiosk. Follow the wide gravel path down past the restrooms and picnic area to a bridge. Cross the wood footbridge over Mt. Vernon Creek and follow the Village Walk Trail up and to the right. Mt. Vernon Creek is quite picturesque and is surrounded by tall cottonwoods and willow bushes. The Village Walk Trail climbs up a gentle grade through an open meadow filled with colorful wildflowers in the late spring and early summer months. The trail makes a sharp left at the top of the hill and climbs up to the Mt. Vernon townsite."

--Bob D Antonio, Hiking Colorado's Front Range (Falcon Guides).

"Located in the foothills above Golden, the Apex Trail is one in a network of trails that climb the east face of Lookout Mountain. The relatively low altitude makes this a great conditioning hike in spring, when similar trails at higher elevations are still snowbound.

It can also help you gauge whether you and your pet are ready for hiking in the mountains. The 1,000-foot elevation gain and rocky terrain make an excellent test of your and your pet’s stamina. During the Colorado gold rush, this trail was a toll road known as the Gregory Wagon Trail."

--M. A. Savage, Walkin' the Dog: Denver (Falcon Guides).

"The run up and back down the Apex Trail is the most straightforward found at the park. From the trailhead, it follows a seasonal creek as it winds up through the foothills, and reaches its terminus at Lookout Mountain Road. The first part of the run is a bit rocky, with a few technical sections. At just over the half-mile mark, the Pick N’ Sledge Trail branches off to the right. Continue up the Apex Trail as it follows the creek through shaded sections. After 1.5 miles the steep switchbacks of Sluicebox Trail climb the hill to the right as the Apex Trail briefly passes through an open section with tall willows."

--Adam W. Chase, Nancy Hobbs, Peter Jones , Best Trail Runs: Denver, Boulder, & Colorado Springs (Falcon Guides).