Denver: Apex Park Loop
Just a short bus ride from downtown, this 5.1-mile dayhike climbs loops around the panoramic ridgelines of Indian Mountain.
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Mapped by Andrew Matranga
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.4
Waypoints
ASL001
Location: 39.721851348877, -105.209991455078
From bus stop, hike SE along the shoulder of Heritage Rd.
ASL002
Location: 39.7177047729492, -105.208122253418
Turn R from street; cross N end of Heritage Square parking lot. Look for Apex Trail sign in break between trees
ASL003
Location: 39.7162590026856, -105.209503173828
From Apex Park sign, go L. Turn L @ next intersection onto Apex Trail, once a wagon road to Central City’s gold mines (1860-1880). You’ll gain 1,000 ft. in the next 2 mi.
ASL004
Location: 39.7137908935547, -105.214866638184
Continue W into the sandstone walls of Apex Gulch
ASL005
Location: 39.7120399475098, -105.219398498535
L @ T into Apex Gulch; follow creek through thick growth and savor this intimate canyon setting
ASL006
Location: 39.7106323242188, -105.226379394531
Hop over creek and swing NW
ASL007
Location: 39.7137184143066, -105.230400085449
Turn R and climb the tight switchbacks of the Sluicebox Trail
ASL008
Location: 39.7174301147461, -105.229698181152
Major climb is over. Hop on Pick N’ Sledge Trail and wrap N around of Indian Mountain
ASL009
Location: 39.7158279418945, -105.227439880371
Open ridgeline; montane meadows are hot spots for deer and songbirds
ASL010
Location: 39.7139015197754, -105.222297668457
Sharp R @ T with Grubstake Loop Trail to begin exposed, steep switchback back to Apex Trail; views stretch from Golden to Denver’s Qwest Tower. Close loop @ WPT 5 and backtrack to bus stop
