Endowed with an abundance of sunshine, a long list of cultural attractions and an even longer list of outdoor recreational opportunities within easy reach, it's no wonder Denver, Colorado's "Mile High City" draws such a following.
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Make sure your supportive shoes are snug before setting out to enjoy Colorado's Rocky Mountain high on some of the many trail miles on offer in this wilderness-oriented state.
The Grand Traverse Trail is one of the most popular rides in the Vail region, exploring the back bowls of Vail Mountain on winding singletrack. As the trail tops out at just under 11,000 feet, riders can thrill in breathtaking views of the Sawatch Range and the Mount of the Holy Cross. The less crowded Cougar Ridge Trail can be used to connect to US 24 and the Vail Bike Path for a challenging, but rewarding loop.
Location:
South of Vail
Length:
21 mile loop
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Aerobic Difficulty:
Difficult
Time To Allow:
3 to 4 hours
Elevation Change:
2800
Season:
July to October
Basic Directions
From Vail, take South Frontage Road to the Lionshead parking lot. Ride east on West Meadow Drive, and turn south on Bridge Street. The Grand Traverse Trail begins from the base of the Vista Bahn Express Lift.