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Green Mountain Novice Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 3.4 (132)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Lakewood
  5. Hayden Park on Green Mountain
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“A relatively quick loop of great singletrack with amazing views of the metro area. ”

Michael Lloyd
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Map Key

6.7

Miles

10.8

KM

80%

Singletrack

6,829' 2,081 m

High

6,102' 1,860 m

Low

806' 246 m

Up

815' 248 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This loop on Green Mountain is easily accessible from the metro area for those in need of a quick ride. It can easily be accomplished in an hour with stops to take in the great views, including the 360 degrees offered from the summit of Green Mountain.

It's just one of the possibilities in the area - there are many loops you can make in the area. None of the trails are particularly long or difficult, with the exception of Box o' Rox so it's hard to go wrong if you want to just go out and explore.

The trail follows mostly singletrack with a short section along a service road up to the summit. The singletrack is well traveled with enough rocks to make it interesting, but not too many.

Description

Start out from the Florida Lot - one of the two larger lots for this trail system. As you depart the trailhead, take the first right, which will put you on Green Mountain Trail going up Green Mountain. It can be a rough beginning to the ride with sudden steepness, but it becomes more gradual once you're around the first two switchbacks.

You'll come across a trail that breaks off to the left. Do not take that trail. Stay on the main one the heads towards the radio tower. About a mile into the ride you should approach the radio tower. Stay on Green Mountain Loop by taking a left onto the service road that continues up the mountain. This part is a good place to recover from the last climbs as the road gradually climbs the ridge. About half a mile up the service road it begins a much steeper climb, approaching the summit.

At the top of the service road take a left onto the short, rocky Rooney Valley Trail that leads to a cairn at the top of Green Mountain. This place provides a great break to take in the views of the metro area before the fun descent ahead.

Take the trail off the top of the mountain heading southwest. You'll quickly approach a trail intersection. Continue straight on Rooney Valley Connector. The descent is fun. Be careful with your speed on a couple of the left handed turns on the way down that are sloped outward so you don't run off the trail.

After a little over a mile of descent, you'll approach an intersection in the trail. Take the left that will put you on Green Mountain Loop heading back towards the trailhead. From here on out, it is a rolling trail with ups and downs that provides a good end to the ride. A couple of the climbs can be a little unexpected so be ready. You'll also pass a couple more trail intersections. Continue straight each time and before you know it you'll be back at the trailhead.

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Mountain Bike Association

Land Manager: City of Lakewood, CO - Parks and Open Space

Shared By:

Michael Lloyd with improvements by Noel Rykhus
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.4 from 132 votes

#3

in Hayden Park on Green Mountain

#223

Overall
  3.4 from 132 votes
5 Star
12%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
37%
2 Star
12%
1 Star
3%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Hayden Park on Green M…

#75

in Colorado

#223

Overall
43 Views Last Month
55,335 Since Nov 14, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate
7%
3%
84%
6%
1%
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Photos

Flow with a view.
Apr 10, 2022 near West Pl…, CO
View due south from the top of Rooney Valley Trail, right before the descent.
May 31, 2019 near West Pl…, CO
Mid climb break to take in the view.
Aug 19, 2020 near West Pl…, CO
Top of Green Mountain, looking North - South Table Mtn, North Table Mtn, Golden and Longs Peak in the distance.
Dec 4, 2017 near West Pl…, CO
One of the nice lookouts / resting spots along the mellow Green Mountain Loop.
Nov 14, 2013 near Morrison, CO
Descending Rooney.
Apr 10, 2022 near West Pl…, CO

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Check-Ins

Sep 30, 2023
Kyle Dawson
Sep 21, 2023
Britta P
Sep 16, 2023
Caleb Hartig
Aug 10, 2023
Michelle Lynch
6.5mi — 1h 16m
Jul 16, 2023
Michelle Lynch
Jul 8, 2023
Michelle Lynch
Jun 16, 2023
Ryan C
6.7mi
Jun 2, 2023
Jonah Gocke

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