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An adventurous and scenic route starting with awesome singletrack and ending with newly built switchbacks.


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Map Key

5.6

Miles

9.0

KM

Singletrack

10,683' 3,256 m

High

8,221' 2,506 m

Low

49' 15 m

Up

2,511' 765 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

Note this trail was rebuilt (through October 2020) and is very different (better!) than in years past.

Starting from the Grand Traverse trail, pass Vail's helpful sign warning you of impending doom (no lift service, etc).

Fantastic singletrack slowly winds down the ridge, mostly through meadow and dying pine forest. It's a smooth, easy, gentle ride up and down for quite a ways to the end of the ridge, where there's a 100 yard spur path down to a rocky outcropping. Fantastic views abound. You can see the "Lionshead" rock formation if you look down and to the right.

Up to this point the trail is blue, or even green, and not very steep, so you could turn around and head back the way you came.

To continue down from here, follow the trails as it rapidly descends through a host of new switchbacks built by volunteer trail crews. When you get to the Lionshead rock formation, hop off your bike and enjoy the scenery.

Back on the trail, the grade eases up as you enjoy nice forested, wide singletrack to the Game Creek trail junction. Cross the stream, and follow that trail to the end.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder with improvements by Man Rider

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 40 votes

#5

in Vail Resort

#597

Overall
  3.8 from 40 votes
5 Star
35%
4 Star
28%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
8%
Trail Rankings

#5

in Vail Resort

#171

in Colorado

#597

Overall
1 Views Last Month
7,464 Since Sep 16, 2012
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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24%
18%
58%
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Photos

Top section of Cougar Ridge
Sep 29, 2023 near Minturn, CO
Fall colors from the top of Lionshead
Oct 7, 2020 near Minturn, CO
A few wildflowers left as the aspens decide it's fall.
Nov 6, 2012 near Minturn, CO
Nice Work Trail Crew!
Oct 26, 2020 near Minturn, CO
Highway 24 and the Minturn valley far below.  Taken near the "Lionshead" rock formation that you can easily see from the valley floor.
Nov 5, 2012 near Minturn, CO
The top of Cougar Ridge is mellow... and beautiful!
Nov 16, 2012 near Minturn, CO
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Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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