Name: Intermediate DH Trail
Rating: 3.2

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Family Friendly Great scenery, food and bathrooms nearby, short hiking opportunities and a gondola to shuttle folks up and down the mountain.

The trail is closed during colder months when snow gives way to skiing. These trails are for biking only and should be ridden down not up. One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Description

This is approximately a 5.5-mile downhill trail that was purpose-built for mountain biking by Ski Apache for use during the warmer months. You'll have to pay for either a half day or full day lift ticket at Ski Apache. The gondala opens at 9:00 am and closes around 5:00 pm. Take the gondola up with your bike and access the mountain bike trail at the summit.

There is a hiking trail near the beginning but follow the signs for mountain biking and you'll be treated to a fairly wide trail that is not exceptionally technical. However, there are several ladders, banked curves and skinny bridges as well as a larger jump that can be used to make the ride more challenging. There are a few rock gardens and tight switchbacks as well. However, this is a perfect experience for someone wanting to have a downhill experience without all the risk of a harrowing black diamond challenge.

There are multiple areas that afford stunning vistas and great photo opportunities but be sure to get off the trail when stopped as not to impede the flow of "traffic" headed down. You can continue to take the gondola up and bomb down as long as your pass and business hours are good. High winds and rain are occasionally a problem and sometimes the gondola is stopped for safety reasons and restarts when weather conditions have improved. Be sure to check the weather before making the trip out to Ski Apache.

There is a bike rental shop at Ski Apache as well as a restaurant and an opportunity to go zip lining.