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The Grind

Easy/Intermediate
 3.7 (15)

Flowy singletrack on the downhill and easy doubletrack on the uphill, showcasing the Highlands Point trail system.


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Map Key

4.0

Miles

6.5

KM

60%

Singletrack

6,258' 1,907 m

High

5,956' 1,815 m

Low

353' 108 m

Up

355' 108 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Views

Highlands Point trails are open for riding to Highlands Ranch Community Association members and their accompanied guests.
(Please bring your HRCA membership card with you when accessing any of the HRCA trails)

Overview

This route was named by the Mountain Vista High School cross country team for its constant change in elevation, and the fact that you can mentally check out and just get to the work on the ascent. We're going to take that and flip it, because consistent downhill is what we like to hear. Speaking of consistency, the flow never fails to present itself on the way down, and the views are remarkable.

Need to Know

Parking can be found either at Mountain Vista High School, or at the East/West trailhead off of Grigs Road.

Description

Starting just below high point, this route takes full advantage of what little elevation change can be found east of the Front Range. The loop can be taken either way, and it's not an uncommon occurrence for bikers to be seen going uphill on the singletrack.

Instead of memorizing which specific trails to follow (Cowboy Up to Longhorn Ledge to Outlaw to the East/West Regional Trail), it's much easier to remember this simple rule: always stick right (obviously this is the opposite if taking this route in reverse). The only exception is when you reach the service road, which is clearly marked as "not a trail" and "trespassing."

The trails are well-built, but it does get loose around sharp bends, so be careful not to slide out.

Contacts

Shared By:

Thomas Beatty with improvements by Chris Conley

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 15 votes

#2207

Overall
  3.7 from 15 votes
5 Star
27%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
7%
Recommended Route Rankings

#341

in Colorado

#2,207

Overall
26 Views Last Month
3,915 Since Jun 13, 2020
Easy/Intermediate

13%
53%
33%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Views of Highlands Ranch and downtown Denver from West Fork - Big Dry Creek Trail.
Aug 21, 2019 near Highlan…, CO
Gate entrance at the North end of the Cowboy Up trail.  It can be easy to miss from the Douglas County East/West trail.
Sep 9, 2015 near Highlan…, CO
Well marked trail intersections with mileage
Sep 9, 2015 near Highlan…, CO
MTB Douglas County Thursday Night Group Ride.
Aug 4, 2021 near Highlan…, CO
View west from the trail.
Jun 14, 2020 near Highlan…, CO
Map of the Highlands Point Trail System.
Jun 13, 2020 near Highlan…, CO

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 25 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 10, 2023
Greg Dabloon
Some slippery muddy spots at the bottom of a few hills. Otherwise the trail is in great shape and a good ride.
Apr 10, 2023
Terrance T. Hooks
2h 25m
Nov 22, 2022
Peter Tiley
Aug 16, 2022
Ryan Vogelsberg
Fun flowy and easy trail system. Green in my opinion. Small climbs, few rocks and roots. It can connect to other trail systems, too. 11mi — 1h 51m
Jun 22, 2022
Marcin Kossakowski
7mi — 0h 45m
May 29, 2022
James O'Neill
Sep 20, 2021
Jared Cobb
Aug 1, 2021
John Fieber
Great shape - rain last night made it a little muddy. No major trail damage though. 7mi — 1h 00m