Elk Meadow - Bergen Peak Loop
A steep, rocky ride to the summit of Bergen Peak.
Mountain Biking Severe
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 681 m
- Descent
- 681 m
- Duration
- 1-2 hrs
- Low Point
- 2.3 km
- High Point
- 3 km
- Gradient
- 7˚
Bergen Peak in Elk Meadow Park is a popular objective for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers alike. This small Front Range mountain top rises to an elevation of 9,708 feet above sea level, offering up beautiful views from its rocky summit. The meadows in Elk Meadow Park are true to their name, providing some of the best chances of spotting elk in any Jefferson County Open Space.
Description
The trail to the top is entirely bike-legal, but with over 2,200 feet of climbing on this 10.6-mile loop, it's a pretty stiff ride. The lower trails in Elk Meadow are fairly smooth and mellow, but both the uphill and downhill marked on this map can be fairly rocky, steep, and have plenty of sharp switchbacks to negotiate.
Since this trail is so popular with hikers and runners, be sure to exercise common trail courtesy and yield the trail to other users.
Sources: https://www.jeffco.us/1218/Elk-Meadow-Park https://dayhikesneardenver.com/bergen-peak-hike-near-evergreen/ https://www.summitpost.org/bergen-peak/400674
Difficulty
Severe
Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.
Medium Exposure
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.
Best time to visit
Features
- Technical
- Picturesque
- Singletrack
- In the forest
- Rock Gardens