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Two Elk (Two Elk Trail Two Elk Pass Vail Pass Vail Mountain)
Mountain Biking Trail
Hard
17.86 mi
1,967 ft
A classic high-alpine shuttle run with beautiful views and fast, flowing singletrack.
The Two Elk Trail is a classic high-alpine shuttle run that utilizes Interstate 70 for the shuttle. With the ride beginning right on I-70 at the top of Vail Pass you might think that the character of this ride would be tainted by the noise of traffic, but the trail quickly takes you deep into the mountains. Soon, the trees and the mountain peaks surround you, making you feel small and insignificant as you pedal through the wilderness.
After the steep climb up, the Top of the World section really does feel like you're riding on top of the world. Very few sections of singletrack this mellow roll along such beautiful high-alpine meadows, making this a unique and worthwhile ride! Soak in the never-ending views of jagged mountain peaks all around you, and be sure to pack a camera.
For the adrenaline-driven, the fast and furious descent off of the Top of the World dives into the trees, shredding through dark, black loam (a rarity in Colorado) and slick root webs.
Once the route takes the left turn toward Minturn (other options exist), the grade mellows somewhat, with the singletrack flowing through the back bowls of Vail Ski Resort. Here the trail continues to rip downhill, but bermed corners and delightful rollers take over.
Once the trail drops into the sharp-sided creek bottom, the singletrack again gets much more technical, with chunky rock gardens, big bouldery up-and-over moves, and some respectable exposure thanks to the trail's bench that was cut high into the side of the valley. Along with the technical challenge come gorgeous views of the creek, and then eventually a section running through a deep forest before you pop out in the town of Minturn.
While Two Elk seems like it's conveniently located close to the hustle and bustle of Colorado's mountain tourism, this is a gem of a route that offers the wilderness character that we all seek. Written by Greg Heil
The Two Elk Trail is a classic high-alpine shuttle run that utilizes Interstate 70 for the shuttle. With the ride beginning right on I-70 at the top of Vail Pass you might think that the character of this ride would be tainted by the noise of traffic, but the trail quickly takes you deep into the mountains. Soon, the trees and the mountain peaks surround you, making you feel small and insignificant as you pedal through the wilderness.
After the steep climb up, the Top of the World section really does feel like you're riding on top of the world. Very few sections of singletrack this mellow roll along such beautiful high-alpine meadows, making this a unique and worthwhile ride! Soak in the never-ending views of jagged mountain peaks all around you, and be sure to pack a camera.
For the adrenaline-driven, the fast and furious descent off of the Top of the World dives into the trees, shredding through dark, black loam (a rarity in Colorado) and slick root webs.
Once the route takes the left turn toward Minturn (other options exist), the grade mellows somewhat, with the singletrack flowing through the back bowls of Vail Ski Resort. Here the trail continues to rip downhill, but bermed corners and delightful rollers take over.
Once the trail drops into the sharp-sided creek bottom, the singletrack again gets much more technical, with chunky rock gardens, big bouldery up-and-over moves, and some respectable exposure thanks to the trail's bench that was cut high into the side of the valley. Along with the technical challenge come gorgeous views of the creek, and then eventually a section running through a deep forest before you pop out in the town of Minturn.
While Two Elk seems like it's conveniently located close to the hustle and bustle of Colorado's mountain tourism, this is a gem of a route that offers the wilderness character that we all seek. Written by Greg Heil
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vail Pass to Back Bowls | 11.67 mi | -1,906 ft | -1.4% |
| Shrine Pass Rd Climb | 1.61 mi | 531 ft | 6.2% |
| Shrine Pass Road (gravel): Rest Area to Trailhead | 2.27 mi | 538 ft | 4.1% |
| Vail Pass to Minturn | 15.78 mi | -3,573 ft | -3.1% |
| 08/06/09 Red Cliff, CO | 1.38 mi | 463 ft | 6.3% |
| Bowman's Shortcut Steep hill climb | 2.19 mi | 801 ft | 6.9% |
| Commando run - bowman's to gun range | 11.91 mi | -3,668 ft | -4.4% |
| Start of Bowmans to Top of the World Climb | 2.55 mi | 797 ft | 5.8% |
| 08/06/09 Red Cliff, CO | 0.91 mi | 420 ft | 8.7% |
| That Good Good | 0.31 mi | -236 ft | -14.2% |
| Max grade 26.2 % | 0.26 mi | 213 ft | 15.3% |
| Bodonkulous | 0.76 mi | -587 ft | -14.5% |
| Two Elks The Whole Descent | 8.40 mi | -3,396 ft | -7.6% |
| Two Elks Steep Woods Descent | 0.62 mi | -423 ft | -12.7% |
| Two Elks Back Bowls Singletrack Descent | 1.52 mi | -709 ft | -8.8% |
| Two Elks The Main Descent (with margins) | 7.37 mi | -2,795 ft | -7.2% |
| Two elk (entire trail) | 1.00 mi | -282 ft | -5.0% |
| Two Elks Creek Descent | 4.02 mi | -1,401 ft | -6.6% |
| Bridge to Bottom | 0.52 mi | -220 ft | -8.0% |
| Two Elk > Minturn | 1.59 mi | -121 ft | -1.5% |