Two Elk Trail: 3 Uphill Routes for 1 Epic Descent was originally published in Covered Bridge Magazine.
Winding through the expansive back bowls of Vail Mountain, the Two Elk Trail is a classic and remote mountain bike trail for advanced riders looking for a big adventure. There are three uphill routes to access a 4,000-foot descent from the top of Mongolia Bowl to the valley floor in Minturn.
Once you reach the start of the Two Elk Trail, you are rewarded with stunning views of Mount of the Holy Cross. Enjoy 8 miles of continuous descent through smooth singletrack in open wildflower fields followed by a difficult and narrow trail that follows a mountain stream. There are three ways to access the downhill trail, but no matter which route you take, the trail is physically and technically demanding.
Enjoy the ride.
3 Ascent Routes:
Bowman’s Shortcut:
Plan a shuttle for this route originating from Shrine Pass Road on top of Vail Pass. Bowman’s Shortcut begins in high alpine forest with a mix of smooth and rooty singletrack. The trail has short, punchy climbs and steep, rutted descents in the 3 miles of trail until you reach the “Top of the World”. From here, there are incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges as it tops out at 11,700 feet. Soak in the views and have a snack before you begin the final descent to the intersection of the Two Elk trail.
Gondola via Vail Mountain:
Cut out some of the climb by riding the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead Village to Eagle’s Nest on the top of Vail Mountain. From here, jump on the Grand Traverse trail, a 5.5-mile cross country trail that cuts through Game Creek Bowl and the upper portions of Sun Down Bowl. The flowy singletrack dips through dense forest and across ski runs while climbing 1,000 feet to Ski Patrol Headquarters (PHQ) at the top of Chairs 4, 5 and 11. Alternatively, you can ride Gondola 1 to Mid-Vail and take Mid-Vail Escape, a shorter route and steeper dirt road to PHQ. From PHQ, continue peddling on a dirt service road that skirts the ridgeline until you reach Chair 21, Orient Express.
Just beyond the chairlift, you will need to shoulder your bike through a narrow slot in the cliff band. This is a great spot to unpack your lunch and refuel. Pick up the singletrack for another couple miles as you wind past the Poma lift and eventually connect with the Two Elk Trail.
Vail Mountain / Mill Creek Road:
Looking for a big day on your bike? Consider riding this as a 32 mile loop from Minturn. Start your ride at the Meadow Mountain Parking lot or your favorite Minturn restaurant to make post-ride refueling more efficient. Head east on the bike path along Gore Creek to Vail Mountain. Mill Creek Road is a forest service road that climbs up Vail Mountain on the east end of the resort. Just before Chair 10, Highline Express, the road veers out of the ski area to the left. Continue peddling on the road until you connect with the trail at the top of the Poma lift.
The forest service is currently reviewing a plan to reroute the existing Mill Creek Trail/Road and build a new 7 mile singletrack on this section. If approved, the trail could be completed as early as Fall 2022. Visit www.vvmta.org for current information.
Once you reach the Poma lift, take a left and continue deeper into the outer reaches of the back bowls until you intersect the Two Elk Trail.
The Descent: Two Elk Trail
It’s all downhill from here.
The start of the descent winds through Mongolia Bowl on the far edge of Vail’s Back Bowls. This section of singletrack is smooth and fast through wide-open colorful fields. Once you reach the chairlift for Blue Sky Basin, you have reached the end of the ski resort – and the easier section of trail.
From here, the trail becomes narrow, rocky and more technical as it enters a valley peppered with large boulders, rock gardens and a few high consequence areas with a steep drop-off to the river. Once you cross the bridge, it’s smooth sailing for the last mile of singletrack. Eventually, the trail pops out at the bottom of the valley next to the gun range at the south end of Minturn. Follow the dirt road out to Highway 24. It’s time to find a place to refuel and rehydrate.
Need to know
Wildlife closures for Two Elk Trail are in effect May 6 through July 1. There are no exits or bailouts once you start your descent on the Two Elk Trail. Be prepared with the right gear for you and your bike.