The Presidential Five

Bring your mountain bike if you’re heading out to Denver for the Democratic National Convention, August 25-28. The five singletrack rides spotlighted below are part of Jefferson County’s Open Space Parks, less than an hour from Denver. They’re guaranteed to make you feel like the leader of the free world, if only for a day.

Dakota Ridge, the Teddy Roosevelt Ride
Locally known as Dinosaur Ridge, this short, technically punishing ride is so named because of its proximity to dinosaur tracks. You’ll need the speed of the Rough Riders to glide over the many rocky sections and nerves of steel to navigate the triceratops-shaped ridge. Clear the waterbar steps on one of the ride’s few ascents, and you’ve conquered San Juan Hill all over again. Expect to shed blood. Don’t even think about doing this as an out-and-back. Take CO Hwy 26 back to your car.

Mt. Falcon, the Harry S Truman Ride
The buck stops at Mt. Falcon—you’re either in shape or you’re not. If you are, access Mt. Falcon from the east lot for maximum executiveness: ascending 1800 feet in just under four miles. Nothing in the climb is too steep or too technical, so clearing the Castle Trail from the parking lot to the stone shelter on top is possible but difficult. Head out in early morning because either the sun will bake you or the lightning will hit you, depending on Mother Nature’s mood. Regardless of when you go, bring as much water as you can carry. When you’re done, light up a cigar. You’ve earned it.

Three Sisters, the JFK Ride
You don’t have to be a philanderer to enjoy the Three Sisters. Shade, shade, shade is the name of the game here. Situated in woodsy Evergreen, this is the perfect intermediate ride if you start from the east (first) lot along Buffalo Park Road. Ascend the Evergreen Mountain East Trail’s 600 feet of elevation in just under two miles, and ponder your own Profiles in Courage (or have lunch) on the big boulder along the Summit Trail loop at the top. Carefully navigate your way down the Summit Trail’s loose gravel and zoom through the off-cambered stretches of trail between the tight switchbacks of Evergreen Mountain West. Take a left onto the aptly named Wild Iris trail, cross Buffalo Park Road, and take Silver Fox to Ponderosa to the Three Sisters trail, a technical maze of switchbacks and boulders that will test your mettle and lead you back to your car. If you clear all the sandy, rocky, boulder-lined switchbacks, you’ve earned the presidential physical fitness award.

Apex, the Abe Lincoln Ride
Honestly one of the most demanding rides along Denver’s Front Range. Park at Heritage Square and enjoy a short warm-up before the Apex Trail becomes steep, rocky, twisty, and exposed. For much of its 2.8 miles, the Apex Trail hugs its way around an oversized hill. The reward for your hard work is the Enchanted Forest, a 1.3-mile connector whose loamy dirt and high pines make you think you’re in Lincoln’s birthplace, minus the log cabin. Connect back to the Apex Trail and keep up your speed for the deserved downhill back to the car.

Lair o the Bear, the Bill Clinton Ride
No Whitewater or Lewinsky here: just roly-poly goodness. After navigating through picnickers and hikers along the creek for 1.3 miles, make a sharp, uphill left onto the Bear Creek Trail. For the next five miles you’ll be treated to mostly shaded, wide singletrack. Mile markers track your distance. Dip into waist-high flora and enjoy the rollercoaster of miles 3-5. This section of the trail has more ups and downs than Bill’s second term. An excellent intermediate ride. Crowded on the weekends and in early evening.

For more information on Jefferson County’s Open Space Parks, visit www.co.jefferson.co.us/openspace.

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