Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Apex Valley Road

Apex Valley Road is North West of the Central City trails that was covered previously. Not much to report on this trail as it was still covered with heavy snowfall. Once the snow melts, it looks promising though. Take the right most road (Upper Apex Road) at the three fork intersection (Bald Mountain Road, Columbine Campground Road, Upper Apex Road). The drive straight until you reach Elk Park Road.

Here's a map: Top of Apex Valley Road















Elk Park Rd and Apex Valley Rd intersections.















Elk Park Rd to the right, Apex Valley Road ahead, which will eventually take you back to the Central City trail system (keep bearing right though).

One trail (as far as it's possible to tell) leads down Elk Park Road. It wasn't possible to go more than a few hundred yards before the snow was too deep.
















Elk Park Rd winding up into the forest. Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly?) there's some people that live up in the area.















A closer shot of Elk Park Rd. Make sure your vehicle is atleast AWD if you explore this area when it's still snowy.

If you continue up Apex Valley Road (instead of turning right onto Elk Park Rd), you'll find a steep right hand switchback. Another few hundred yards after you'll find this.















It was early in the season when this photograph was taken, but you can see the amount of snow still on the ground. The snow was melting quickly, but since the area has had some snowfall after the date these photographs were taken it won't have helped the trails being drivable!

One thing to take into account is the amount of spent paint balls and ammunition laying on the ground. People do take their guns up into the area and (hopefully) just target practise, but keep an eye out if you do go into the woods...

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