Highlands Point Trails: A Roller-Coaster Ride for the Everyday Cyclist

Overview

Nestled in the southern suburbs of Denver, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the Highlands Point trails system offers an accessible yet invigorating cycling experience. While certain sections are exclusively for Highlands Ranch residents, the overall network remains a welcoming haven for all levels of mountain bikers.

Getting There

Parking Options:

• Mountain Vista High School
• East-West Regional Trail parking lot on Griggs Rd.

For those residing in Highlands Ranch, direct access is preferable, as most trails are gated for HR residents only.Note: The trail is accessible via a paved bike path behind Mountain Vista High School, which eventually turns into gravel.

Route Description

Trail Options

• East-West Regional Trail: This is the first trail on the right and is open to everyone.
• Metro Districts Big-Dry Trail: This trail is the first one on the left as you continue straight uphill and is also open to all.

Both trails eventually lead to Highlands Point, offering mesmerizing panoramic views of landmarks like Devil's Head Peak, Mt. Evans, and Chatfield. From Highlands Point, one can continue on the East-West Regional Trail to the Griggs Rd. parking lot.

Private Trails

The gated trails off to the left and right give access to approximately 7 miles of private HR trails, primarily designed for residents.

Trail Features

• Wide and narrow singletrack
• Built-in large "bumps" at every 100ft for erosion control
• A mixture of short uphill and downhill sections

Trail Data

• Distance: 10 miles
• Level: Very Easy
• Route Type: Network

Experience and Comments

The trails can best be described as "flowy," with broad sections funnelling down into double and triple tracks. In the summer, the trail presents some blind corners and significant switchbacks, so carrying a bell is advised to avoid collisions.While graded as very easy, the trails offer enough uphill sections to elevate heart rates, especially with grades reaching up to 10-12%. Highlands Point trails are increasingly being used for races, making it an enjoyable challenge even for more seasoned riders.Additional 13 miles of BMX-type single-track trails were recently introduced, widening the range of options for cyclists.

Seasonal Notes

During late winter and early spring, some sections may be covered in ice and mud, thanks to the shaded areas on the trail. Nonetheless, these conditions hardly mar the overall experience.

Conclusion

Highlands Point trails offer a versatile cycling environment, making it ideal for a quick ride or a training ground for amateur racers. With spectacular views, manageable challenges, and excellent trail conditions, Highlands Point stands out as a must-try route for residents and visitors alike.