Ten Mile Canyon National Recreation Trail:
Colorado
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Description:
The Ten Mile Canyon National Recreation Trail is a popular route for cyclists, inline skaters and hikers who seek a paved off-road route through spectacular mountain scenery. The trail runs for 22 miles between the town of Frisco and Gore Creek Campground on the White River National Forest just outside of Vail.

On the Vail end, the trail begins where Bighorn Road ends, following what used to be Highway 6 to Vail Pass, a cool 10,554 feet (restrooms available). From here the trail descends all the way to Frisco, passing through Copper Mountain ski resort, which offers a nice stopover for refreshments and a rest.

From Frisco the trail occupies the old right-of-way for the Denver-South Park Pacific Narrow Gauge Railroad, which used to run between the peaks of the Ten Mile Range and Ten Mile Creek, paralleling the current route of Interstate 70. To Cooper Mountain, the trail is a gradual uphill, getting steeper as you reach Vail Pass.

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Parking & Trail Access:
In Frisco park just off I-70 (Exti 201) at a parking lot at the end of Forest Road. If the lot is full try parking on the street in town.

In Copper Mountain park at Copper Mountain Center or at the Wheeler Flats Trailhead; take Exit 195 and go to the east end of Copper Road.

Near Vail, take Exit 180 for East Vail; turn right and travel 2.3 miles east on the south frontage road. You'll go under I-70 and past Gore Creek Campground. Park just beyond at the road closure gate.

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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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Favorite
By ltbike in October, 2010
We spent three summers working at the campgrounds out of Frisco. There are many bike paths in the area. This was my favorite ride. It is gorgeous in October when the aspens turn. It is a non-stop cliimb to Copper, but worth it. Be sure to take extra clothes as it can rain, hail, turn cold at any time. Great trail for summer riding.
Ten Mile Canyon Trail
By John Sharrock in October, 2010
This is an excellent ride with terrific views of mountains and a stream along this paved bike trail. An intermediate resting or turn-around point is Copper Mountain Village about half way from Frisco to Vail Pass. The ride from Frisco to Copper is all gradual uphill. The ride from Copper to Vail Pass has some very steep sections and sharp curves. Shuttle services in the area will, for a fee, transport you and your bike (or a rental) to the top of Vail Pass for the easy ride down.
Ten Mile Canyon Trail
By Chris Bracknell in February, 2010
It was a long steady climb up to the highest point at Vail Pass, but a coast for the most part down. Even though you were between the lanes of the highway, it was not evident in most places. The scenery was spectacular. Had some problems finding my way through the resort of Copper Mountain. Stayed in Frisco and really enjoyed the town and the other trails around it.
Chris Bracknell September 24, 2008
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