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.
Parking and 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.
Beautiful Ride
By
gaoakleys
in
July, 2012
We took our bikes on the shuttle to the top of the pass, courtesy of Mountain View Sports. They will pick up at Keystone, Dillon, or Frisco. We paid $20 each in 2012. At the top of the pass it was a pretty long and steep downhill run and we were glad ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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