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5.4 miles
Distance
170 ft
Climb
-2,660 ft
Descent
00:46:15
Avg time
-2,490 ft
Altitude change
8,190 ft
Altitude min
10,680 ft
Altitude max
10,680 ft
Altitude start
8,189 ft
Altitude end
-8.7%
Grade
-53.9%
Grade max
21.8%
Grade min
3,340 ft
Distance climb
5 miles
Distance down
220 ft
Distance flat
00:46:15
Avg time
Cougar Ridge Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Horse
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaMinturn
, Colorado -
Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyBlue (3 votes)
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Local Popularity85 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 95 in Trail Running
- 70 in Hiking
- 5 in Horseback
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Global Ranking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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DirectionBoth DirectionsPopular In Reverse
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Climb DifficultyBlue
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Physical RatingHard
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Trail VisibilityAlways easy to follow
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike Allowed
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Land Owner
Descent into Minturn from Vail Mountain/Grand Traverse, for a Summer version of the Minturn Mile, or climb to access multiple loops or as an out and back from Minturn. From the top, starts with some flowy turns in an open meadow with incredible views before dropping into new flowy switchbacks in the timber, stopping to pop out at Lionshead Rock, ending with a creek crossing and the last bit of the Game Creek Trail.
Riding up starts with small walking sections to access the Cougar Ridge Trail start, but is a great but lung busting climb afterwards - link it up with Two Elk (west or east), Game Creek, Grand Traverse, or down the front side of Vail Mountain and across the highway for longer ride options.
Be aware that the lower section up to Lionshead Rock lookout point is extremely popular with hikers on weekends.
Trail Supporters
SonnenalpSponsor
USFSLand Manager
Local Trail Association
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Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 2 rides
- 28 miles average
6 Months
- 5 rides
- 28 miles avg distance
All
- 94 rides
- Last: Jun 21, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Cougar Ridge Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
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- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
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- < 1 week
- < 2 weeks
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- > 6 months
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- Both Directions
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Directions to cougar-ridge trailhead
(39.594750, -106.379750)
Photos
131 more »
Videos
3 more »
9:23 |
536 |
Oct 26, 2020 , Minturn
20:26 |
727 |
Sep 6, 2019 , Minturn
26:14 |
511 |
Sep 6, 2019 , Minturn
Routes with this trail
★ 5.0 • 23 miles • 4,221 ft • 4 • Loop •
Ride Two Elk from Minturn as a loop on nearly all single track - Oct '20 reroutes on trail make this a...
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Nearby Trails
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- Sleepy Time Road 4 miles
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- By todd
Trailforks & contributors - #14145 - 6,795 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cougar Ridge
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Where is Cougar Ridge located?
Cougar Ridge is located in Minturn, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Minturn trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 39.59475, -106.37975.
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How hard is Cougar Ridge?
Cougar Ridge is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 8.7%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
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What is the elevation gain for Cougar Ridge?
Cougar Ridge has 170 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 2,660 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 8,190 ft to 10,680 ft.
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Is Cougar Ridge a point to point trail?
Cougar Ridge is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
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