more stats
7.5 miles
Distance
-2,955 ft
Descent
01:11:10
Avg time
-2,957 ft
Altitude change
8,029 ft
Altitude min
10,986 ft
Altitude max
10,986 ft
Altitude start
8,028 ft
Altitude end
-7.5%
Grade
-37.3%
Grade max
-0.4%
Grade min
7 miles
Distance down
131 ft
Distance flat
01:11:10
Avg time

Two Elk Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Vail Pass
    Vail, Colorado
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Black Diamond (2 votes)
  • Local Popularity
    65 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
    • 5 in Horseback
  • Global Ranking
    #49527 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #127207 in Trail Running
    • #120419 in Hiking
    • #895 in Horseback
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Land Owner
    USFS

Typically referred to separately as Two Elk and Two Elk East, with the division at Two Elk Pass sign and the Bowman's Shortcut intersection. Two Elk via Bowman's is one of the areas best longer rides, shuttled by many via Shrine Pass Rd our of Red Cliff. Other good options to ride are up Mill Creek Rd from Vail, or ride the Vail Gondola for a boost, and acess via Grand Traverse Trail and mountain roads up past Chair 21 and the Poma. Ride goes through Vail's Back Bowls, and becomes moderately technical with rock gardens and hidden pedal strikers on Two Elk Creek past Chair 5. Drops you at the gun range in Minturn.

Disclaimer

This trail is subject to a USFS seasonal wildlife closure from 5/6 - 6/30 to protect deer and elk during calving season

Trail Supporters
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

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  • 0 rides
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6 Months
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All
  • 49 rides
  • Last: Oct 19, 2025
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Two Elk Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
May 15, 2026 @ 1:00am (America/Denver)
May 15, 2026
 reporter
May 6, 2026 @ 1:00am (America/Denver)
May 6, 2026
 reporter
Aug 16, 2025 @ 9:53am
Aug 16, 2025
 About 3 hours total including Bowmans
Jul 3, 2025 @ 4:16pm
Jul 3, 2025
 reporter
May 27, 2025 @ 7:49am
May 27, 2025
 reporter Seasonal wildlife closure from May 6 through June 30
more »
Status:
on May 15, 2026
Dry
Avg: 3.88 (13 votes)
Your vote: 0

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  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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        Directions to two-elk trailhead (39.591320, -106.293080)

        Photos

        56 more »
        234 |
        Sep 26, 2025 @ 4:59pm
        Sep 26, 2025
        72 |
        Sep 26, 2025 @ 10:15am
        Sep 26, 2025
        117 |
        Sep 4, 2023 @ 9:05pm
        Sep 4, 2023
        100 |
        Sep 4, 2023 @ 9:05pm
        Sep 4, 2023

        Videos

        5 more »
        youtuber The ultimate Colorado MTB road trip kickoff |...
        14:17 | 642 | Dec 22, 2020 , Vail
        youtuber Two Elk (West) - Finally Riding in Colorado...
        27:59 | 210 | Aug 25, 2023 , Vail
        Bowmans- two elk- grand traverse
        5:01 | 173 | Aug 5, 2023 , Vail
        Mountain Biking Vail's Back Bowls - Two Elk |...
        6:01 | 677 | Jun 4, 2020 , Vail

        Technical Trail Features (TTF)

        Trail Lists

        Routes with this trail

        237
        Two Elk via Cougar Ridge and Grand Traverse Loop
        ★ 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...

        20 Reviews & Comments


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        Frequently Asked Questions About Two Elk

        ▼ Where is Two Elk located?
        Two Elk is located in Vail Pass, Vail, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Vail Pass trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 39.59132, -106.29308.
        ▼ How hard is Two Elk?
        Two Elk is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 7.5%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Two Elk?
        The trail has 2,955 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 8,029 ft to 10,986 ft.
        ▼ Is Two Elk a point to point trail?
        Two Elk is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.

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