The Enchanting Colorado Forest Trail That Looks Too Magical To Be Real
It was Saturday morning when I stumbled onto this trail in Colorado. The moment I turned off Highway 93 and parked at Apex, I knew something special waited in those woods.
Golden sits right where the plains bump into the Rockies, but this particular corner of Apex Park feels plucked from a storybook – dense pines, a trickling creek, and light that slants through branches like stage spotlights.
People call it the Enchanted Forest Trail, and after one walk through those hushed, green corridors, you will understand why the name stuck.
The trail that earned its name
Slip into the west side of Apex Park and the light softens, pine trunks crowd close, and the air cools – an aptly named “Enchanted Forest” where shady woods and a creek give the place a hushed, fairy-tale feel.
Most Front Range trails bake under high-altitude sun, but this pocket stays dim and cool even in July.
I remember pausing mid-stride the first time, convinced I had crossed into some hidden realm. The canopy overhead filtered every sound, turning passing hikers into whispers.
It is the kind of spot that makes you want to tiptoe, as if you might disturb a woodland sprite napping behind a boulder.
Where it is (and how to start)
Begin at the Apex Trailhead, 121 County Highway 93, Golden – minutes from downtown and signed parking on site.
From here, well-marked paths lead you toward the forested west end. The lot fills fast on weekends, so arriving before nine o’clock saves you circling like a hawk.
Signage at the trailhead is clear, with maps posted on weatherproof boards. I have watched confused newcomers squint at their phones, but the printed maps do the job better – cell service can be patchy once you duck into the trees.
Restrooms sit near the parking area, a small mercy before you commit to the loop.
The loop everyone falls for
A popular sampler is the Apex and Enchanted Forest Loop (about 3.7 miles, roughly 800 feet of gain), enough to feel transported without committing your whole day.
Longer variations up to around 5.5 miles add Magic Mountain and Argos. The shorter loop took me just under two hours at a leisurely pace, with plenty of photo stops.
You climb gently at first, then dip into that signature forested corridor where the temperature drops and the world narrows to green walls.
The loop brings you back via open slopes that offer views east toward Denver, a nice contrast after all that shade.
A ribbon of water at your side
Part of Apex Park’s path follows a small stream – one more reason this forested west end stays cool, damp, and lush in summer.
The water burbles over smooth stones, a soundtrack that makes you forget you are so close to the highway. In spring, snowmelt swells the creek; by late August, it slows to a gentle trickle.
I knelt beside it once to refill my bottle (after filtering, of course) and spotted a tiny frog perched on a mossy rock. The presence of water transforms the microclimate, nurturing ferns and wildflowers that would wilt on drier slopes.
It is a small detail that amplifies the enchantment tenfold.
The odd/even day rule (don’t skip this)
Apex uses designated-use days. On odd-numbered dates, hikers and equestrians only (no bikes). On even-numbered dates, bikes only, with downhill and east travel on affected trails such as Enchanted Forest and Magic Mountain.
Check the calendar before you go, or you will arrive to find your preferred activity banned for the day.
I learned this the hard way, showing up on an even date with trekking poles in hand and a sheepish grin. A friendly ranger redirected me to nearby trails, but I wasted half an hour.
The system keeps everyone safe and reduces user conflict, so respect it.
When to go (and park hours)
Open year-round, with park hours from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Spring’s soft light and fall’s crisp air are dreamy; winter can bring ice, and summer afternoons can storm – start early.
I favor September mornings, when aspen leaves turn gold and the crowds thin out after Labor Day.
Afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast during July and August, so plan to finish by early afternoon. Winter hikers should carry traction devices; shaded sections hold ice well into March.
Sunrise hikes offer solitude and the best chance to spot wildlife along the creek.
Simple trail etiquette that keeps the magic
Dogs are welcome on leash; pick up after pets, stay on signed routes, and help protect habitat so the “enchanted” feel lasts.
Camping is not allowed in Apex Park; Jeffco Open Space allows camping only at designated parks such as Reynolds Park and White Ranch Park, by permit.
I always carry an extra bag for waste – my own and any strays I find – because nothing ruins a fairy-tale vibe faster than litter on the trail.
Yield to uphill hikers and horses, and keep voices low in the forested sections. The magic here is fragile, built on quiet and respect.
A little courtesy goes a long way toward preserving the experience for everyone who follows your footsteps through those whispering pines.