Mountain Biking in Colorado
Colorado is a mecca for mountain bikers. With its rugged terrain, diverse landscapes, and breathtaking scenery, it’s easy to see why this state is a top destination for mountain bikers from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a challenging ride or a beginner just getting started, you’ll Love Colorado.
The state boasts an extensive network of trails that cater to riders of all levels. From the rolling hills of the Front Range to the rugged peaks of the Rockies, Colorado’s trails offer a range of challenges.
The Colorado Trail: one of the most popular destinations for mountain bikers, stretching over 500 miles from Denver to Durango. This multi-day ride offers various access points throughout the state. It’s a long-distance trail that traverses diverse landscapes, including high mountain passes, lush forests, and alpine meadows and jagged peaks. While completing the entire trail is an epic adventure, many riders opt to tackle shorter segments or ride specific sections known for exceptional mountain biking.
Sections of the Colorado Trail such as segments 5-6 (Breckenridge to Copper Mountain) and segments 7-8 (Copper Mountain to Leadville) offer challenging terrain, breathtaking scenery, and opportunities for technical riding. These segments often feature high alpine environments, rocky descents, and thrilling singletrack.
Monarch Crest Trail: located near Salida in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, it’s an iconic high-alpine trail that offers stunning views of the Sawatch and San Juan mountain ranges. Expect a mix of challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and technical sections.
The trail features a mix of singletrack and jeep roads, taking you through alpine meadows, dense forests, and above-treeline terrain. The Monarch Crest Trail is also part of the Continental Divide Trail, adding to its allure for avid mountain bikers seeking adventure and solitude.
Keystone Bike Park: located in Keystone Resort is another popular destination for mountain bikers. With over 2,000 acres of terrain, this park offers something for riders of all levels, from beginner-friendly cross-country trails to challenging downhill runs.
In addition to Keystone, there are several other ski resorts in Colorado that offer lift-accessed mountain biking during the summer months, including:
Copper Mountain
Breckenridge
Vail
If you’re looking for a more remote, backcountry experience, the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado offer some of the best singletrack riding in the state. The rugged peaks are home to several iconic rides, including:
The Hermosa Creek Trail
The Rico-Silverton Trail
These trails offer a chance to escape the crowds and experience the raw beauty of Colorado’s backcountry. But no matter where you choose to ride in Colorado, you’re sure to experience the state’s stunning scenery and world-class riding. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day adventure, a day at the bike park, or a backcountry ride, Colorado is the place! So, pack your bags, grab your bike, and head to the Rockies for a truly unforgettable experience.
*Be prepared for high elevation, variable weather conditions, and challenging terrain.
**Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the pristine environment.
***Check trail conditions & regulations before any mt. biking adventure in Colorado.
Resources to find trail conditions & regulations for mountain biking in Colorado:
Trail Websites and Apps: offer extensive databases of mountain biking trails, including user-generated updates on trail conditions, difficulty ratings, and trail regulations. These platforms often provide valuable insights from local riders and trail stewards. Websites: Trailforks.com, MTBProject.com, Singletracks.com
Local Trail Organizations: lots of mountain biking trails in Colorado are maintained by local trail organizations. These organizations typically have websites or social media pages where they share information about trail conditions, closures, maintenance schedules, and regulations. Check out the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA) and local chapters of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). Websites: Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA) comba.org, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) imba.com.
State and Federal Land Management Agencies: trails on public lands in Colorado are managed by various agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Their websites often provide information on trail regulations, closures, and any special considerations for mountain bikers. Websites: U.S. Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Region, Bureau of Land Management - Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Visitor Centers and Ranger Stations: located near popular mountain biking areas, you'll get current information on trail conditions, regulations, and safety recommendations. Rangers and staff members are knowledgeable about local trails and can offer valuable advice.
Local Bike Shops and Rental Outlets: often have firsthand knowledge of trail conditions and regulations in their area. They may also sell trail maps or guidebooks that provide information on specific trails, including difficulty ratings and restrictions.
Use these resources for comprehensive information on trail conditions and regulations for mountain biking in Colorado, ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience while exploring the state's diverse and stunning landscapes.
