Colorado.com Staff Writer

DFP Leaderboard: Article

<p>As soon as the snow melts from Colorado’s ski resorts and exposes the trail systems that were buried for months, mountain bikers get a certain gleam in their eyes — time for a gear tune-up and the thrill of those first, fresh rides of the summer season.</p>


12 Colorado Mountain-Biking Havens at Ski Resorts

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Biking Through Wildflowers at Breckenridge Mountain

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<p>Conveniently, the same gondolas and chairlifts that whisk skiers up the mountains in winter avail themselves to cyclists and their bikes all summer long, so riders can gain altitude fast and discover the thrill of bombing down singletrack, cross-country and technical trails all summer long. Sound fun? Here’s where to find a ride to suit your experience level at major ski areas-turned-biking havens across Colorado.</p>
<h2>1. Arapahoe Basin Trails</h2>
<p>Affectionately called <a href="/cities-and-towns/arapahoe-basin">A-Basin</a> and loved by skiers for its late-season snow, this resort also offers some <a href="https://www.arapahoebasin.com/biking/">mountain-bike-magical singletrack</a> once the powder melts. Its intermediate Beavers Loop debuted in 2023, treating bikers to a high-alpine trail that's MTB only. Earn your two-wheeled turns as you climb 3 miles to the ski area summit at 12,500 feet. Here, you'll catch sick views of craggy peaks in every direction before diving down 2,000 feet and connecting with Wheels Up for 5 total miles of thrilling descent.</p>
<h2><strong>2. Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park </strong></h2>
<p>Debatably one of the birthplaces of mountain biking, <a href="/cities-and-towns/crested-buttemt-crested-butte">Crested Butte</a> is a must-ride destination. Cycle culture is everywhere: You’ll see fleets of locals cruising through downtown and pickup trucks stacked high with dust-covered downhill rigs. Hit up the epic <a href="https://crestedbuttemountainbike.com/rides/intermediate-trailriders-401-mountain-bike-loop/">401 Trail Loop</a>, a dream run for many an alpine biker. Or shred at the <a href="https://www.skicb.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/cb-bike-park.aspx">Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s bike park</a>, boasting 30-plus miles of lift-served routes — smooth, technical and everything in between. And as Colorado’s wildflower paradise, it’s also one of the prettiest places to bike, with Indian paintbrush, lupine and daisies lining the trails in mid-summer.</p>
<h2>3. <strong>Bike Granby Ranch</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://granbyranch.com/things-to-do/summer-activities/biking/">Bike Granby Ranch</a> commands major mountain-bike cred, thanks to an avid population of bikers practically born clipped into their pedals — plus an ideal high-alpine location between the wild reaches of Arapaho National Forest, <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/winter-park">Winter Park</a> and <a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/rocky-mountain-national-park-itinerary">Rocky Mountain National Park</a>. Adored for its relatively ungroomed terrain and lack of crowds, the area is a favorite for both flowy, berm-laden trails like Silky Johnson and Drifter, whose stomach-flipping loose drifts and gaps promise plenty of whooping. The bike park has worked hard to make the area accessible to beginners, too; and with the addition of several cross-country, family-friendly trails, we declare “mission accomplished.”</p>
<h2><strong>4. Trestle Bike Park at Winter Park</strong></h2>
<p>Just utter the word “<a href="/winter-park/trestle-bike-park">Trestle</a>," and mountain bikers smile knowingly. The park is legendary for its namesake wooden trestles and an enviable pro design by Gravity Logic (the folks also responsible for Whistler Mountain Bike Park in British Columbia). While Trestle is just 20 or so miles away from Bike Granby Ranch, the trails here are notably more manicured. There’s a bit of something for everyone, from the beginner- and kid-friendly Green Horn-It! to the gnarly leaps on double-black diamond Cruel and Unusual. There’s even a pro section, called Banana Peel, accessible only with a separate pass. If you’re new to the sport or want to improve your skills, the Trestle Bike Park School has lessons at all levels. </p>
<h2>5. <strong>Keystone Bike Park</strong></h2>
<p>Nearly 30 trails crisscross the storied <a href="https://www.keystoneresort.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/summer-activities/mountain-biking.aspx?page=viewall">Keystone Bike Park</a>. And they’re filled with handlebar-gripping rock gardens, jumps, free falls and human-made wooden features. One of the more rugged parks around, it is a go-to spot for progressive downhill riders. Don't miss Holy Diver, an old logging trail that the resort has turned into a jump line with six berms and a huge wooden ramp. There also happen to be more than 100 miles of singletrack for touring, plus gentle beginner trails for easy riding.</p>
<h2>6. <strong>Steamboat Bike Park</strong></h2>
<p>Once known solely for its placid cross-country riding, <a href="/steamboat-springs/steamboat-bike-park">Steamboat Bike Park</a> is upping the ante, greatly expanding its downhill terrain with 2,200 vertical feet of lift-served trails. Take a relatively easy cruise down Tenderfoot’s 3 miles, or tackle the rollers, berms and drops at the park’s most popular blue trail, Rustler’s Ridge. The cherry on top? A day of thigh-burning action can be soothed away by a dip in the steaming mineral waters at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/strawberry-park-hot-springs">Strawberry Park Hot Springs</a>.</p>
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<h2>7. <strong>Snowmass Bike Park</strong></h2>
<p>True versatility is the name of the game at <a href="/snowmass/snowmass-bike-park">Snowmass</a>. Meander through meadows on 25 miles of classic cross-country trails or find your new favorite gravity ride, with terrain stretching all the way from the top of Elk Camp Chairlift back down to <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/snowmass">Snowmass Village</a> (that’s 2,897 vertical feet, if you’re counting). Newbies and youngsters can practice their technique at the skills park, glide over the Verde Trail or warm up at the Meadow Skills Park. Those looking for a more heart-pumping thrill can swivel, jump and hop through the Viking, Vapor and Valhalla trails.</p>
<h2><strong>8. Purgatory Bike Park</strong></h2>
<p>As wildly popular as the <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/durango">Durango</a> area is for mountain biking, it might surprise you to learn that the local ski area, Purgatory, lacked a lift-served bike trail until 2015. No matter, as <a href="https://www.purgatoryresort.com/activities/mountain-biking/">Purgatory Bike Park</a> has made up for lost time with 400 miles of backcountry, as well as tabletops, berms, hits, bridges and wall-rides — making it suitable for most intermediate to advanced riders. Eleven other runs offer varying levels that zoom through spruce and aspen forests (and the occasional grazing deer or wandering elk).</p>
<p><strong>Note: </strong>Purgatory Bike Park will be closed summer 2025 while a new lift is built. <a href="https://www.purgatory.ski/activities/mountain-biking/">Learn more</a></p>
<h2>9. <strong>Vail Mountain</strong></h2>
<p>Wind through stands of shimmering aspen and fragrant ponderosa pines, take in sweeping views of the Gore Mountain Range and end up with perma-grin as you ride <a href="https://www.vail.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/summer-activities/mountain-biking.aspx">Vail Mountain</a>’s network of MTB trails. While Vail’s mountain-biking system is less progressive than others, this is a boon for riders who simply want to cruise soft singletrack through forest and prairie. That’s just what you’ll get on the Grand Traverse trail, which enjoys views of Mount of the Holy Cross and dips into the resort’s three back bowls. Freeriders will love Magic Forest, a short ride known for being fast and fun.</p>
<h2>10. <strong>Breckenridge Mountain</strong></h2>
<p>We’ve heard it said that the town of <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/breckenridge">Breckenridge</a> is “one big trailhead,” and we’d have to agree. <a href="http://www.breckenridge.com/activities/mountain-biking.aspx?page=viewall">Breckenridge Mountain</a> boasts miles of buzzed-about trails heading up from town, including the popular Middle Flume loop, which kicks off with a lung-busting climb and rewards you with a breezy descent at the end. Plenty of <a href="https://www.breckenridge.com/-/aemasset/sitecore/breckenridge/maps/20240517_BR_summer-bike-trail_map_001.pdf">trails</a> await on Breck’s ski mountain as well. Give it a go on Whirl trail, a short intro for still-learning riders, or load your bike onto the Colorado SuperChair at the base of Peak 8 and tackle Dwight’s, a winding route with rocky descents and narrow zips through the forest.</p>
<h2>11. <strong>Copper Mountain</strong></h2>
<p>The relaxed vibe that makes <a href="/copper-mountain/copper-mountain-resort">Copper Mountain</a> a family-favorite ski destination persists in summer with the resort’s low-key <a href="https://www.coppercolorado.com/events-activities/summer-activities/mountain-biking">mountain-biking program</a>. This trail network is served by the Woodward Express lift, which brings riders and their bikes up for a great beginner’s experience or more challenging singletrack trails for advanced riders. Jonesing for an extra workout? Wide service roads provide access for anyone who prefers to ride uphill after hours.</p>
<h2><strong>12. Telluride Bike Park</strong></h2>
<p>Majestic mountain panoramas and adrenaline-pumping trail rides are all yours for free, thanks to <a href="http://www.colorado.com/skiing-snowboarding/telluride-ski-golf-resort">Telluride Ski Resort</a>’s complimentary gondola service to the <a href="https://tellurideskiresort.com/bike-park/">Telluride Bike Park</a>. You’ll have to sign a liability waiver, but after that, miles of epic, well-maintained downhill lines are yours for the taking. With two green trails, six blue and nine blacks, most of this mountain is best saved for experienced riders. Let ’er rip down the smooth, curvy and deliciously long No-Brainer trail, or test yourself on Pan-Coaster, with berms and jumps weaving in and out of the forest.</p>
<p><a href="/telluride/telluride-adaptive-sports-program">Check out adaptive mountain bike experiences from Telluride Adaptive Sports Program</a></p>
<h2>New to Biking?</h2>
<p>If you’re new to mountain biking at ski resorts, you’ll notice that trail maps have the same basic difficulty designations that ski runs do: green is easiest, blue is more difficult, black is most difficult (you’ll see riders in full-face helmets and armored padding) and black diamonds are expert-only trails.</p>
<h2>How to Ride Right</h2>
<p>Help protect the lands that make mountain biking in Colorado so spectacular. Please stay on the trail, never approach wildlife, respect trail closures and pack out every tiny bit of trash you bring in (food wrappers, toilet paper, drink bottles, etc.). Learn more about <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/leave-no-trace-care-colorado">Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles</a>.</p>
<h2>Want More?</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-mountain-road-cruiser-rides">Colorado Mountain, Road &amp; Cruiser Rides</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-mountain-biking-trails-every-level">Mountain-Biking Trails for Every Level</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/summer-colorado-ski-towns">Summer in Colorado Ski Towns</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/summer-activities-colorado-ski-resorts">Summer Activities at Colorado Ski Resorts</a> </p>
