The Best Mountain Bike Trails In Colorado

Last Updated on June 25, 2023 by Emmanuel

Avid mountain bikers love Colorado for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures; this state offers some of the best trails in the USA.

Colorado has beginner-friendly routes and challenging terrain for seasoned veterans.

This article will examine Colorado’s best mountain biking trails that give everyone an unforgettable adventure.

Mountain biking trails in Colorado overview.

Colorado suits two wheels lovers, whether professionals or hobbyists. It has more than 1,345 trails from intermediate to advanced difficulties in different cities and villages. 

The trails are so many that we can not name all of them in this blog post; we will only discuss a few of the most famous you can consider exploring each season.

1. Crested Butte.

This Colorado rocky mountain town of 8,850 feet would be the cradle of modern mountain biking.

Only in the early 1980s did most of the Crested Butte streets pave as they are today.

The primary means of travel were the two-wheelers with large tires capable of withstanding the rocky terrain.

This trend has evolved because this city currently counts more than 700 miles of single track.

This figure will continue rising as this town is one of the top references in modern mountain biking.

In addition to a wide array of MTB trails, Crested Butte also offers many other attractions, including cross-country tracks, great outdoors for adventurers, etc.

2. Monarch Crest Trail.

Colorado, Monarch Crest is one of the three IMBA routes in this state where mountain bikers ascend two thousand vertical feet and travel above 12,000 feet elevation.

The Monarch Crest Trail totalizes around 8.8 miles round trip, starting flat and winding through pines.

As you advance, you will climb dirt roads while discovering and enjoying the never seen mountain views.

However, be prepared to face some riding challenges because climbing 2,000 vertical feet is difficult for everyone.

Furthermore, bring a rain jacket, helmet, layers, and other essential materials, as the weather can change suddenly and surprise you.

In the summer, you can also visit the Arkansas River to enjoy its beautiful attraction, many good restaurants, breweries, shopping, and live music.

RELATED: Why are Americans obsessed with hiking?

3. Aspen.

Aspen is a small Colorado city in remote areas of the Rocky Mountains’ Sawatch Range and the Elk Mountains.

Its total number of inhabitants was over 7,000, according to the 2020 United States Census.

This city’s arts, culture, and vast outdoor opportunities attract many travelers year-round, including mountain bikers of all skill levels.

More than 300 miles of cycling trails surround this city, and the International Mountain Bike Association has granted it the status of the “Gold-Level Ride Center.”

An Aspen detailed mountain bike trail map avoids getting lost in this adventuring area.

4. Breckenridge.

Breckenridge has many gold mining, booms, hotels, and other cycling and ski trail adventure opportunities.

Over eight hundred miles of trails enable everyone to learn the mountain biking sport.

Many visit the Wellington Bike Park; it offers adult and kid-friendly riding.

You will then work your way on your jumps, but be careful and watch your children’s safety.

If you find the routes attractive, it is also possible to travel from Breckenridge to Frisco for a 1,000 feet ascent and ride back through the paved Blue River Bikeway.

In a nutshell, the mountain cycling opportunities in this area are endless. You will find the most suitable riding style and enjoy the best times.

5. Colorado Springs.

Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers can suitably access the Colorado Springs trails.

Start your journey in the city center and continue towards the gnarly backcountry tracks until you reach the summit of Pikes Peak Mountain.

Please take advantage of the Garden of the Gods to admire its 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations.

The Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods houses is also a must-pass by; the beginner’s friendly scenic Ute mountain bike trail will undoubtedly please you.

The sky is the limit because Colorado Springs offers many other top-rated trails you can practice your mountain biking skills alone or in a group.

6. Snowmass.

Snowmass is another mountain biking village to discover. This twelve miles from Aspen village offers around fifty miles of mountain biking trails and many other attractive activities.

Many also appreciate visiting Vista, Durango, Fort Collins, Salida, Steamboat Springs, etc.

Consider the Shiatsu Cloud Massage to alleviate pain in your lower body parts; it eases tension through deep-kneading action.

This machine suits those suffering from these health issues as they age.

Do you need a permit to hike the Colorado trail?

Do you need a permit to hike the Colorado trail?

You only need a permit to hike in Colorado, where the trails pass through the wilderness.

Bring essential mountain biking equipment: practical trekking poles, synthetic jeans, and T-shirts to breathe better.

It will also help to have a GPS app instead of bulky maps and guidebooks.

Furthermore, take a headlamp, sunglasses, first aid, fire, shelter, and other essentials.

RELATED: What are the best shoes for Slickrock hiking?

When can I mountain bike in Colorado?

Autumn is the best season for traveling to Colorado for mountain biking.

The weather is typically cool in autumn, and most local trails are snow-free for several weeks, making biking easy.

You can use an application like Cortex, which shows the trails and their status in real-time.

Is Waterton Canyon part of the Colorado trail?

Waterton Canyon begins the Colorado Trail, a distance of 486 miles through six national wilderness areas and six forests.

This long trail comprises twenty-eight segments for cyclists and hikers to enjoy great times while taking regular breaks.

Are electric bikes allowed on Colorado trails?

The 2019 law allows E-bike riders to use the same trails as traditional bicyclists.

This law considers Electric bikes as bicycles rather than motorized vehicles.

However, checking the local law before embarking on such trials is better; the local laws can prevail over the state ones.

Final thoughts.

Colorado has the best mountain biking trails suitable for everyone, from epic single-track rides to scenic mountain passes.

This state enables one to explore stunning landscapes and challenging trails; it is the mountain bikers’ favorite destination.

That’s all we can tell about Colorado’s best mountain bike trails; we hope this blog post is valuable.