Top Five Places to Go Mountain Biking
5. Monarch Crest
©
Photo © Marcel Slootheer
Description:
The Monarch Crest Trail system is a grand total of 34.9 miles, and is made up of three different trails. The Monarch Crest takes you from Monarch Pass to Poncha Springs at extreme altitude. Get ready for an awesome workout and gorgeous views! Weather conditions at this altitude vary greatly, so plan ahead and pack your gear accordingly.
Directions:
Map and Additional Trail Information
Riding the Trail:
The three trails are The Monarch Crest Trail (9.14 miles), The Silver Creek Trail (4.5 miles) and a part of the Rainbow Trail (10 miles). The last five miles are downhill to the Poncha Springs area.
4. Steamboat Springs
Photo © Nick Wilder
Description:
Steamboat has now established itself as a top destination for summer biking, a perfect compliment to its great skiing in the winter time. The Spring Creek Trail is one of the most popular in the area. It's a great option for beginners as well as intermediate riders looking for a beautifully scenic outdoor experience!
Directions:
Riding the Trail:
This 10.7 mile trail offers a great opportunity to get the full experience of the outdoors in a mountain climate. It features a vast amount of wildflowers, abundant scenic views and interesting rock structures!
3. Fruita
Photo © Nick Wilder
Description:
Biking at Fruita has exploded in popularity! One of the more challenging and rewarding biking trails there is the Ridgeline Tour. This trail, part of the Kokopelli Loops, is difficult and takes some experience to navigate. Although it is technical, it provides thrillingly steep climbs and fast descents! Riders experience various slot canyons and rock formations along the way. The 140 mile Kokopelli Trail links this area to Moab, Utah.
Directions:
Riding the Trail:
This trail consists of biking a set of loop trails between Mack Ridge and Moore Fun. The big loop involves riding Moore Fun, Mary's Loop, and Lion's Loop, then ends on the Mack Ridge.
2. Crested Butte and Gunnison
Photo © Dinno Domingo, rider: Caren Villaroman
Description:
Crested Butte and Gunnison have created some top notch opportunities for mountain biking! Two trails stand out in particular: the
401 Trail (Trailriders trail) near Crested Butte and the
Hartman Rocks Recreation Area near Gunnison.
The 401 trail is 13.7 miles long and encompasses many of mountain biking's most appealing attributes, including buttery smooth trails and great alpine views.
The Hartman Rocks Recreation Area serves as a great alternative to the 401 trail, especially on a cooler day. This trail features multiple use trails great for mountain biking, with 45 miles of single track trails and another 45 miles of road available to bikers.
Directions:
Riding the Trail:
The 401 Trail begins with an incline as you make your way past Emerald Lake to the Schofield Pass Summit. Once you reach the summit, the pay-off begins as you gain views of the Elk Mountains and begin a steady exposed descent. At the trail sign, you can hang a right and bail out or continue on.
Hartman Rocks covers dozens of miles of single-track trail. Although there are many options and turn-offs, the trails are well marked and the signs are clear! For a nice sampling of about ten miles, start at the trailhead and begin on Lower Jack's and follow signs through to The Ridge, Tailpipe, Alonzo's and Rattlesnake. Countless combinations of loops offer challenging exposure and exhilarating downhills. Loop back around to Backbone to finish back at Lower Jack's.
1. Buffalo Creek Big Loop
Photo © Steve Mokan
Description:
This trail supplies riders with long elevation gains and quick downhill opportunities that will thrill all mountain bike enthusiasts! The Buffalo Creek Big Loop is a total of 25.2 miles long, and the trail consists of a sandy and dry surface material.
Directions:
Riding the Trail:
The ride begins at the Nice Kitty Trail, the longest climb of the loop, then links up with the Colorado Trail. From the Colorado Trail the route connects to the Redskin Creek Trail, which features flowy ascents to Gashouse Trail. Next take the abrupt turn to Charlie's Cutoff. Take this trail to Sandy Wash, the last leg of the loop, which incorporates a rolling 30 minute descent through various rock outcroppings and stands of pine.
