What time of day should I plan to ride?

Start early, especially in summer. Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly in Colorado, often arriving between 1 and 3 p.m., and being exposed on a ridge or above treeline during lightning is a serious hazard. Most local riders aim to be off exposed terrain by noon. Early morning also means cooler temperatures and less trail traffic on popular routes.

What gear should I bring for a Colorado mountain bike ride?

Beyond a helmet and a trail-ready bike, carry more water than you think you need — altitude and dry air accelerate dehydration faster than many visitors expect. A basic tool kit with a multi-tool, tire levers, and a spare tube or plug kit is standard. Even on summer days, pack a light rain layer, since afternoon storms can roll in fast. Sunscreen matters at elevation even on overcast days.

Are there access fees or permits required for Colorado mountain biking trails?

It depends on who manages the land. Some trailheads in state parks, such as those near Spruce Mountain and Meadows Trails, require a Colorado State Parks pass or a day-use fee. Trails on National Forest or BLM land are generally free to access, though some parking areas may charge a fee. Always check the specific land management agency for the trail you're planning to ride, since rules and fees change.

Colorado · Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking in Colorado

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Mountain Biking · 200 spots

Colorado has more mountain biking than most riders will ever get through in a lifetime, and the 1,122 trails listed on Roamze cover everything from mellow dirt paths to routes that will test even experienced riders. Beginners have solid options across the state — Blue Sky Trail, Coyote Run, and Spruce Mountain and Meadows Trails are accessible entry points that still deliver real scenery without demanding technical skills. Step up to moderate terrain and you'll find trails like Discovery Ridge Trail, Columbine Trail, and Kineo Mountain Trail, which offer enough variety to keep intermediate riders busy across multiple visits. For riders who want something harder, Rattlesnake Ridge Trail, Little French Flume, Pauli Trail, and the 7:30 Mine Trail represent the kind of sustained challenge that Colorado's elevation and terrain naturally produce. At the top end, Penrose is listed as expert-level, and it earns that rating. The riding season varies significantly by elevation and region — Front Range trails like Blue Sky Trail and West Valley Trail often open in March, while higher-elevation routes may not be rideable until late May or June. Afternoon thunderstorms are a consistent summer pattern across the state, so early starts are the standard practice for most Colorado riders regardless of trail difficulty.

Frequently asked questions

When is mountain biking season in Colorado?

It varies by elevation and location. Lower-elevation Front Range trails like Blue Sky Trail and West Valley Trail can be rideable from March through November in a dry year. Higher trails, including routes near timberline, typically open in late May or June and can close again with early snowfall in September or October. Check local trail conditions before heading out, especially in spring when trails are prone to damage from wet soil.

What skill level do I need to ride most Colorado trails?

The range here is wide. Trails like Coyote Run, Timberline Trail, and Scotland Trail are genuinely beginner-friendly with minimal technical features. Moderate trails such as Swoop's Loop, SunshineKitty, and The Great Escape assume you're comfortable with some climbing and basic trail features. Hard-rated trails like Middle Codell Trail, Prospector Trail, and Rattlesnake Ridge Trail involve steeper grades, loose surfaces, or technical rock sections that require solid bike handling. Penrose is listed as expert and should not be a first Colorado ride.

Keep exploring — more rides worth the drive

Grand Turk

~18 min drive

Quick alpine ride through Colorado high country near 39.2°N 106.8°W.

Crested Butte 401 Trail

~36 min drive

Crested Butte's iconic 16-mile high-alpine XC epic - challenging singletrack through wildflower meadows.

Lazy Man Short Cut

~19 min drive

Quick 0.129-mile connector trail in central Colorado's mountain biking area.

West Brush Creek Snowmo/ski

~25 min drive

4.3-mile alpine trail in southwestern Colorado near 38.9°N 106.9°W.

Deer Creek

~28 min drive

An 8.8-mile Colorado trail offering scenic high country riding near the San Juan Mountains.

North Hunter Creek Trail

~18 min drive

Scenic 1.97-mile creek-side trail in Colorado's high country.

Iowa Shaft

~18 min drive

A brief 0.256-mile Colorado trail in the 39.2°N 106.8°W trail system.

Smugglers Cutoff

~19 min drive

A 2.7-mile Colorado backcountry connector through the high country near 39.2°N 106.8°W.

Hummingbird trail

~19 min drive

A 2.2-mile mountain bike trail in Colorado's high country.

Hunter Valley

~19 min drive

A 1.4-mile Colorado trail in the high country near 39.2°N 106.8°W.

South Spur

~19 min drive

Quick connector trail in Colorado's high country trail system.

Hunter Creek Overlook

~19 min drive

Quick 0.77-mile scenic trail in Colorado with mountain views.

Also worth it near here

Lincoln Creek dispersed campsite #8

~4 min drive

Tabor Creek

~4 min drive

Lincoln Creek

~5 min drive

Weller Lake

~7 min drive

Taylor Lake

~10 min drive

Mountain Biking in Colorado

Frequently asked questions

Keep exploring — more rides worth the drive

Featured spots

10Th Mtn Hut via Lily Lk

Abajo

Abbzug Loop

Adam's Way

Akima's Way

All spots · 200

10Th Mtn Hut-Colo Trail

1450.A

2 Dollar

2 More

2nd Gulch

3rd Gulch

6 & 50 Trail

7 Bridges

A Fistfull of Dollars

Abby's Trail

Abrams Ridge

After Burn

Aftermath Trail

Alameda Multi-Use Path

Ali Ali Loop

Ali Alley Trail

Alonzos

Alpha Beta

Alpine Garden Loop

Alpine Mine

Alpine Trail 225

Alta

Alta Lakes

Alta Lakes Dam Trail