Crested Butte Mountain Biking: Trail Favorites
Mountain biking is so huge in Crested Butte in the summer. The roots of mountain biking in Crested Butte are almost as deep as skiing’s and are spread throughout our town’s culture. Fat tire bikes used to be the only way to get around the pot-holed dirt streets of Crested Butte in the 70’s. Naturally, people just kept riding them further and further from town until they reached Aspen, and the rest is history. Nowadays we keep these traditions alive with events like the Pearl Pass Tour, and the oldest mountain biking club in the United States, the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association.
Crested Butte undoubtedly has some of the best mountain biking in Colorado. And this is, quite simply, the largest and most complete guide to Crested Butte mountain biking trails. Read on to discover Crested Butte’s trail favorites.
LOWER LOOP & WOODS WALK
This popular trail west of town gives access to the Slate River Valley and is relatively easy riding compared to the rest of Crested Butte. It’s perfect for beginner riders, but connector trails offer additional difficulty if desired. The route showcases spectacular views of Mt. Crested Butte and Peanut Lake, along with Paradise Divide and the Slate River.
Bike Difficulty: Beginner
LOWER CEMENT CREEK
The Lower Cement Creek Trail is another alternative to riding dirt roads but also serves as a great beginner trail. Experience fast meadows, tight forests, and a few rocky obstacles to keep you honest. The loop is only 4.4 miles and offers 400 feet of climbing.
Bike Difficulty: Beginner
LUPINE TRAIL
There are many great trails within a couple miles of the town, but this just might be the best one. From June through August the hillsides are on full display with wildflowers, especially lupine (of course). Take in wide views of mountains, the Slate River valley, the town of Crested Butte, and in the fall, aspen colors.
Bike Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
STRAND HILL
One of the most popular intermediate trails in the valley is a Crested Butte classic. Enjoy views of mighty Teocalli Mountain on your descent, before dropping through a tight aspen forest. Some root drops may pose a challenge for some, while others may choose to launch off them. Fall is a fantastic time to ride Strand, and it is typically open to early season riding as well.
Bike Difficulty: Intermediate
DOCTOR PARK
Known mostly for its downhill. Whether you call it Doctor’s Park or Doctor Park, this is a ride not to be missed in Crested Butte. The upper meadows give way to some fast-technical riding, and that’s where the fun really begins. The middle section leaves flies through the trees with twists and berms that will leave you grinning.
Click here for more information on Doctor Park https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/doctor-park.html
Bike Difficulty: Intermediate/Advance
TRAIL 401
The trail brings you up above the tree line, showcasing the East River Valley’s gorgeous surrounding mountains and landscapes. 401 serves up some epic single-track as well, with wildflowers that can brush your handlebars or even your helmet. The high alpine trail offers an epic descent with knee-high flowers, and spectacular views of the Gothic Valley and Mount Crested Butte
Bike Difficulty: Advance
TEOCALLI RIDGE
The Teocalli Trail truly offers it all. Experience some classic Colorado hike-a-bike before topping out on the ridge with grand views of mountains off to the northeast. The trail makes its way back down the Brush Creek valley, while you negotiate roots, rocks, and a handful of switchbacks, before arriving at an open meadow. Thankfully, Teo Ridge is once again open, and riders can enjoy the playful ridge section along with the rough and tumble middle, and fast meadows at the bottom. Oh, and the views are tough to beat.
Bike Difficulty: Intermediate/Advance
HUNTER CREEK
This is probably one of the favorite alpine rides in the Crested Butte area. But Hunter Creek has more than views- it’s an ear-to-ear grinning decent on its own, with a little bit of everything on the way down. The cross-country part of this loop is one of the best as well.
Bike Difficulty: Advance
Also, you can check our previous blog, https://www.thehowegroup.co/blog/june-2018-calendar-of-events/to preview activities in the month of June.