Barring any bumps and bruises, it’s officially the time of year when we find ourselves in peak biking shape.
We’ve honed our fitness with after-work rides, weekend camping and mountain bike trips to higher elevations, and diligent time in the gym. The work is in the bank, as they say. So who can blame us for seeking a little gravity-fed fun to reward all that hard effort?
August and September are peak bike park season, when afternoon thunderstorms are less frequent and fall colors begin to pop out between the evergreens. Of course, with so many options for lift-access riding here in the Rocky Mountains, it might be hard to pick a spot on the map. Here are five of our favorite options in Colorado, with a little something for everyone thrown into the mix.
The Front Range Favorite: Trestle Bike Park
📍Winter Park, Colorado
Often compared to Whistler, Trestle Bike Park is known for its legendary technical lines and punk-rock attitude. If you’ve been following us for awhile, chances are you’ve seen #SGAmbassador Madison Pitts nailing some of our favorite lines, and you can see the appeal! With over 40 miles of trails and difficulty ratings extending beyond double black to “pro line,” it’s fair to say that Trestle offers the most fun for more experienced riders. But beginners shouldn’t fear—there are greens to be found on the mountain and you can even book a guided lesson. Their website offers some excellent resources for those starting out as well. Day passes are available, but Front Range riders who want to take advantage of the proximity to Winter Park will surely enjoy the season pass offer. Once you’ve been to Trestle, chances are you’ll want to go back. (Read more from the SG team on Trestle.)
Additional Info:
- 2023 Day Ticket Price: $64–89
- 2023 Rental Price: Starting from $115
- Uphill Access Allowed: No
Photo Credit: Trestle Bike Park
Best All-Arounder: Evolution Bike Park
📍Crested Butte, Colorado
It’s hard to go wrong with your mountain bike in Crested Butte. Basically no matter which way you point your front tire, you’re sure to encounter stunning mountain views, purpose-built singletrack, and descents that deliver. But many of the rides in this mountain bike mecca require a lot of climbing—at a starting altitude of around 9,000 feet. Say goodbye to the pedaling and spend the day at Evolution Bike Park, instead. With over 30 miles of lift-served singletrack ranging from green runs to double black diamonds, there’s something for the whole family at this Vail-owned establishment. Keep an eye out while you’re riding the lift! It goes right over the tech line on “Psycho Rocks,” which makes for great spectating.
Additional Info:
- 2023 Day Ticket Price: $55–60
- 2023 Rental Price: Starting from $108
- eMTBs Allowed: Yes; Class 1
- Uphill Access Allowed: Yes
Photo Credit: Evolution Bike Park
The Crowd Pleaser: Snowmass Bike Park
📍Snowmass, Colorado
Located in the Roaring Fork Valley just north of Aspen, Snowmass Bike Park is a fan-favorite for riders around the mountain west. After one lap, you’ll see why. Beautiful views make it hard to keep your eyes on the trail, and you might just spend as much air time on the way down as you did on the lift up (don’t miss “Valkyrie” trail). There may only be 25 miles of lift-accessed trails here, but with 50 miles of additional singletrack that can be accessed in the surrounding area, you might just have to extend your trip. Plus, when the trails have names like “Animal Crackers” and “Cowboy Coffee,” you’re going to want to explore them all. If you’re anything like us, it might be hard to leave before the lift stops running! Afterward, wash off all the dust with some fishing in the nearby Roaring Fork or Frying Pan rivers.
Additional Info:
- 2023 Day Ticket Price: $57
- 2023 Rental Price: Starting from $134.95
- Uphill Access Allowed: Yes
Photo Credit: Snowmass Bike Park
Newest Offering: Steamboat Springs Bike Park
📍Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Although Steamboat Bike Park is still in the final phases of its multi-year construction project, it’s fair to say it’s officially worth the trip from the Front Range. Your uphill options for exploring the trails include the newly finished gondola as well as chairlift, opening up access to the 2,200 vertical feet of gravity-fed flow trails and jump lines. The close proximity to surrounding cross-country trails on Buffalo Pass and Emerald Mountain make Steamboat Springs a no-brainer for your next weekend in the mountains. Pair all the trail time with a float down the Yampa River and some tacos or wood-fired pizza in town, and you’ll be doing it right.
Additional Info:
- 2023 Day Ticket Price: $59–69
- 2023 Rental Price: Starting from $159
- Uphill Access Allowed: Pedal Pass required and available for purchase on-site only
Photo Credit: Steamboat Springs Bike Park
Further Afield: Purgatory Bike Park
📍Durango, Colorado
Not only does this resort have the most epic name in our roundup—it also claims to be the only resort in the Rockies to offer riding on clay-based soil and real dirt! That means less time spent slipping out and more time cruising around berms and cleaning tech lines like a pro. After all, it’s Purgatory Bike Park that hosted the Big Mountain Enduro last summer. When half the trails at the resort have the phrase “World Champ” in them, you know what type of bike you’ll want to pack (hint: a big one). But don’t let that frighten the beginners—lessons are available at Purgatory and kids are welcome to enjoy the lift-assisted fun here in this corner of southwestern Colorado. Jump on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad after you’ve hung up your bike to take in even more scenery.
Additional Info:
- 2023 Day Ticket Price: $49–59
- 2023 Rental Price: Starting from $120
Photo Credit: Purgatory Bike Park