A Guide to Riding and Travel in Colorado’s Mountain Bike Destinations During COVID
As the COVID19 pandemic continues to upend all facets of regular life, it can be difficult to discern what exactly is allowed when it comes to traveling to and using our favorite mountain bike destinations.
Restrictions and guidelines change rapidly and can be confusing and difficult to track down. You might think that based on a lack of restrictions in your home county, things are uniform across the state, but this isn’t necessarily the case. It can be incredibly frustrating to travel to a locale, only to find trails and campsites closed or at a significantly reduced capacity. Even today, months after the first closure, many of the restrictions are vaguely defined and difficult to track down for specific locales. With that in mind, we wanted to attempt to lay out the current guidelines in place, keeping in mind that they may be ever-changing, for popular destinations in Colorado plus Moab.
When riding at any of the locations covered, please remember to be courteous to others by covering your face, giving space, and following local rules. IMBA has a fantastic list of riding during COVID FAQs on their website.
While Colorado state parks remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, camping was prohibited from Mid-March through early May. However, as of writing, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has resumed camping, though it’s important to note that it’s reservation-only. Reservations can be booked through its website.
The state of Colorado has released the following general state-wide campground guidelines: Do not exceed 25 campers outdoors and ten (10) campers indoors, maintaining six (6) feet distancing. Outdoors, up to fifty (50) campers allowed to gather for limited non-physical group activities.
Furthermore, every county serving as a recreation destination in the state of Colorado asks that visitors and residents following the rules and regulations listed below:
- Maintain 6 feet of physical distance
- Wash our hands often
- Properly wear cloth face coverings in public
- Stay home when sick
- Get tested if we have symptoms
Durango
Durango and La Plata county appear to have 100% occupancy rates at short-term rentals, campsites, and trails.
Purgatory Resort Bike Park is currently open but attendance levels are limited, must call ahead to book.
Fruita/Grand Junction
Mesa County is currently in Phase 2 of its Safer-at-Home order. This has no impact on the trails and personal recreation but local business are limited to 50% capacity. However, it appears that short-term rentals and campgrounds are functioning at 100% occupancy capacity. https://www.fruita.org/citymanager/page/july-2-2020-covid-19-news-archive-news-week-end-july-2-2020
Moab
Moab obviously isn’t subject to Colorado’s Safer-at-Home directive, and its Stay-at-Home order expiration date expired on May 1st. This means Moab is open for riding and camping, but it is important to note that while all dispersed camping on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land and commercial campgrounds are operating at 100% capacity, developed campgrounds on BLM land are currently only running at 50% occupancy capacity.
Discover Moab Website with up-to-date information
Salida
Chaffee County was one of the Colorado counties to extend their closure of short term rentals and campsites, but as of June 1st, they have lifted restrictions on short term rentals/hotel rooms/campsites.
Steamboat Springs
Lodging and campgrounds in Routt County appear to be open at 100% capacity as of June 1st.
https://www.steamboatchamber.com/traveler-information/
Unfortunately, Steamboat Resort Bike Park will not be opening for the summer of 2020. National Forest trails surrounding the resort will be available to those who are willing to pedal to the top.
Summit County
Summit county trails and campgrounds are open and the county lifted their restrictions on short-term rentals as of June 1st. However, the county’s ski resorts aren’t universally accessible.
Copper Mountain Bike Park opened on July 4th and bike haul will run daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Social distancing guidelines will be in place for all summer users.
Breckenridge and Keystone resorts are closed until further notice.
Telluride
San Miguel County, where Telluride is located, was subject to more restrictive health orders than the rest of the state, but effective June 1, they have been more aligned with the State’s new Executive Order. Since the order went into effect, lodging has been opened to guests at 50% capacity and the 14-day quarantine for people returning to the area was lifted. Private campgrounds opened on June 1, with state and federal campgrounds already open.
Telluride Bike Park is currently open
San Miguel County COVID Resource
Vail/Eagle County
Short term rentals, campsites, and trails are open with 100% occupancy rates. Specific guidelines have been put in place by Eagle County to ensure as safe of an environment as possible for visitors.
Vail Bike Park and its 343 miles of mountain bike trails opened on July 17th, including the bike haul out of Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) and Gondola 1.
Beaver Creek Resort is also running bike hauls starting July 15th.
Winter Park/Grand County
https://www.co.grand.co.us/1303/Activity-Specific-Protective-Measures
Campgrounds are open but subject to statewide guidelines. Additionally, they say to camp only with members of your household in your local region. Do not invite visitors to your campsite
Short term rentals are full capacity, recommended 24-hour rest period with adequate sanitizing and disinfecting between guests
Trestle Bike Park is open at reduced capacity and daily tickets must be purchased at least 48 hours in advance from their website.
Granby Ranch Bike Park is currently closed due to the coronavirus.
Crested Butte
Gunnison County has announced on May 27th that they were “wide open” for visitors, so it is safe to assume that campgrounds, short-terms rentals, and trails will be open and ready to ride. Unfortunately, Evolution Bike Park in Crested Butte is closed for the season.
We hope this guide allows you to get a firm grasp of the riding/travel/camping restrictions in the places we all love to ride in this beautiful state and gives you the confidence to get out there and ride your bike in the beautiful summer weather.