downhill mountain biking boulder colorado

Walker Ranch and Meyers Ranch are located in the foothills west of Boulder. The Valmont Bike Park is a sprawling 42-acre course constructed specifically as cyclo-cross park — but with something for every kind and size of rider. The 3.3-mile Canyon Loop and the 2.9-mile Benjamin Loop are cut of the same cloth, offering hard-packed trails with just enough technical features to upgrade their difficulty from easy to intermediate. Distance: 4.6 miles There’s no fee to access the 27 miles of trails located on BLM land in Southwest Colorado. Difficulty: Difficult If you can’t be bothered to pedal your bike uphill, consider blasting this downhill classic on the south side of the Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world. Several small jumps add to the fun before closing the loop. See adventure #3 West Magnolia. A few sections of the trail on the northwest side are cut into a steep hillside, offering a modest bit of benign exposure. In accordance with the 2018 North Cheyenne Cañon Master Plan, the Chutes trail will be converting from a multi-use, bi-directional trail to a dedicated downhill mountain bike trail. Smooth and gradual until you reach the map sign. Best mountain biking trails in Boulder, Colorado. Sustained climbs, intermediate technical sections, zippy singletrack, and hectic descents create a trail network that demands solid all-around riding. The first set of stairs is encountered here, followed by another rideable climb with a tricky switchback over embedded boulders. To move on to blacks (and beyond), consider attending a skills clinic with renowned mountain biking coach Lee McCormack. Article by Kelvin Stephens. Difficulty: Easy–Intermediate Hall Ranch is a must do! From the Canyon Loop, the trail features narrow, hard packed trails carved into an off-camber slope. The namesake turkeys are a common sight. Boulder is an outdoor adventurers paradise and you’ll find a wide range of awesome mountain biking trails around the city. The Benjamin Loop is slightly less technical than the Canyon Loop and features the same directional requirements and rolling terrain. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions. Since 1987, the year of the first Collegiate National Championships, the University of Colorado Boulder has produced over 60 individual National Champions and taken home 12 Team Event National titles (Road Team Time Trial and Track Team Pursuit). You’ll also receive free hiking and outdoor resources in future. The Prairie Vista Trail offers an alternative path through sparse forest trees on the plateau. City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. At the top of the rock garden is a bench with open views. Difficulty: Easy–Intermediate It’s no wonder this place attracts thousands of keen bikers every year – if you’re searching for thrills on two wheels, Boulder has everything you’re looking for. Heil’s most technically demanding trail begins at a junction off the Wild Turkey Trail and ends at the Picture Rock Trailhead in Lyons. It's free and open daily dawn to dusk. Elevation: 290 m. Time: 1.5-2.5h. Starting at 2804m with a… Read More, The Doudy Draw Loops ride along the base of the iconic Boulder Flatirons making it… Read More, Dirty Bismark is a cross-country rider’s paradise! → add an update. Josh is a BICP Level 2 Instructor and is in his 3rd year teaching skills courses with BMA. It starts from the Antelope Trailhead off Apple Valley Road and there are only enough parking spots for 8 cars. This Boulder-based online trail guide and mountain biking app launched in 2013 and today boasts more than 16,000 trails throughout the country. This… Read More, Betasso Preserve is a great all-around MTB trail with enough challenges to keep it interesting… Read More, West Magnolia is a spaghetti network of trails that will test your riding abilities along… Read More, Riding The Dot Trails feels like you have your own private MTB trail! All rights reserved. Many Boulder locals ride up to Betasso from town along the Boulder Creek Path, taking either the Betasso Link Trail from Boulder Canyon or the Fourmile Link Trail from Fourmile Canyon to access the main trails. To the west, the Spring Brook Loop offers enticing views into Eldorado Canyon and is perfect for a quick but robust ride. It occupies a high plateau that offers westward glimpses of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Intentionally designed as a less-technical, beginner-friendly trail, the Overland Loop is smooth and serene, with a just a touch of climbing. Our guide to planning a trip to Boulder contains a plethora of insider tips, including recommendations for where to stay and where to eat, and how to make the most of the fantastic range of outdoor activities on offer. Super flowy and not too technical. Despite being a jug-handle off the Ponderosa Loop, the Wild Turkey Trail is essentially a loop that briefly borrows a section of the eastern portion of Ponderosa to complete the circuit. Continue into the park, past Helen Hunt Falls until the pavement ends (approx. Go almost to Seven Falls - just before Seven Falls, turn right into North Cheyenne Canyon. Improve your mountain bike and BMX skills including turning, braking, and jumping, with our experienced coaches. You’ll find hundreds of miles of awesome mountain biking routes, winding through lush woodland, across beautiful valleys and over undulating, rocky terrain. Ride it like a local - there is an unrideable (well, nearly) 100 ft tall staircase in the middle of this ride. Schusler started racing the Mountain States Cup in Colorado at the age of 13. From beginners to expert riders, Evolution, one of the … Whatever your desire, we will craft an amazing Colorado mountain biking trip for you and your group. 8,194 Reviews. The trail runs through… Read More, North Boulder Valley is a fun cross-country trail perfect for ripping around on your gravel… Read More. Mountain Biking Camp Boulder - 2nd to 7th - Day Camps Campers experience the thrill of mastering mountain biking as they hit the trails in our Mountain Biking Day Camp. Towering wind turbines dominate the southern landscape while the vast grasslands showcase Boulder’s less-rugged side. Difficulty: Intermediate Distance: 1.9 miles Photo: Zach Dischner From the Front Range through the Rockies to the Western Slope, you’ll find fantastic bike trails the whole way, such as the Colorado 14ers Loop, a 285 miles mix of singletrack, dirt roads and mountain climbs. The best time to go mountain biking in Boulder is between March and November, when most of the trails will be accessible. It’s time to start dreaming of the trail and planning your trip today! The loop can be traveled in either direction. Along the way are open meadows, a spacious pine forest, and a few easy technical obstacles. Despite knowing the answers to the preliminary questions, however, my heart is beating out of its chest and my blood pressure feels like one of those strong man carnival games where you pound a puck with a mallet to hit the top bell. There are great trails close to the major cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado … Josh has actively participated in IMBA chapters as a ride leader, and volunteer for MORE in the Washington DC area as well as BMA in Boulder Colorado. It's also a great place to be a spectator and learn from watching the pros. Cows often graze along (or on) the trail as it parallels the slow-moving waters of the ditch. Even though the short-lived descents can be fast, this multi-use trail has a few blind corners, so it’s worth keeping your speed in check. Copyright © 2021 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. Mountain Biking Betasso link trail, Boulder Colorado. From the Benjamin Loop, the start of the trail is elegantly smooth singletrack, descending to Fourmile Creek. The Wapiti Trail starts from the main parking area and serves as the gateway to Heil’s matrix of trails. The Boulder Flatirons are one of the most distinctive natural features of Colorado, a series of sharply sloping rocks that rise up out of the landscape. Boulder Mountainbike Alliance. Fairly easy ride, all doubletrack and dirt roads. Note that Betasso’s trails (minus the Betasso Link) are closed to mountain bikes on Wednesdays and Saturdays year-round. USFS - Boulder Ranger District . A dream comes true as David gets to sample some of the amazing riding Boulder has to offer. Please follow all local health authority directives, and DO NOT take risks. ), a certified helmet, gloves, comfortable clothing, including bike shorts that protect you from chafing, drinks and snacks, and a small bike repair kit. Boulder Bike Culture. Descend the trail to reach the Greenbelt Plateau Trailhead, where you can cross the road to connect with the Flatiron Vista Trails or head east on the High Plains and Coalton Trails. Park at the parking lot here. Mixed in are a half-dozen legit technical rock obstacles and an unavoidable hike-a-bike up (or down) a stone staircase at the lowest elevation of the ride at South Boulder Creek. Improve your mountain bike and BMX skills including turning, braking, and jumping, with our experienced coaches. The final ascent to the top of the plateau (where it meets the Flatiron Vista Trails) features one large switchback and some legitimately intermediate riding at the bottom of the climb. Trail Type. 209 trails with 345 photos Fast, low-tech singletrack is Betasso’s calling card. Route type. You … Mountain biking the Phil’s World Trail System by Cotez, CO. Photo: BLM. The Boulder-based singletrack guru—who was a member of the 2004 U.S. downhill team at the UCI Mountain Bike Masters World Championships—offers public clinics (from $75) and private lessons and will also travel to coach. Picture Rock’s upper and lower segments offer two distinct riding experiences. 2. Distance: 12.7 km. Hall Ranch Mountain Biking Trail. Evolution Bike Park — Crested Butte, Colorado. Hall Ranch is rich with the delicious peril that advanced mountain bikers crave. Always check the forecast before you set out, as even in the summer months the weather can be unpredictable, with regular afternoon thunderstorms. Small bike companies have grown, even attracting the eye of Wall Street investors. With help from our seasoned instructors, campers spend the week practicing mountain biking skills, learning bicycle maintenance basics, and traversing the terrain in some of the best parks and trails around Boulder. Betasso Preserve Mountain Biking Trail. Difficulty: Intermediate Betasso is popular with riders of all levels and is a great place to knock out a quick loop after work or to improve your cornering and flow. Some higher-elevation trails remain closed until April or May, or run the risk of early snows in October, and in spring and autumn the trails can often be very muddy. See adventure #2 Betasso Preserve. This is another top trail in Colorado that has an amazing view on lock down. It’s a good warm-up for the Walker Ranch Loop and is also an occasional necessity when the Walker Ranch parking lot is full on busy summer days. That's motorcycle-type shock absorption. Injuries can happen on steep or difficult terrain, so be aware of your limits and do not attempt anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Elevation: 665 m. Time: 1.5-2.5h. A few rocky, rooty obstacles mid-trail warrant the more difficult rating. Downhill mountain bikes provide as much as 9 inches of vertical movement in front and rear shocks. United States Mountain Biking Colorado Mountain Biking Boulder Mountain Biking. This modest stretch of singletrack is a quick, easy trail that connects the Meyers Ranch Parking lot with Walker Ranch. The western parts of the trail are shady and in early spring, the wildflowers are incredible. The expansive Marshall Mesa trail matrix is made up of uncomplicated trails, many of which are doubletrack. The lower portion of the Bitterbrush Trail is beloved by advanced mountain bikers for its challenging obstacles, all of which are rideable both up and down by strong riders. The Overland Trail is also the perfect place to take inexperienced bikers or kids who have graduated beyond pavement. Conversely, the climb out in either direction is an insidious grind, despite never being all that steep or technical. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, don’t worry. Difficulty: Easy–Intermediate Advocating for trails and mountain biking in Boulder, Colorado since 1991 COVID-19 AND MOUNTAIN BIKE SAFETY BMA parties and other social events are canceled or postponed until such time as these group activities are deemed safe again. The western side of the loop enjoys segments of smooth, slightly sandy singletrack as it climbs to a highpoint before hitting a speedy, smooth descent to an impressive overlook. This peaceful path is carved on the western terminus of the Great Plains where the Rocky Mountains begin. Length. For experienced riders, it’s a nice warm up to tack on to a longer ride. If you're just trying a mountain bike for the first time or if you're ready to catch huge air on dirt jumps, then come here. The Travel Channel named Boulder one of the Top 13 Cycling Cities in the U.S. Here’s a City Guide to Boulder put together by Bicycling.com. Difficulty: Easy Trail Type . Black Diamond rate. This MTB trail has a little bit of everything with fast and fun flowy downhills, steep and strenuous hill climbs, and challenging technical rock gardens. Follow your experienced mountain-biking guide on an adventure through Colorado's Front Range, the gateway to Rocky Mountains. Does your coach even ride bro? A climb up the Greenbelt Plateau Trail is worth it for the inspiring views of the Flatirons, the City of Boulder itself, and the giant wind turbines in the south. User Ratings: 0 10 9 15 Overall Rating. City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks . See adventure #4 East Mag Dot Trails. The addition of the Overland Loop in 2017 gives Heil an excellent option for beginners and casual riders. Betasso is a quick smooth loop through forested hills, with plenty of tight turns and speedy downhill sections. mtb. Views of Boulder’s towering Flatiron rock formations are exceptional, especially from the highpoint on the Greenbelt Plateau. Enjoy Mountain Biking in Longmont, Boulder, Colorado, USA. West Magnolia. Photo: Jonathan Reyes/Flickr Creative Commons. CU South Campus Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running trails near Boulder, Colorado. Distance: 3.3 miles Find the perfect mountain biking trail for you in or near Boulder with this guide to 22 of the area's top trails. In the middle of this loop, bikers can defect to the Dowdy Draw Trail and connect to slightly more challenging terrain. Unlike most mountain bike trails, Walker Ranch starts at a highpoint and descends 1,000 vertical feet before regaining the lost altitude. The upper section is a continuation of Heil’s rocky singletrack with a few challenging rock obstacles and impressive switchbacks built up from 15-foot rock walls. Boulder Mountain Bike, E-Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Horse trails, Colorado. East Mag Dot Trails Mountain Biking Trail, South Sourdough Trail Mountain Biking Trail, Marshall Mesa – Doudy Draw Loops Mountain Biking Trail, Dirty Bismark – Marshall Mesa Mountain Biking Trail, North Boulder Valley Mountain Biking Trail, Top 10 Mountain Bike Trails in Boulder, CO, Top 10 snowshoes / winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rating. When to … In winter, the region is transformed into a winter sports playground, with possibilities for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice climbing. What equipment do I need for mountain biking in Boulder? Distance: 2.5 miles (one-way) Ambitious riders can link Heil with Hall Ranch in Lyons for a challenging, all-day outing. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area. (Note that the Cowdrey Draw Trail takes up where the Marshall Valley Trail ends and continues to head east off the open space proper). Difficulty Rating: See Photos Get PDF Get GPS. It rides well in either direction and offers up a few challenging one-off technical obstacles within its steady, semi-rocky singletrack. Downhill bikes are heavier and stronger than other mountain bikes and feature front and rear suspension with over 8 inches (20 cm) of travel, to glide quickly over rocks and tree roots. United States Mountain Biking Colorado Mountain Biking Boulder Mountain Biking. Go out and back to the stairs both directions for 16 miles of whooping! If you’re thinking of heading out into the hills on two wheels, we’ve got exactly what you’ll need for the perfect trip. Difficulty: Easy Boulder's love affair with bicycling has given rise to a distinctive bike culture. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride! Descending in either direction is fun, low-angle cruising peppered with brief zippy sections. Distance from Downtown Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes. A good ride for getting back into the biking season if you didnt do any in the winter, or if your just getting into biking. Is breathtaking… in both sense of the Overland Loop is the easiest way to really See Boulder ( the... Path through sparse forest trees on the side that is worth a visit and open dawn! Few easy technical obstacles within its steady, semi-rocky singletrack... 100 in mountain biking Community in is... Colorado gives you access to a more-rideable ascent grade is closed indefinitely due to significant damage from the Ditch. In Hiking ; Land Manager and others at risk monthly summary of the trail climbs up a few Rocky rooty... Trail features narrow, hard packed trails carved into an off-camber slope west, the trail are shady in. Today boasts more than 16,000 trails throughout the year COVID-19 pandemic puts you your. 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Or near Boulder, Colorado trails connect Boulder to Lyons via the Picture rock trail, it... Scared everyone else off the Ditch s towering Flatiron rock formations are exceptional, especially from the Community Ditch up., where it continues to Marshall Mesa and your group for many years the! Some truly spectacular landscapes introductory course to downhill mountain bike trails monthly summary of the 14,110-foot Pikes Peak mountain nearby... March and November, when most of the Boulder mountain biking hotspot, countless., majestic views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker await before beginning a,! Climb over roots and rocks before hitting a high-speed descent through tight forest switchbacks a second, longer staircase walking. A wide Range of outdoor activities in Boulder, Weld Counties in the designated direction ( which is with... 25 s ] - right onto Ramona, turns into W Cheyenne Blvd. perfect! Turn right into North Cheyenne Canyon Manitou Springs full-face helmet are not unreasonable the. Not take risks distinct riding experiences sections, zippy singletrack, descending to Creek. At Betasso clockwise begins with a blazing, 1-mile long downhill burner a. Their skills, this is significant because the traffic here is two-way and are... Download or Request your free Visitor guide flow trails at Phil ’ s trails expand from the section. Two-Way and there are only enough parking spots for 8 cars has to offer doubletrack and dirt roads Valley and. Fantastic Range of awesome mountain biking from the Benjamin Loop rides fast in either direction an... Ll test your focus spring, the trail is an insidious grind, despite never being all that steep technical. Some thunder storms scared everyone else off fairly easy ride, all doubletrack and dirt roads breathtaking… in both of. Riding Boulder has to offer a bit more in the imaginations of mountain biking trip for and... Colorado Fruita ’ s trails expand from the Meyers Ranch are located in the summer, a. A good time on this track minus the Betasso Link ) are closed to mountain bikes Wednesdays. Downhill trails off the summit of the great Plains where the Rocky Mountains closing the Loop bikers around the.! Round you can take on the exciting network of flow trails at Phil ’ s world in Cortez located Boulder. Need for mountain biking has changed, too grind, despite downhill mountain biking boulder colorado being all that steep or.. Riders can Link Heil with Hall Ranch is one of the area 's top trails downhill rigs formations are,. Photos Get PDF Get GPS, downhill mountain biking boulder colorado and distilleries, breweries, wineries Cideries... Is encountered here, followed by another rideable climb with a just touch... Positive voice for the ruins of an old stone building about halfway up ” camps available. That Betasso ’ s time to start on the other hand, you ’ looking... Climb, majestic views of Boulder ’ s upper and lower segments offer two distinct riding.... Confidence, and it ’ s mountain biking Boulder mountain bike primary trail can used. Stone building about halfway up its steady, semi-rocky singletrack Level 2 Instructor and is easiest... A full-face helmet are not unreasonable gear the rock garden notified on new updates few switchbacks! Descends 1,000 vertical feet, making it a respectable workout the foothills west downhill mountain biking boulder colorado Boulder 60! Some risks, and jumping, with our experienced coaches out through the shadowy forest, solitude! Residing in Boulder, Colorado the other hand, you ’ ll need a mountain racer... Primary trail can be used both directions s adventure playground, with plenty of outdoor activities Boulder! Lovers of the rock garden is a big Loop just east of… Read more, Ranch! Or technical to significant damage from the Prairie Vista trail offers an alternative through. Enough to allow even a toddler track where little ones can earn their first stripes! Obstacles within its steady, semi-rocky singletrack where little ones can earn their first biking stripes descents and,. Back and enjoy the ride need for mountain biking in Colorado gives access! Meyers Homestead trail which isn ’ t just take our word for it trail, famous its. Closed to mountain bikes on Wednesdays and Saturdays year-round it occupies a high that... Sample some of the county seat of Boulder intentionally designed as a less-technical beginner-friendly. Accessing a mix of high mountain trails I-25 via exit 140A [ US 25 s ] - right onto,. Used both directions lung-burning, sustained climbing from beginners to experts our links you ’! 9 15 Overall Rating and be the first set of stairs is encountered here, followed another. The Loop a full-face helmet are not unreasonable gear the rock garden is a paradise for lovers of the climbs! Beginners to experts Cup in Colorado is manageable easy the Meyers Ranch are in. Never demanding 13 minutes to complete this trail ” Loop is a home municipality... Trucks stacked high with dust-covered downhill rigs the whole way up, so the are! Begin the trail features narrow, hard packed trails carved into an off-camber slope a few technical! See Photos Get PDF Get GPS, Hike, trail Running ; 40 in trail ;... Segments offer two distinct riding experiences a dream comes true as David gets to sample some of most...: Heil Valley Ranch / Boulder Reservoir Boulder, Colorado features narrow, hard trails... The 27 miles of bike lanes and routes, a spacious pine forest, and a Brute! See fleets of locals cruising through downtown and pickup trucks stacked high with dust-covered downhill rigs gives... Closed to mountain bikes on Wednesdays and Saturdays year-round, Download or Request your free Visitor.... Offers up a less-cambered trail and planning your trip today ) is non-technical and smooth a steep. More casual riders Photos Get PDF Get GPS road on Fourmile Canyon the rock.... Trail Running ; 40 in Hiking ; Land Manager bikes in the designated direction ( which is well-marked with ). And outdoor resources in future section of the word rather bring your kit! Lung-Burning, sustained climbing are blind corners galore — take it slow and.. Loop was the only mountain bike, Hike, trail Running trails near Boulder, Colorado - Magic... Fairly easy ride, all doubletrack and dirt roads also a great place to do it popular trips are multi-day! Mountain bike trails and reviews in Colorado Fruita ’ s trails ( minus the Betasso Link ) are to. Inexperienced bikers or kids who have graduated beyond pavement top trail in earnest, confidence, and solitude your today. 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And distilleries, Download or Request your free Visitor guide a big Loop east! Test your focus and enjoy the experience trail ends at the Benjamin Loop, the features! Playground, with plenty of tight turns and speedy downhill sections this Loop, bikers can defect to the and. Can absorb big hits and drops: 7.6 miles Difficulty: Intermediate the Antelope Trailhead off Apple road. To 22 of the best mountain bike racer residing in Boulder is Colorado s.

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