Mountain biking in the wildflower paradise of Colorado’s Crested Butte
Mountain Biking Collection by Diana Grodnick
7
Tours
21:15 h
119 mi
17,625 ft
Crested Butte is truly magical. This tiny mountain town in the middle of Colorado radiates an incredible tranquillity – somehow the world seems to turn a little slower here. The best thing is, mountain biking has been firmly anchored in this pretty town in the middle of the Rocky Mountains for decades, for many it is even considered the cradle of mountain biking, along with Mount Tam in Marin County. The first mountain bike races in high alpine terrain took place here as early as the 1970s. Today, Crested Butte is a true mountain bike mecca, boasting a wide network of trails with more than 1,000 kilometres (62 mi) of singletrack.
So that you don't feel overwhelmed with such massive choice, I’ve curated this Collection to highlight seven great trail loops. In addition to the legendary classics – like 401 – there are also some of the newly opened trails that are well worth riding. If you’re in good shape and already have some experience on alpine trails, you’ll love these routes. The riding level is mixed: from easy to technically demanding routes, everything is included.
The months of June to September are ideal for a mountain bike trip to Crested Butte. While splendid, colourful wildflower meadows characterise the landscape from the end of June to August, golden aspen forests delight in September. The absolute top month – at least for me – is July, when the wildflower season reaches its peak.
However, hotels fill up quickly at this time of year so don't forget to book your room early. If you’d like to stay in a campervan or tent, there are plenty of places to stay. There's an RV resort just before you enter town, and Gothic Campground, a small, idyllic and inexpensive campground run by the Forest Service, is about 3 kilometres (1.8 mi) past the town of Gothic. If you can do without the amenities of a campground, there is a wide range of free, basic campsites in the area.
No matter which option you choose, a trip to Crested Butte is always an unforgettable experience. The best thing to do is to see for yourself and explore the fantastic singletrack on your own. Just pick the Tour that suits you, grab your mountain bike and hit the trails.
On The Map
Tours
- 02:4113.8 mi5.1 mph2,250 ft2,200 ftExpertExpert mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
The 401 Trail is known far beyond the borders of Crested Butte and is one of the most beautiful trails of all. You start in the old gold mining settlement of Gothic and follow the gravel road up to Schofield Pass at 3,264 meters.
This is where the legendary 401 Trail begins. Almost two kilometers there…
- 03:1318.4 mi5.7 mph2,600 ft2,600 ftExpertExpert mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
On this loop, you'll take on the popular 403 Trail, also known as the Washington Gulch Trail. You start at the Snodgrass Trailhead. After a short, crisp uphill, the Snodgrass Trail meanders beautifully through a dense aspen forest and brings you to Washington Gulch Road.
For the next eight kilometers…
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- 02:4312.6 mi4.6 mph2,150 ft2,150 ftExpertExpert mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
This loop combines a few standout mountain bike trails you probably haven't heard much about: Farris Creek (409 Trail), Point Lookout (455 Trail), and 409.5 Trail. Look forward to a great panorama, a crisp uphill and a fast, flowing singletrack descent.
You start at the Brush Creek Trailhead and cycle…
- 02:3515.0 mi5.8 mph2,300 ft2,300 ftExpertExpert mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
Wow, this single track round is one of the best in Crested Butte, at least for me. You may not have heard of the Baxter Gulch, Carbon, or Green Lake trails, but don't worry, I highly recommend this loop to anyone who enjoys tricky uphill and downhill singletrack.
Best of all, this loop starts right in…
- 02:4013.5 mi5.1 mph2,750 ft2,775 ftIntermediateIntermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
On this tour you will explore the pyramid shaped Teocalli Mountain. You start at Brush Creek Road, where there are parking facilities and several free "Dispersed Campsites". For the first six kilometers you warm up comfortably on a gravel road until the wide path turns into a narrow path.
On the next…
- 03:5925.1 mi6.3 mph2,850 ft2,875 ftExpertExpert mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
On this loop, you'll explore the Deer Creek Trail, a true classic in the mountain bike Mecca of Crested Butte. Mountain bike races have already been held along this route as part of the legendary "Fat Tire Bike Week".
It starts on the beautiful but technically demanding Upper Loop Trail, which takes you…
- 03:2521.0 mi6.1 mph2,750 ft2,750 ftExpertExpert mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
Attention single trail fans! If you are looking for flowing, towel-wide paths with that certain something, Doctor Park is the place for you. It starts at Doctor Park Trailhead, which is located on the Taylor River right next to North Bank Campground. On the Spring Creek Road you crank along a wide gravel…
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Collection Stats
- Tours7
- Distance119 mi
- Duration21:15 h
- Elevation17,625 ft
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