Nestled in the heart of Missouri, Howler Bike Park has quickly become a beloved destination for mountain bikers of all skill levels. From professionally crafted trails to a uniquely welcoming atmosphere, Howler Bike Park offers an unforgettable riding experience. My recent visit to Howler Bike Park, made possible by the Loam Pass, gave me firsthand insight into what makes this park so special, and it’s safe to say it exceeded all expectations. I had heard whispers of its expertly designed trails, progressive features, a one-of-a-kind shuttle system, and an incredibly friendly team, and every rumor proved to be true.
While Howler Bike Park may be considered smaller compared to some of the mega bike parks out there, its charm and appeal are undeniably grand. The founder, Max, and his family have cultivated an environment that radiates warmth, inclusivity, and pure fun. Ego is left at the gate here; instead, you’re greeted with a down-to-earth and genuinely positive vibe. Having explored numerous bike parks across the United States, I can confidently say that my time at Howler Bike Park ranks among my absolute favorites.
Lapping the diverse trails, engaging in friendly chats with the staff, indulging in delicious food from Growler Grub, and even conquering some of my personal biggest features – my weekend at Howler Bike Park was packed with highlights. Although my stay was brief, I’m already planning my return. In this article, I’ll share my honest review of Howler Bike Park and provide essential information to prepare you for your own adventure.
Becky Timbers, founder of Two Wheeled Wanderer, smiles in front of the Howler Bike Park sculpture, capturing the park's unique and welcoming atmosphere.
Exploring the Trails: Howler Bike Park Trail Map
Howler Bike Park’s trails are thoughtfully laid out along a gently sloping ridge. The trail map showcases the current network and hints at exciting future expansions with three additional peaks slated for development in the coming years. Below, I delve into what you can anticipate on each trail, ensuring you’re prepared for your ride.
Howler Bike Park: Quick Stats
- Total Trail Length: 7 miles of exhilarating trails
- Peak Elevation: 1,240 feet, offering stunning views
- Vertical Descent: 391 feet of downhill excitement
- Trail Count: 12 distinct downhill trails to explore
- Lift System: Experience the thrill of military truck shuttles
Howler Bike Park Trail Map showcasing the variety of trails and future expansion plans for riders of all levels.
Unveiling the Magic: What I Loved About Howler Bike Park
I always approach new riding destinations with an open mind, believing each place possesses its own unique charm deserving of unbiased appreciation. Entering Howler Bike Park, I had no preconceived notions, but I emerged utterly captivated. Here’s what truly stood out during my experience:
- Incredible Midwest Hospitality: From the moment I stepped into the Basecamp, I was embraced as part of the Howler family. The staff’s genuine friendliness, helpfulness, and overall awesomeness are palpable. Perhaps it’s the renowned “Midwest nice,” but the welcoming atmosphere is undeniable.
- The Unforgettable Military Truck Shuttles: Having experienced various mountain bike shuttles, including a tractor shuttle at Station Mountain in Texas, the military trucks at Howler Bike Park are in a league of their own. They are not just shuttles; they are an integral part of the Howler Bike Park adventure, adding a unique and fun element to each ride.
- Professionally Crafted Trails: The trail quality at Howler Bike Park is exceptional. McGill Trail Fabrications from Colorado, the masterminds behind the trail design and construction, have truly outdone themselves. The trails are impeccably built and maintained, instilling confidence even when tackling larger features. I found myself comfortably hitting some of the biggest drops and jumps I’ve ever attempted, thanks to the dialed-in feel of the trails.
- The Intimate Vibe of a Smaller Park: While I appreciate the grandeur of large bike parks like Mammoth Mountain and Angel Fire, there’s an undeniable appeal to the close-knit community atmosphere of smaller, local parks. Howler Bike Park fosters a strong sense of community that I deeply appreciated, making it feel like a true rider’s haven.
- Comprehensive Amenities for Every Need: Howler Bike Park goes above and beyond to cater to every rider’s needs. The park boasts an impressive array of amenities, including a well-stocked retail store, a fully equipped bike shop and mechanic service, bike rentals, clean bathrooms with showers, a delicious food truck, a cozy coffee shop, a welcoming seating area complete with a fire pit, a convenient bike wash station, comfortable glamping tents, and even a rentable apartment. Everything you could possibly need is right here at Howler Bike Park.
Mountain bikers load their bikes onto the unique military truck shuttle at Howler Bike Park, ready for another run down the park's thrilling trails.
A rider approaches the "arrow drop" feature on the Taco Cat trail, showcasing the well-designed and fun features at Howler Bike Park.
Room for Growth: Areas for Potential Improvement at Howler Bike Park
No destination is without its imperfections, and while my experience at Howler Bike Park was overwhelmingly positive, here are a few aspects that could be enhanced:
- Camping Facilities: Currently, camping options are somewhat basic. Van and RV camping are situated in the gravel parking lot, while tent camping is on simple platforms in the woods. Neither option offers immediate access to bathrooms or water, requiring a 5-minute walk to the Basecamp area. However, improved camping facilities are reportedly part of the park’s future development plans.
- Healthier Food Choices: While the loaded fries and burgers from the Growler Grill food truck are undeniably delicious, the addition of healthier or lighter food options would be a welcome improvement. A sit-down restaurant, also in the pipeline for future development, promises to address this aspect.
A takeout container of loaded fries from Growler Grill at Howler Bike Park, highlighting the delicious but indulgent food options currently available.
My Verdict: Rating Howler Bike Park
Mountain biking experiences are inherently subjective, and my review is based on a single weekend at Howler Bike Park. Nonetheless, here’s my personal rating breakdown:
Overall Fun Factor:
My experience at Howler Bike Park was an absolute blast. Despite its smaller size and limited number of trails, each run was engaging, offering opportunities to refine my riding and discover new lines. The overall atmosphere at Howler Bike Park significantly enhanced my enjoyment, making it a truly memorable riding experience.
A mountain biker catches air off a wooded drop at Howler Bike Park, illustrating the thrilling and varied terrain.
Mountain bikers relax in the back of the trailer shuttle at Howler Bike Park, enjoying the camaraderie and unique shuttle experience.
The welcoming Basecamp area at Howler Bike Park, featuring amenities and a relaxed atmosphere for riders.
Trail Variety:
Howler Bike Park excels in trail diversity. Each trail boasts a distinct character, ensuring no two runs feel repetitive. From fast flow trails to beginner-friendly jumps, expert-level features, and a touch of old-school tech, Howler Bike Park caters to a wide spectrum of riding preferences. While the park leans towards “new-school” machine-built flow and jump trails, riders seeking a more natural, rocky experience might find Shepherd Mountain, another Missouri bike park, more aligned with their style.
A mountain bike leans against a trail sign at Howler Bike Park's summit, offering riders a choice of exciting descents.
Average Difficulty:
The trail crew at Howler Bike Park has masterfully balanced progression and a range of trail styles within a relatively compact area. From the beginner-friendly Stroller Coaster to the pro-level freeride line Wizard, there’s a trail for every skill level. To fully appreciate the breadth of Howler Bike Park’s offerings, riders should ideally be at least intermediate level.
Bike Park Features:
While I personally navigate bike park features with caution, Howler Bike Park impressed me with its thoughtfully designed features. Ranging from dirt tabletops and jumps to wooden drops and more intimidating elements, the park offers a progressive learning curve. I was fortunate to ride with experienced riders who guided me through some of my biggest features to date, boosting my confidence and skills.
A mountain biker confidently rides off a long, elevated wooden feature at Howler Bike Park, demonstrating the park's well-constructed and thrilling features.
A variety of wooden bike park features at Howler Bike Park, showcasing the park's commitment to providing diverse and challenging elements for riders.
Safety at Howler Bike Park: Safety is clearly a priority at Howler Bike Park. Trails and features are built with safety in mind, with 4×4 access to all trails and clear signage, including warnings for mandatory features. The visible and engaged staff further contribute to a sense of security. However, riders are ultimately responsible for their own safety, and it’s always wise to review bike park safety guidelines, especially for first-time visitors.
A large wooden gap jump at Howler Bike Park, a feature designed with safety considerations while still offering a thrilling challenge.
Trail Breakdown: Navigating Howler Bike Park’s Trails
Currently, Howler Bike Park features 12 distinct downhill trails, with exciting expansion plans on the horizon. Here’s a glimpse into each trail:
- Stroller Coaster: A beginner-friendly flow trail, perfect for warming up and getting acquainted with the park.
- Hippie Cowboy: Building on Stroller Coaster, Hippie Cowboy introduces tabletop jumps, berms, and minor rock gardens, offering a step up in challenge and fun.
- Swayze-Trail: My personal favorite, Swayze-Trail is similar to Hippie Cowboy but with larger tabletops and optional alt-lines like a rock ledge drop. It seamlessly flows into Dirty Dancing for an exhilarating finish.
- Momo: Despite its blue rating, Momo’s upper section is surprisingly steep and technical. Primarily hand-cut, Momo offers a more natural trail experience with fewer machine-built features.
- Dirty Dancing: Appealing to riders who enjoy old-school, raw trails, Dirty Dancing delivers. Starting with a wooden drop, it’s a fast-paced run with natural rock drops (non-rollable) and embedded rocks and roots.
- Taco Cat A & B: Taco Cat offers two distinct lines. “B” line is the more approachable option with wooden tabletops and berms, none of which are mandatory. Taco Cat “A” steps up the challenge with larger, mostly mandatory features, including the Arrow Drop and Shark Fin, which I proudly conquered.
- Mustard Tiger: Recently revamped, Mustard Tiger is a black-rated trail with a steep, natural section demanding good braking and bike handling. A fun cannon-style wooden drop awaits towards the end.
- Wizard: Simply put, Wizard is insane. Even riding down it while bypassing the features offers a glimpse into the daring world of pro-level riding.
Explore Howler Bike Park Trails with BKXC
[Embedded YouTube Video of BKXC riding Howler Bike Park Trails]
Gear Up: Full Face Helmet Recommendation
Smith Mainline Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet, a top choice for bike park protection and comfort.
Prioritize safety and protect yourself. Whenever I’m riding at a bike park, a full-face helmet is non-negotiable. It provides enhanced protection and peace of mind, crucial for downhill riding and potential crashes. The Smith Mainline is my go-to full-face helmet, offering comfort, ventilation, and downhill-certified safety. It also includes customizable cheek pads for a secure fit.
Buy at Backcountry Buy at Smith Buy at Competitive Cyclist
Your Questions Answered: Howler Bike Park FAQs
Q: Where is Howler Bike Park located?
Howler Bike Park is situated in southern Missouri, approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes southwest of St. Louis and 2 hours northeast of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Q: Are e-bikes permitted at Howler Bike Park?
Yes, e-bikes are welcome at Howler Bike Park.
Q: What are Howler Bike Park’s operating hours?
Howler Bike Park is open Thursday through Sunday. Check their website for the most up-to-date hours. Riding outside of operating hours is not allowed.
Q: Is there a fee to ride at Howler Bike Park?
Yes, a pass is required to access the shuttle service. Pedaling up is also permitted, but no discounts are offered. Day passes are priced at $45, with multi-day passes available at a reduced rate. Purchase passes online or upon arrival.
Q: Is Howler Bike Park open year-round?
Yes, Howler Bike Park is generally open year-round, weather permitting. They may close due to excessive rain or ice. Notably, they were open on New Year’s Day in sub-freezing temperatures last year.
Q: What type of bike is recommended for Howler Bike Park?
A mid-travel full-suspension mountain bike is ideal for Howler Bike Park. Short-travel bikes can suffice, but may limit your ability to tackle larger features. Fully rigid bikes and bikes with rim brakes are not permitted for safety reasons. Rental bikes are available at Howler Bike Park if needed.
Explore More:
While my Missouri trail explorations are just beginning, Howler Bike Park’s proximity to Northwest Arkansas makes it a perfect addition to a riding trip!
Extend Your Stay: Lodging Options Near Howler Bike Park
To fully immerse yourself in the Howler Bike Park experience, I recommend planning at least a two-day visit, or even three if time allows. Accommodation options at and near Howler Bike Park include:
- Gravel Lot Camping: Suitable for vans or small RVs, offering basic camping in the parking lot with a short walk to amenities.
- Tent Camping Platforms: Elevated tent platforms in the woods provide a more traditional camping experience, also with a short walk to facilities.
- Glamping Tents: For a comfortable and convenient option, Howler Bike Park offers glamping tents with beds, porches, heating/AC, and bathhouse access. A larger “bunk tent” accommodating up to 16 people is also available.
- The Howler HideOut: A fully equipped apartment above the bathhouse, sleeping up to 4 guests, offering premium on-site lodging.
Book camping, glamping, and the HideOut through HipCamp. For hotel accommodations, Branson, Missouri, is located approximately 15 minutes south of Howler Bike Park and offers various hotel options.
Glamping tents nestled in the woods at Howler Bike Park, providing a comfortable and convenient on-site lodging option for weekend visitors.
Do you have questions about visiting Howler Bike Park? Have you already experienced it yourself? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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