Colorado is a mountain biker’s paradise, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrain that caters to all skill levels. From epic alpine adventures to flowy desert trails, the Centennial State offers a vast network of Mtb Bike Trails waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner eager to hit the dirt, Colorado’s trails promise an unforgettable riding experience.
Colorado boasts an impressive 11,326 miles (18,227 kilometers) of trails, ensuring endless opportunities for exploration. With 674 recommended routes, riders are spoiled for choice. The state’s trail system is categorized to help you find the perfect ride: 1,124 easy trails for relaxed cruising, 2,956 intermediate trails for those seeking a challenge, and 1,291 difficult trails for adrenaline junkies.
For those looking for curated experiences, here are some recommended routes that showcase the best of Colorado’s mtb bike trails:
Monarch Crest – IMBA Epic: This iconic trail is a must-ride for experienced mountain bikers. Spanning 36.3 miles (58.5 km) with significant elevation changes (1,864′ up and 5,721′ down), the Monarch Crest delivers stunning alpine scenery and challenging riding. Located near Whitepine, CO, it’s rated as Difficult and has earned a stellar 4.5-star rating from riders.
Monarch Crest Trail offers challenging and scenic mountain biking experience in Whitepine, Colorado
Little Scraggy Trail Loop: Situated in Pine, CO, this Intermediate/Difficult loop is a favorite among locals. Covering 12.6 miles (20.3 km) with 1,432′ of ascent and 1,443′ of descent, Little Scraggy offers a great mix of terrain and beautiful forest scenery. It also holds a 4.5-star rating, indicating its popularity and quality.
Mountain bikers ride the Little Scraggy Trail Loop, a popular intermediate to difficult trail in Pine, Colorado
Phil’s World: Located near Cortez, CO, Phil’s World is an Intermediate trail system known for its fast and flowy trails. The featured loop is 26.8 miles (43.1 km) long with approximately 2,059′ of climbing and 2,061′ of descending. With a 4.5-star rating, Phil’s World is a guaranteed fun ride for intermediate riders.
Mountain biker catching air on Rib Cage section of Phil's World trail, a popular intermediate trail in Cortez, Colorado
401 Trail Loop: Found near Crested Butte, CO, the 401 Trail Loop is another Intermediate/Difficult gem. This 14.1-mile (22.7 km) loop features significant elevation changes (2,249′ up and 2,222′ down) and is celebrated for its stunning wildflower meadows and challenging sections. It’s also rated 4.5 stars, solidifying its place among Colorado’s top mtb bike trails.
Mountain biker enjoying the 401 Trail Loop, a premiere mountain bike trail known for wildflowers near Crested Butte, Colorado
Buffalo Creek: Big Loop – IMBA EPIC: Another IMBA Epic trail, Buffalo Creek Big Loop near Pine, CO, is rated Intermediate. This 24.3-mile (39.1 km) loop with 2,515′ of climbing and 2,512′ of descending offers a fantastic ride through aspen groves and diverse terrain. Its 4.5-star rating reflects its quality and popularity.
Mountain biker rides through aspen trees on Buffalo Creek Big Loop, an IMBA Epic trail near Pine, Colorado
Kokopelli Loops – Mary’s, Horsethief, Steve’s, and Wranglers: Located in Loma, CO, this loop of trails offers an Intermediate/Difficult riding experience. Spanning 18.7 miles (30.1 km) with 1,568′ of ascent and 1,565′ of descent, the Kokopelli Loops provide a challenging and rewarding ride through the desert landscape. It also boasts a 4.5-star rating.
Mountain biker on rock slab on Charlie section of Kokopelli Loops, an intermediate to difficult trail system in Loma, Colorado
Buff Creek Loop: Pine Lake Trailhead: This Intermediate loop, starting from Pine Lake Trailhead in Pine, CO, is another great option in the Buffalo Creek area. Covering 20.8 miles (33.4 km) with 2,419′ of climbing and 2,422′ of descending, it offers a slightly different perspective of the region. It maintains the consistent 4.5-star rating of the other trails in this area.
Mountain biker running from storm on Centennial Cone trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado
Centennial Cone: Situated near Idaho Springs, CO, Centennial Cone is an Intermediate trail with a 4-star rating. This 17.2-mile (27.7 km) loop involves 2,340′ of climbing and 2,348′ of descending, offering a solid workout and scenic views.
Apex Park Tour: Located near West Pleasant View, CO, Apex Park Tour is a Difficult loop stretching 9.3 miles (15.0 km). With 1,651′ of both ascent and descent, this trail provides a challenging ride closer to Denver. It has a 4.5-star rating, indicating its quality despite its difficulty.
Mountain biker on the biggest drop on Enchanted Forest trail in Apex Park near West Pleasant View, Colorado
Beyond these recommended routes, Colorado is home to numerous other top-rated mtb bike trails. Some highly-rated trails you should also consider exploring include:
- Trail Riders Trail #401 near Crested Butte
- Aspen Alley near Breckenridge
- Captain Jack’s near Manitou Springs
- Grandstaff Trail near Glenwood Springs
- The Sluice near Idaho Springs
- Enchanted Forest near Genesee
- Chutes near Colorado Springs
- Little Scraggy Trail near Pine
- Spring Creek Trail 1160.1 near Steamboat Springs
- PBR – Pumps, Bumps, and Rollers in Fruita
Colorado’s diverse geography is further divided into distinct biking regions, each offering unique mtb bike trails experiences:
- Central Rockies: The heart of the high country with 1,997 trails.
- Eastern Plains: Offering a different landscape with 21 trails.
- Front Range: Easily accessible trails near major cities with 1,839 trails.
- Northwest Rockies: Remote and rugged riding with 169 trails.
- San Luis Valley: High-altitude desert riding with 100 trails.
- Southwest Rockies: Home to iconic trails and stunning scenery with 865 trails.
- Western Colorado: Desert riding and mesas with 380 trails.
Colorado truly is a premier destination for mountain biking. With its vast network of mtb bike trails, stunning scenery, and trails for every skill level, it’s time to plan your next two-wheeled adventure in the Centennial State. Explore these trails and discover why Colorado is synonymous with world-class mountain biking.
