I’ve always been on the hunt for unique outdoor adventures, and when I stumbled upon Spider Mountain Bike Park – the ONLY lift-served bike park in the entire state of Texas – I knew I had to experience it firsthand. Located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, this destination promised something special for mountain biking enthusiasts.
During a recent trip exploring the scenic Texas Hill Country, I finally made my way to Spider Mountain. And let me tell you, it lived up to the hype! It’s truly an awesome place for anyone who loves to ride, even if you’re curious about what a “Spider Bike” experience might entail.
Initially, I had some reservations. Spider Mountain boasts approximately 350 feet of vertical drop, which is modest compared to giants like Mammoth Mountain with its impressive 3,100 feet. And with around 7 miles of trails spread across a dozen options, it’s not the largest bike park out there.
However, despite its smaller scale, Spider Mountain delivered an incredible day of riding. I spent a full day exploring every trail, racking up 23 laps and experiencing the diverse terrain multiple times over. It was more than worth the trip.
If you’re planning your first visit to Spider Mountain Bike Park and wondering what to expect, this guide covers everything you need to know to ensure a fun, memorable, and successful day on the trails. Get ready to ride!
Special thanks to Carey Kriger from Debcar.com for capturing some amazing photos and joining me for an epic day at Spider!
Mountain biker executes a jump in front of the iconic Texas flag wall ride at Spider Mountain Bike Park, Texas
Essential Facts & FAQs for Your Spider Mountain Adventure
Before you head out, here’s a quick rundown of key information about mountain biking at Spider Mountain:
- When is Spider Mountain open for riding? The chairlifts operate from Friday to Monday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Is Spider Mountain a year-round bike park? Yes! It’s open throughout the year, although they may close temporarily due to severe weather conditions.
- How can I purchase lift tickets? Tickets can be conveniently purchased online in advance or upon arrival at the park. More details on passes are provided below.
- Is uphill access available outside of lift operating hours? Yes. You can access the trails via pedal power Tuesday through Thursday, from dawn until dusk. A waiver is required, and a $15 land use fee applies.
- Are electric mountain bikes (e-bikes) permitted? Yes, e-bikes are allowed, provided you can load them onto the chairlift rack yourself.
- What is the trail difficulty range? Spider Mountain caters to all skill levels. From the beginner-friendly Itsy Bitsy flow trail to the expert-level, steep, and technical Stinger trail, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re on a “spider bike” or any mountain bike, you’ll find your challenge.
- Are water facilities available on-site? Water coolers with paper cups are available at both the base and summit of the lift. You can also leave your water bottle to minimize cup waste. Beverages, including beer, are sold at the retail store/ticket window.
- What about food options? Snacks are available for purchase at the ticket office. Spider Mountain also hosts rotating food trucks; however, availability can vary. Nearby Container City offers additional food truck options, as detailed in the ‘Where to stay’ section.
A woman sits on a chairlift with her mountain bike, enjoying the scenic views of Lake Buchanan at Spider Mountain Bike Park in Texas
Mastering the Lifts: Loading Your Bike at Spider Mountain
Loading bikes onto chairlifts can be a common concern, especially for first-timers at a bike park. Even experienced riders sometimes feel a moment of hesitation.
Questions like “Will I be able to do this?”, “What if my bike falls?”, or “Am I going to cause a lift shutdown?” might cross your mind.
Take a deep breath – you’ve got this! My top tip is to ask the lift attendant for assistance the first time. Observing how they load your bike will give you the confidence and knowledge to do it yourself. After that initial demonstration, you can try loading your own bike or continue to have the lift operator assist you – it’s part of their job to ensure everyone loads safely and efficiently.
Spider Mountain employs a straightforward loading system where bikes are hung by the front wheel on a hook located at the back of each chair. While the process is simple, it does require a bit of arm strength to lift and position your bike. It might feel a little awkward initially, but with a few practice runs, it becomes much easier. Again, if you’re feeling unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Mountain bikes securely loaded onto chairlift hooks at Spider Mountain Bike Park, Texas
Directions to Spider Mountain Bike Park
Spider Mountain Bike Park is nestled in Burnet, Texas, close to the shores of Lake Buchanan. If you’re traveling from major Texas cities, here are approximate driving times:
- From Austin: 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Dallas: 3 hours 15 minutes
- From San Antonio: 2 hours
The drive to the park involves navigating scenic backroads, which might initially make you question your GPS. Rest assured, you’re on the right path – Spider Mountain is just a bit off the beaten track, adding to its secluded, adventurous charm.
For precise navigation, here are Google driving directions directly to Spider Mountain Bike Park.
Ample free parking is available at the base of the lift. While you might need to drive slightly further down the road to secure a spot, especially during peak times, parking is generally plentiful. Weekends at Spider Mountain can get quite busy, so anticipate potentially higher parking demand.
Explore Spider Mountain with Dusty MTB
[Embedded YouTube Video Here – If available, embed the Dusty MTB video mentioned in the original article. If not, consider adding a placeholder or suggesting a relevant video to embed.]
Spider Mountain Passes, Hours, Rentals, & More
Lift Passes
A pass is required to access the trails at Spider Mountain Bike Park. Here are essential points to consider before purchasing:
- Advance Online Purchase for Savings: Spider Mountain utilizes ‘dynamic pricing’. Purchasing your tickets online in advance can unlock significant savings, with prices potentially as low as $25. Purchase tickets here.
- Annual Season Pass Options: For regular riders, Spider Mountain offers various 12-month season pass options. You can opt for a standalone Spider Mountain pass or a combo pass that includes access to partner ski resorts like Brian Head and Purgatory. Explore season pass details here.
- Uphill Access Pass: If you prefer to pedal and want to ride during the week (Tuesday – Thursday), a lift ticket is not necessary. However, you will need to sign a waiver and pay a $15 land use fee, obtainable at the Thunderbird Lodge office.
A mountain biker pauses under the Cedar Fever trail sign at Spider Mountain Bike Park, Texas
Operating Hours
The lifts at Spider Mountain Bike Park run from Friday through Monday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The park is open year-round, weather permitting. It’s advisable to check their Events page for up-to-date conditions and any scheduled races or events that might affect park access.
Bike Rentals & On-Site Bike Shop
Spider Mountain provides a fleet of well-maintained rental mountain bikes, primarily Trek models, including full-suspension options. Rentals are priced at $99 per day, and you can conveniently reserve your bike online. Helmets and protective gear are also available for rent.
For bike maintenance or repairs, a small bike shop staffed with knowledgeable mechanics is on-site to assist with any issues you might encounter with your own “spider bike” or rental.
Considering a Full Face Helmet?
Smith Mainline Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet for enhanced protection and safety
Prioritize face and teeth protection. When riding at bike parks, a full-face helmet is highly recommended. It provides an extra layer of confidence when tackling downhill trails and significantly enhances head and face protection in case of a crash.
My preferred full-face helmet is the Smith Mainline. It’s comfortable for extended wear, offers good ventilation, and is downhill-certified, meeting stringent safety standards.
This helmet also includes three cheek pad sizes for a customized, secure fit.
Buy at Backcountry Buy at Smith Optics Buy at Competitive Cyclist
A row of rental mountain bikes available at Spider Mountain Bike Park for visitors
Beginner Mountain Bike Lessons
New to bike parks or mountain biking in general? Spider Mountain offers complimentary beginner lessons on select Saturdays starting at 9:00 AM. Advance online registration is required. This is a fantastic opportunity, as free bike park lessons are quite rare. Note that bike rental and lift passes are not included and must be purchased separately.
Park Layout: Easy Navigation
Spider Mountain’s layout is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The park is serviced by a single chairlift – the Texas Eagle – which conveniently accesses all trails from the summit.
Key park statistics include:
- Total Trail Mileage: 7 miles
- Maximum Elevation: 1,426 feet
- Vertical Drop: 350 feet
- Number of Trails: 16
Spider Mountain Bike Park trail map showcasing the variety of trails available for different skill levels
Trail Overview: Something for Every Rider
What are the trails like at Spider Mountain? In short, they’re fantastic! Spider Mountain provides a well-rounded trail network with options for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly flow trails to challenging expert descents. The terrain is also diverse, featuring both machine-built flow trails and raw, natural downhill tracks.
Here’s a brief introduction to some of the trails:
- Itsy Bitsy: A perfectly crafted, machine-built flow trail. Ideal for warm-up runs, beginners, kids, or anyone looking to refine their fundamental skills.
- Centipede: An alternative beginner trail to Itsy Bitsy, featuring a fun section of dirt rollers resembling a centipede’s back.
- Recluse: An intermediate jump line, perfect for riders progressing their air skills.
- Cedar Fever: One of Spider Mountain’s newer trails, blending flow and technical sections. A personal favorite.
- Vipers Den: Another top pick! A well-rounded trail with bermed corners, drops, and rock gardens, offering a bit of everything.
- Tarantula: Spider Mountain’s dedicated ‘features’ trail. Expect wooden ramps, a wall ride, and various jumps. All features are rollable or fully sendable, catering to different comfort levels.
- Sidewinder: Fast and flowing, characterized by tight, bermed turns. Pure fun!
- Venom: An enjoyable intermediate jump line located on the backside of the mountain.
- Antidote: A slightly larger jump line parallel to Recluse, offering bigger air but still with rollable options.
- Sticky Icky: A raw and natural downhill trail. The upper section has been recently reworked and is still bedding in, while the lower section is a classic.
- Stinger: A steep, raw, expert-only downhill trail. It features two challenging crux sections with steep, rocky gardens. Only for advanced riders.
- Sleep Tight: This trail includes a significant drop on the A-line, visible from the lift, which I opted to bypass. The B-line offers a very steep and loose alternative.
Further Reading
New to Bike Parks?
[Link to a relevant article about bike park basics or beginner tips if available on usabikers.net or a reputable external source.]
A mountain biker confidently rides off a rock ledge onto a wooden ramp at Spider Mountain Bike Park in Texas
My Personal Experience at Spider Mountain
I dedicated an entire day to riding Spider Mountain and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. While it might be smaller than some of the massive downhill parks out west, Spider Mountain has done an exceptional job in creating a welcoming and exciting environment for riders of all abilities.
I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the trails, especially considering it’s a year-round bike park. The trails were in excellent condition, and I appreciated the variety of features and terrain packed into a relatively compact area. The trail builders have maximized the mountain’s potential.
My day started around 10:30 AM (lifts open at 8 AM), and we rode non-stop until the lifts closed at 4 PM, taking only a brief lunch break. If I had planned for two days of riding, I might have paced myself more, given the limited number of trails. However, for a single day trip, it was perfect.
It’s worth noting that I visited on a Monday, which tends to be less crowded. Weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, are likely to be much busier. Expect longer lift lines and potentially more trail traffic. Remember to be patient and courteous – everyone is there to have a good time.
A happy mountain biker in a full face helmet stands with their bike at Spider Mountain Bike Park, Texas, after a great day of riding
Accommodation Options: Camping & Lodging
Planning to stay for the weekend? Here are some camping and lodging suggestions near Spider Mountain:
Looking for a Hotel? Check out these hotels near Burnet, TX.
Beyond Biking: Things to Do Around Spider Mountain
Spider Mountain Bike Park is a destination in itself, but if you have extra time to explore the region, here are some additional activities near Burnet, TX:
- More Mountain Biking! Explore my guide to mountain biking in Texas Hill Country for more trails and inspiration. Station Mountain Bike Park is also nearby.
- Visit Longhorn Cavern State Park: I regret not having time to explore these caverns – they look incredible. Definitely on my list for next time!
- Wine Tasting: I was surprised to discover the abundance of wineries in Hill Country, including several near Spider Mountain. Consider visiting Torr Na Lochs, Perissos Vineyard, or 7 Creeks Vineyard.
- River Tours or Kayaking: Spider Mountain is situated by Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River (the Texas Colorado River), making it ideal for water activities. Vanishing Texas River Cruises offers unique boat tours, or you can rent a kayak and explore independently.
- Relax at Inks Lake State Park: Whether you’re camping or just visiting for the day, Inks Lake State Park is a great place to unwind. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or hiking on the various trails.
I hope this comprehensive guide provides all the details and inspiration you need to plan your trip to Spider Mountain Bike Park. It’s a genuinely enjoyable place for a day or weekend getaway, and I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I did.
Read Next
Looking for more lift-accessed or shuttle-served bike parks? Here are some of my favorites relatively close to Spider:
[Link to a relevant article about nearby bike parks if available on usabikers.net or a reputable external source.]
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Have you visited Spider Mountain? What were your thoughts? Did you enjoy the riding as much as I did? Are there any questions I can answer for you? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
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