Colorado is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes and world-class skiing, but its mountain biking scene, particularly its bike parks, often flies under the radar compared to destinations like Whistler. While articles listing the “best bike parks in the world” frequently overlook U.S. locations, Snowmass Bike Park in Aspen Snowmass stands out as a hidden gem that deserves international recognition.
Despite the immense revenue generated by winter sports, lift-served bike parks are steadily gaining traction and investment. Ski resorts are increasingly diversifying their summer offerings by adding or expanding mountain bike trail networks. Snowmass Bike Park is a prime example of a resort that has embraced mountain biking, creating an exceptional experience for gravity riders.
Having explored numerous Colorado bike parks since 2012, including Trestle, Keystone, Granby, and others, my recent visit to Snowmass Bike Park, an IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center, completely changed my perspective. While Snowmass provided lodging, food, and lift tickets for my visit, this review is based on my genuine experience and unbiased opinion.
Snowmass Bike Park has risen to the top of my list for gravity riding in Colorado, and here’s why.
Mountain biker executes a jump on a well-maintained trail in Snowmass Bike Park.
World-Class Trails: Flow, Air, and Technical Challenges
The heart of any great bike park lies in its trails, and Snowmass Bike Park excels in this domain. Boasting over 25 miles of dedicated, lift-served trails within the park, and with access to even more trails just beyond its boundaries, Snowmass offers a diverse and extensive riding experience. Riders can easily connect to natural trails like Government West or the challenging Banzai Downhill, and explore pedally routes like Tom Blake trail and Government to the east.
Snowmass Bike Park is thoughtfully divided into two distinct riding zones. The Elk Camp Gondola provides access to the lower mountain, catering to all skill levels from beginner to advanced riders. From there, the Elk Camp Lift ascends to over 11,000 feet, unveiling another network of trails. Even beginners can find approachable options here, such as French Press, a fast and flowy berm trail that avoids mandatory airtime.
For advanced riders seeking a true test, the Elk Camp Lift accesses two of Snowmass’s most demanding trails: Animal Crackers, a former Enduro World Series trail designed to challenge elite riders, and Cowboy Coffee, a slightly less intense but still highly technical descent.
Mountain bikers catch air on the Valkyrie trail in Snowmass Bike Park, showcasing the park's jump lines.
On the lower slopes, riders will discover the exhilarating jump trails Valkyrie, Viking, and Valhalla, weaving through picturesque aspen groves. These trails are renowned for their impeccably sculpted jumps and flow, standing among the best in Colorado. For those seeking a more natural and rugged experience, trails like Gargamel and Battle Axe offer classic Colorado riding through dust, rocks, and tree stumps.
Snowmass Bike Park stands out for its ability to cater to a broad spectrum of riders, a feat not always achieved by other bike parks. While Trestle Bike Park at Winter Park has expanded significantly, its growth has primarily focused on flow and jump trails. Conversely, Keystone Bike Park across I-70 has seen limited trail development, preserving its reputation for challenging downhill trails.
Balancing trail variety is a delicate act for bike parks, even for Snowmass. Flow trails serve as an inviting entry point for newcomers to mountain biking, while jump and technical trails appeal to different rider preferences. However, Snowmass strikes a harmonious balance, ensuring that riders of all styles will find trails to keep them engaged throughout the day. Even for riders like myself, who can become fatigued by endless flow and jump trails, the slower-paced technical trails offer a welcome change of pace.
The vertical descent at Snowmass is truly impressive, reaching nearly 3,000 feet from the Elk Camp chairlift summit to the base of Snowmass Village. On Tuesdays, Snowmass extends its lift operations until 7:30 p.m., offering the longest riding days in the state. Riders can even enjoy dinner at Elk Camp Lodge between lift laps, maximizing their time on the trails until sunset.
A mountain biker navigates berms on the Viking trail at Snowmass Bike Park, highlighting the flow and aspen tree scenery.
Breathtaking Scenery: Aspen Groves and Mountain Vistas
Every mountain town in Colorado possesses its own unique charm, but Aspen and Snowmass Village occupy an elevated tier of scenic beauty. Whether arriving from I-70 and Glenwood Springs through the Roaring Fork Valley, or descending from the heights of Independence Pass, the landscape is consistently awe-inspiring.
During my first ride in Snowmass, utilizing the RFTA public buses with bikes from Buttermilk to Snowmass Village, I rode the Tom Blake trail to the Government trail. While Crested Butte and Breckenridge also boast stunning aspen groves, Snowmass truly lives up to its name. The aspen groves here are vast and abundant, creating an enchanting riding environment.
Trails like Valkyrie and Valhalla are not only thrilling to ride, but also visually stunning as they wind through dense aspen forests. The Government trail further enhances the scenic experience with panoramic views of the valley and shaded forest sections, making it an excellent choice for a descent even without a lift ticket.
View of the Maroon Bells mountains from Elk Camp in Snowmass Bike Park, emphasizing the panoramic views accessible from the park.
For those who opt for a lift ticket, ascending to the summit of Elk Camp rewards riders with breathtaking views of the iconic Maroon Bells and the majestic Elk Mountains, solidifying Snowmass as a visually stunning riding destination.
Racing Heritage: Enduro World Series and Local Events
Aspen’s racing pedigree is undeniable, being one of only three U.S. locations to have hosted a world-level Enduro race, in both 2016 and 2017. Regional enduro organizers like Big Mountain Enduro and Revolution Enduro consistently return to the area, ensuring a calendar filled with high-caliber racing events throughout the summer.
Beyond professional races, Snowmass fosters a vibrant local racing scene with Tuesday night downhill races during July and August. For a modest $25 entry fee (lift ticket not included), riders can participate in weekly races with courses that change each time. These events attract a mix of locals and visitors, fostering community spirit and nurturing young riders in the sport.
Exceptional Value: Affordable Access to Premium Riding
Despite Aspen’s reputation for luxury and high property values, Snowmass Bike Park offers surprisingly reasonable value. While the average single-family home in Aspen reached almost $15,000,000 in 2022, the $57 lift ticket at Snowmass is more affordable than both Keystone ($70) and Trestle ($89 at window).
Snowmass Village provides a range of amenities, including a grocery store and diverse restaurants, making it possible to manage costs during a visit. Food prices are comparable to other Colorado mountain towns – not the cheapest, but not excessively expensive. Affordable dining options like pizza at Tasters or upscale choices at Limelight cater to various budgets.
Lodging in Snowmass Village also presents “reasonable” options, with several accommodations available under $200 per night. Options in Woody Creek or Aspen, or free camping at Lincoln Creek, provide further budget flexibility. My stay at the Crestwood offered a full kitchen, hot tub access, and shuttle service, with rooms available under $300 that can accommodate up to four people.
For a more rustic experience, Lincoln Creek, about 20-45 minutes from Aspen, offers free dispersed camping with river access. Snowmass provides a comprehensive guide to camping options in the valley for those seeking budget-friendly lodging.
Scenic view of the Government Trail in Snowmass Bike Park, showcasing the natural beauty and trail conditions.
Snowmass Village and Aspen: Two Towns, Endless Activities
First-time visitors might assume they are simply heading to Aspen, but Snowmass Village is an independent municipality with its own distinct identity and comprehensive resort atmosphere. This self-contained village offers a remarkable array of dining options, a grocery store, and all essential services, allowing visitors to comfortably spend their entire stay within Snowmass Village.
Just 15-25 minutes away lies Aspen, offering an even wider spectrum of dining experiences, from casual to fine dining. For days off the bike, activities like rafting or paddleboarding on the Roaring Fork River, or catching a show at Belly Up, a renowned music venue hosting diverse acts, provide ample entertainment. Few mountain towns can boast such a vibrant cultural and recreational scene.
Bonus: The Snowmass Rodeo
An unexpected highlight of my Snowmass trip was the Snowmass Rodeo. Having not attended a rodeo in years, I was reminded of its captivating spectacle. From mutton bustin’ to calf roping and bronc riding, the rodeo offers a thrilling glimpse into the traditions of the Old West. Beyond entertainment, it’s a genuine competition showcasing remarkable skill and athleticism.
Spectators watch the mutton bustin event at the Snowmass Rodeo, capturing the family-friendly atmosphere and western culture.
A cowboy competes in calf roping at the Snowmass Rodeo, highlighting the skill and action of the event.
