I’ve always been on the lookout for unique adventures, and when I stumbled upon Spider Mountain Bike Park, the SOLE lift-served bike park in Texas, I knew I had to experience it firsthand.
During my recent mountain biking trip across Texas Hill Country, I finally made it to Spider Mountain. And let me tell you – it lived up to the hype!
Initially, I had my doubts. Spider Mountain boasts about 350 feet of vertical drop, a fraction compared to giants like Mammoth Mountain (which has over 3,000 feet!). Plus, with only 7 miles of trails, spread across a dozen options, I wondered if it would be enough to satisfy my appetite for downhill thrills.
However, despite its modest size, Spider Mountain delivered an incredible day of riding. I spent a full day exploring every trail, racking up 23 laps and discovering the unique charm of this Texas gem.
If you’re planning your first trip to Spider Mountain Bike Park, this guide is for you. I’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure a fun, memorable, and successful mountain biking adventure.
Let’s hit the trails!
Huge thanks to Carey Kriger from Debcar.com for capturing some of the awesome photos featured in this article and for 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 ParkThe famous Lone Star flag wall ride on the Tarantula trail at Spider Mountain Bike Park.
Spider Mountain Bike Park: Frequently Asked Questions
Before you plan your visit, here are some essential facts about mountain biking at Spider Mountain:
- Spider Mountain Opening Times? The lifts operate from Friday to Monday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Is Spider Mountain a Year-Round Bike Park? Yes! It’s open year-round, weather permitting. Check their website for weather-related closures.
- How to Purchase Spider Mountain Tickets? Tickets can be bought online in advance or upon arrival. More details on passes are below.
- Can You Ride Without Lift Access? Yes. Uphill access is permitted Tuesday to Thursday, dawn till dusk. A waiver and a $15 land use fee are required, payable at the Thunderbird Lodge office.
- Are E-bikes Permitted at Spider Mountain? Yes, e-bikes are welcome, provided you can load them onto the chairlift yourself.
- What’s 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.
- Is Water Available at the Park? Water coolers with paper cups are conveniently located at both the base and summit of the lift. You can also leave a personal water bottle to minimize cup waste. Beverages, including beer, are sold at the retail store and ticket window.
- Food Options at Spider Mountain? Snacks are available at the ticket office. Food trucks are often on-site, but availability varies. Container City, nearby, offers additional food truck options (see ‘Where to Stay’ section).
A woman and her mountain bike ascend the chairlift at Spider Mountain Bike Park, Texas, overlooking scenic Lake BuchananEnjoy panoramic views of Lake Buchanan from the top of Spider Mountain.
Mastering the Chairlift: Loading Your Bike at Spider Mountain
One common concern for first-time bike park visitors is understanding the bike loading process onto chairlifts.
Even for experienced riders, there’s always a moment of hesitation when approaching a new lift system. Will I manage to load my bike correctly? What if it falls? Am I going to be that person who halts the entire lift operation?
Take a deep breath – you’ve got this! My top tip is to ask the lift attendant to load your bike for you on your first run. Watching them will give you the confidence to do it yourself. Afterwards, you can try loading it yourself or continue to have the lift operator assist you – it’s part of their job to ensure everyone loads safely.
Spider Mountain utilizes a straightforward system where bikes are hung by their front wheel on a hook at the back of each chair. It’s a simple process, but requires a bit of arm strength to lift and position your bike. It might feel a bit awkward initially, but it becomes much easier with practice. And remember, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re feeling unsure.
Mountain bikes securely loaded onto chairlift hooks at Spider Mountain Bike Park, TexasBikes are easily transported on the chairlift at Spider Mountain, hanging securely by their front wheels.
Getting to Spider Mountain Bike Park: Directions and Parking
Spider Mountain Bike Park is nestled in Burnet, Texas, near the beautiful Lake Buchanan. If you’re traveling from major Texan 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 Spider Mountain involves navigating scenic backroads, which might make you question your GPS at times. Rest assured, you’re on the right path – Spider Mountain is just a little off the beaten path, adding to its secluded charm.
Here are direct Google driving directions to Spider Mountain Bike Park for easy navigation.
Parking is free at the base of the lift. While you might need to drive a short distance to find a spot, especially during peak times, there’s generally ample parking available. Weekends at Spider Mountain can get busy, so arriving earlier is recommended to secure a closer parking spot and avoid potential hassle.
Watch Dusty MTB’s Spider Mountain Adventure
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Spider Mountain Passes, Hours, Rentals, and More Essential Details
Passes
A pass is required to access the trails at Spider Mountain Bike Park. Here’s what you need to know about purchasing your pass:
- Save Money by Buying Online in Advance: Spider Mountain uses ‘dynamic pricing’, meaning ticket prices can fluctuate. Purchasing your tickets online ahead of time can secure you the best deals, sometimes as low as $25. Purchase tickets here.
- Year-Round Season Passes Available: For frequent riders, Spider Mountain offers various season pass options. You can opt for a Spider Mountain specific pass or a combo pass that includes access to partner ski resorts like Brian Head and Purgatory, ideal for year-round mountain enthusiasts. Explore season pass options here.
- Uphill Access Pass: If you prefer to pedal up and want to ride during the week (Tuesday – Thursday), you’ll need to sign a waiver and pay a $15 land use fee. This pass can be obtained at the Thunderbird Lodge office.
A mountain biker pauses under the Cedar Fever trail sign at Spider Mountain Bike Park, TexasExploring the trails at Spider Mountain, including the popular Cedar Fever trail.
Hours of Operation
The chairlifts at Spider Mountain Bike Park run from Friday through Monday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The park is open throughout the year but may close due to inclement weather. Spider Mountain also hosts races and special events, so checking their official Events page for up-to-date conditions and event schedules is always a good idea before your visit.
Rentals and Bike Shop Services
Spider Mountain offers a well-maintained fleet of rental mountain bikes, primarily Trek bikes, along with other potential brands, all full suspension. Rentals are priced at $99 per day, and you can conveniently reserve your bike online. Helmets and protective gear are also available for rent if needed.
For bike repairs or maintenance, a small bike shop is located on-site, staffed with mechanics ready to assist with any issues you might encounter.
Considering a Full Face Helmet for Bike Parks?
Smith Mainline Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet
Prioritize Face Protection. I always recommend wearing a full-face helmet when riding at bike parks. It significantly enhances safety, offering superior protection for your head and face in case of falls, and boosting confidence when tackling challenging downhill sections.
My go-to full-face helmet is the Smith Mainline. It stands out for its comfort, effective ventilation, and downhill certification, ensuring it meets stringent safety standards.
This helmet also includes customizable cheek pads in three sizes, allowing you to achieve a secure and comfortable fit.
Buy at Backcountry Buy at Smith Optics Buy at Competitive Cyclist
A row of rental mountain bikes ready for riders at Spider Mountain Bike ParkHigh-quality rental bikes are available at Spider Mountain for those who need them.
Beginner Mountain Bike Lessons
If you’re 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. Free lessons are a fantastic and rare perk offered by Spider Mountain, making mountain biking accessible to newcomers. Please note that bike rental and lift passes are not included and must be purchased separately.
Navigating Spider Mountain: Park Layout
Spider Mountain’s layout is refreshingly simple. The Texas Eagle chairlift is the central access point, serving all trails from the summit.
Key stats about the park:
- Total Trail Length: 7 miles
- Peak Elevation: 1,426 feet
- Vertical Drop: 350 feet
- Number of Trails: 16
Spider Mountain Bike Park trail map showcasing the variety of trailsA detailed trail map of Spider Mountain Bike Park to help plan your ride.
Trail Overview: Exploring Spider Mountain’s Diverse Terrain
What are the trails like at Spider Mountain? In short, they are fantastic! I was impressed by the variety Spider Mountain offers, from easy beginner flow trails to challenging expert descents. The terrain is equally diverse, featuring both expertly crafted machine-built trails and rugged, natural downhill runs.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the trails:
- Itsy Bitsy: A perfectly sculpted machine-built flow trail. Ideal for beginners, kids, or as a warm-up run to build confidence and 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, offering progression for those looking to catch air.
- Cedar Fever: One of Spider Mountain’s newer trails, blending flow and technical sections. It quickly became one of my personal favorites.
- Vipers Den: My top pick! A fantastic trail with a mix of bermed corners, drops, and rock gardens, providing a bit of everything.
- Tarantula: The ‘features’ trail of the park. It includes wooden ramps, a thrilling wall ride, and various jumps. All features are rollable or sendable, catering to different comfort levels.
- Sidewinder: A fast and flowing trail characterized by tight, bermed turns that are incredibly fun to rail.
- Venom: An exciting intermediate jump line located on the backside of the mountain, offering great flow and airtime.
- Antidote: A slightly larger jump line parallel to Recluse, with optional features, making it accessible yet challenging.
- Sticky Icky: A raw and natural downhill trail. The upper section was recently reworked and is still bedding in, but the lower section is a blast.
- Stinger: An expert-only, steep, and raw downhill trail. It features two challenging crux sections filled with steep, rocky gardens.
- Sleep Tight: I opted out of the ‘A-line’ on this trail, which culminates in a massive, highly visible drop. However, the ‘B-line’ to the right is still very steep and loose, offering a challenging alternative.
Further Reading
New to Bike Parks? Get Started Here
(Link to a relevant beginner’s guide to bike parks)
A mountain biker confidently rides off a rock ledge onto a wooden ramp feature at Spider Mountain Bike ParkExpert trails like Stinger offer challenging features such as rock gardens and drops for advanced riders at Spider Mountain.
My Personal Experience at Spider Mountain
I dedicated a full day to riding Spider Mountain and enjoyed every minute. While it’s true that it’s smaller compared to the massive downhill parks out West, Spider Mountain has masterfully created a riding destination that’s fun for everyone.
I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the trails, especially considering it’s a year-round bike park. The variety of features and terrain packed into a relatively small area is remarkable. The trail builders have done an exceptional job maximizing the mountain’s potential.
My riding day started around 10:30 am (after the 8 am lift opening), and we rode non-stop until the lifts closed at 4 pm, only pausing for a quick lunch. If I had planned a two-day trip, I probably would have paced myself more, given the limited number of trails. However, for a single day, it was perfect.
It’s worth noting that I visited on a Monday. I imagine the atmosphere is quite different on weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, which are likely much busier. Expect longer lift lines and more trail traffic during peak times. Remember to be patient and courteous – everyone is there to enjoy the ride!
A happy mountain biker in full face helmet stands with their bike at Spider Mountain Bike Park, TexasMy day at Spider Mountain was a blast!
Accommodation Options: Camping and Lodging Near Spider Mountain
Planning to stay the weekend? Here are some lodging and camping options near Spider Mountain:
Looking for Hotels? Check out these hotels near Burnet, TX.
Beyond Biking: Other Activities Around Spider Mountain
Spider Mountain Bike Park is a fantastic destination in itself, but if you have extra time to explore the surrounding area, Burnet, TX, and the Texas Hill Country offer a variety of attractions:
- More Mountain Biking! Explore other trails in the region. My Texas Hill Country mountain biking guide offers more inspiration. Station Mountain Bike Park is also nearby, a short drive from Spider Mountain.
- Explore Longhorn Cavern State Park: I regret not having time to tour these caverns – they look incredible. Definitely on my list for next time!
- Wine Tasting in Texas Hill Country: Surprisingly, Texas Hill Country is home to numerous wineries, including several near Spider Mountain. Consider visiting Torr Na Lochs, Perissos Vineyard, and 7 Creeks Vineyard.
- River Tours and Kayaking: Spider Mountain is located near Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River (the Texas Colorado River!), perfect for water activities. Vanishing Texas River Cruises offers unique boat tours, or you can rent kayaks for independent exploration.
- Relax at Inks Lake State Park: Whether you’re camping there or not, Inks Lake State Park is a great spot for a relaxing day. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or hiking on the various trails.
I hope this comprehensive guide provides you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Spider Mountain Bike Park. It’s a genuinely fun and unique place to spend a day or a weekend, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Continue Reading
Looking for more lift-accessed bike parks near Spider Mountain? Check out these favorites:
(Links to other bike park articles)
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Have you visited Spider Mountain? What were your thoughts? Did you love the trails as much as I did? Any questions? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
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