Mountain Biking

Grand County provides some of the best mountain biking opportunities in Colorado. Winter Park, Colorado alone boasts over 600 miles of marked, mapped and user-friendly trails, contributing to its apropos nickname, Mountain Bike Capital, USA™. From high mountain peaks to beautiful river valleys, single tracks to back country roads, there are opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

Click here for a free map for all skill levels or to get answers to questions concerning the four main areas of Grand County, contact one of the chambers directly. For more information about biking in Grand County, see Sky-Hi News' Bike Guide. Be sure to review and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep our land Grand! 

Wilderness Areas

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned biker, before you cruise through the wilderness, there are a few things to keep in mind. To learn everything from standards of etiquette to body positioning, check out this blog post by Sacred Rides. Maps, elevation gain, tips from other riders, photos, and trail difficult ratings are available at Mountain Biking Project and a thorough checklist is available through REI. If you're just starting out, it might be a good idea to consult an outfitter like On the Trails Rentals in Grand Lake and Epic Mountain Sports in Winter Park. You can also rent bikes, buy lift tickets and take lessons at Granby Bike Ranch or Trestle Bike Park. Experienced outfitters will be able to tell you which types of trails and bike types are most appropriate for your skill level. Looking to buy? Make sure you know your stuff, not all mountain bikes are created equal. Learn more about Downhill, Freestyle, Cross-Country and All-Mountain bikes here. 

Biking Areas, Outfitters & Bike Parks

United States Forest Service: Sulphur Ranger District

Take a look at all the mountain biking trails in the Sulphur Ranger District (Winter Park/Granby/Grand Lake) region. Incudes directions to trailhead, difficulty levels area amenities and more. 

Call 970.887.4100 for more information from the USFS. 

Mountain Bike Capital USA™ 

Winter Park has earned the nickname of Mountain Bike Capital USA™ with:

• Over 600 Miles of Trails 
• Two Down Hill Bike Parks 
• Races, events, tours and lessons available all season long

For more information visit the website or call the Winter Park Fraser Chamber at 970.726.4221.

Trestle Bike Park

America’s premier full-service bike park features over 40 miles of trails for riders of all ages and abilities, and offers the largest rental/demo fleet in the country, plus food and lodging to refuel for another day.

Visit the website or call 970.726.1564 or email for additional information. 

Bike Granby Ranch 

Bike Granby Ranch is located in the heart of Mountain Bike Capital USA™ —6000 acres to explore between Winter Park, Arapaho National Forest, and Rocky Mountain National Park—their downhill, cross-country, and family biking trails draw cyclists from far and wide, and are enjoyed by experts and beginners alike.  

Visit the website or call 888.850.4615 for more details. 

Devil's Thumb Ranch

Devil's Thumb Ranch offers guided mountain bike rides, unguided rentals, and trail passes.

• Guided Mountain Bike Rides: $55/person (90 minutes). Includes instruction, bike and helmet. Minimum 2 people.
• Mountain Bike Rentals: $40/day.
• Trail Passes: $10/day, complimentary for ranch guests.

Call the Devil's Thumb Ranch Activities Center at 970.726.8231 or [email protected]

YMCA of the Rockies: Snow Mountain Ranch

Snow Mountain Ranch has miles of mountain biking trails for the beginner to advanced rider. Rent a mountain bike or trike and start riding!

Visit the website or call 970.887.2152 for more information. 

Mountain Biking Trails

You'll see why Colorado is a mountain bikers paradise when you test out Grand County's trails. Dozens of businesses and organizations in the county express their love for the sport by supporting or maintaining trails, hosting festivals and events, as well as offering tours and rentals. One such association is the Headwaters Trails Alliance, a nonprofit advocate for trails in Grand County, Colorado. Their primary goal is to provide high quality trails linking towns and recreational areas within Grand County, with secondary trail systems connecting historical, cultural and recreational sites near our communities. You can visit their site for their current guide to hiking and biking trails, Grand County trail maps or more information about trail conditions. For even more information on the biking trails in Grand County, try the pocket-sized guide from Sky-Hi News. Though the number of biking trails can be astounding, don't let it overwhelm you— let it inspire you. Take a look at our mountain biking tips, read more about our top 11 reasons to mountain bike in Grand County, and explore the possibilities! 

Easy Trails

• Givelo Trail is a short, relatively flat trail near Fraser that leads to more difficult routes. You can connect with Fraser West Trail and Creekside Trail 
• Strawberry Creek West is often rated as intermediate, but is fairly short and flat. It features a route to the High Lonesome Hut and intersects with Doe Creek Trail

Moderate Trails

• The Fraser to Granby Trail begins in Fraser and winds through old mining homesteads and elk country, and concludes in Granby
• Near Winter Park and Fraser, Vasquez, Strawberry, High Lonesome Trails and are enjoyable, intermediate trails 

Difficult Trails

• Near Winter Park in the James Peak Wilderness, Rogers Pass is a scenic challenge 
• Outside of Fraser, the Tipperary Trail offers a steady climb with magnificent views
• Found near Grand Lake, the Gilsonite and Wolverine trail is built for advanced riders 

For more information about biking in Grand County, see Sky-Hi News' Bike Guide. Be sure to review and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep our land Grand!