picture of mountain bikers in Vail, Colorado

Mountain Biking in Vail, Colorado

Colorado offers some of the best mountain biking in the country, with trails for first time riders up to experienced mountain bikers. The amazing Vail scenery and Colorado sunshine make this summer activity, Vail mountin biking, a favorite for tourists and locals alike.

Vail has hosted two Mountain Bike World Championships and offers some of the most interesting and challenging trails around. This is truly what Colorado mountain biking is meant to be.

Families enjoy riding the gondola or chairlift and exploring the forest on bike. Guests can also add a mountaintop picnic as part of their daytime Colorado adventure.

Vail hosts a plethora of bike shops with experienced technicians available to set you up with the appropriate gear to rent or buy.

See our chairlift rides page for pricing and information on bike haul tickets.

View the 2009 Vail Summer Trail Map

VAIL MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS

  • Eagle's Loop: Green.Great for the beginner biker with scenic vistas and access from the Eagle Bahn Gondola - 1 mile (1.6 km)
  • Upper Fireweed: Green.  A beautiful bike trail for beginners from Adventure Ridge to Mid-Vail - 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
  • Cub's Way: Green.  Gravel road connecting Fred's Lunch to Lion Down - 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
  • Village Trail: Green.  Longest and most pleasant route on the mountain - a winding gravel road that traverses the mountain in a descent - 7 miles (11.3 km)
  • Gitalong Road: Blue - due to high traffic.  An alternative to Village Trail with a pleasant winding gravel road most of the way - 5 miles (8 km)
  • Fred's Lunch: Blue.  An alternating single and double track path that leads from Mid-Vail down the mountain, providing spectacular views - 3.2 miles (4.8 km)
  • Grand Traverse: Blue.  Vail's signature trail crossing the Back Bowls, starts easy and becomes more difficult, accessed from Adventure Ridge or the Wildwood connector - 5.3 miles (8.5 km)
  • South 6 Escape: Blue.  This single track off Village Trail is a challenging option for intermediate bikers - .75 miles (1.2 km)
  • Lion Down: Blue.  Downhill all the way from Adventure Ridge on this beautiful, winding single track through groves of Aspen trees - 6 miles (9.7 km)
  • Mid-Vail Escape: Black.  Challenging single and double track that takes you from the top of Kloser's Klimb to Mid-Vail with spectacular views of the Gore Range - 2.2 miles (3.5 km)
  • Kloser's Klimb: Black.  A grueling 1,000 foot climb from Adventure Ridge to Patrol Headquarters - 2.4 miles (3.9 km)
  • Onza Alley: Black.  Most difficult loop with single track, 4x4 roads, steep descents and a 1,000 foot climb - 4 miles (6.6 km)

The following are Downhill biking trails:

  • Mane Lane: Formerly part of the LionsHead Loop, this is a steep single track with can be used as a side route on Lion Down - .6 miles (1km)
  • Golden Peak (GP) Loop: Closed for construction - 3 miles (5 km)
  • Magic Forest: Starts at Adventure Ridge and works its way down to Cubs Way.  This single track winds its way through the woods with several drop-offs and challenging terrain features.
  • Lower Fred's Lunch: Downhill trail with technical elements - .8 miles

View Eagle County Mountain Biking Trails Here

Visit Vail Velo, a new website and local organization dedicated to providing up to date information on road and mountain biking in the Vail Valley.

For mountain bike riders of all ages and abilities, visit Vail Mountain Bike Camps homepage to find out information on summer camps. Participants learn the basics of mountain biking, safety, and bike maintenance while making new friends all in the beautiful Colorado wilderness.

BIKE RENTALS

 


Vail mountain biking is very popular. You can ride some of the best mountain biking trails in Colorado, but you've got to get here first. Give us a call and we'll help you.