Quick Info
Reputation: Birthplace of mountain biking. Must-ride: Trail 401. Bike park: Evolution Bike Park (lift-served). Season: Late June through September.
Crested Butte claims to be the birthplace of mountain biking—and makes a convincing case. The clunker bikes of the 1970s first tackled Pearl Pass here. Today, the area offers everything from legendary singletrack like Trail 401 to lift-served downhill at Evolution Bike Park.
Trail 401
The legendary ride. Trail 401 combines high alpine scenery, wildflower meadows, and flowing singletrack into one of Colorado's most celebrated mountain bike experiences.
The details:
- About 14 miles as a loop (with road return)
- Significant climbing to start, then mostly descending singletrack
- Best ridden July through early September
- Peak wildflower bloom in mid-July adds to the experience
Shuttle option: Local shops run shuttles to the trailhead, eliminating the road climb and maximizing singletrack.
Other Classic Trails
Teocalli Ridge: Technical riding with big views. Not for beginners—exposed and demanding.
Reno/Flag/Bear/Deadman's: A loop system with options for different abilities. Good for half-day rides from town.
Lupine Trail: Beginner-friendly singletrack through wildflower meadows. Accessible from town.
Strand Hill: Technical, rocky terrain for experienced riders seeking challenge.
Evolution Bike Park
The ski resort transforms into a lift-served bike park in summer:
- Multiple trails from beginner to expert
- Chair lift access eliminates climbing
- Rental bikes and lessons available
- Good for those new to mountain biking or wanting laps without pedaling
Tips
Altitude matters. Crested Butte sits at 8,900 feet; trails climb higher. If you're from lower elevation, take it easy the first day.
Afternoon storms. Summer brings predictable thunderstorms, usually between 2-4pm. Start early to avoid getting caught above treeline.
Rent or bring? Local shops have quality rentals if you don't want to travel with your bike. They also know current trail conditions.
Respect the wildflowers. Stay on trail during peak bloom. The meadows are fragile.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do trails open?
Depends on snowpack. Lower trails open mid-June; high alpine trails like 401 typically open late June or July. Check conditions before planning.
Is Crested Butte good for beginners?
Some trails are beginner-friendly (Lupine, lower town trails). But the famous rides are intermediate to advanced. Evolution Bike Park has beginner options.
How hard is Trail 401?
Intermediate fitness required for the climbing. The singletrack itself isn't highly technical but has some exposure. Altitude makes everything harder.
Can I ride during Wildflower Festival?
Yes. In fact, riding through peak wildflower bloom is part of the magic. 401 in mid-July combines great riding with stunning flowers.