Aspen Mountain Bike Vacation

Deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado is a little placed called Aspen-Snowmass. It has the allure of multi-million dollar homes, an endless supply of champagne, and restaurants that will drop a tab on your table higher than the can cost of your mountain bike.

Among all the hype of the rich and famous are mountain bike trails undiscovered by most. Up high in the cool mountain air, deep in the lush green forest, hide seemingly endless tacky trails.This gem of a place is home to 140 miles of high-quality, non-motorized singletrack. Get to stunner views in all directions with climbs that will push the limit of your legs and lungs.

The altitude here starts at 7,900 ft. Climbs can get up to 11,000 ft and higher. Give yourself a second for a quick breath, a view and a snack. Once ready, grip it and rip it down a variety of trails.

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Aspen Snowmass has every kind of riding available. Keep it mellow on Tom Blake, and Sky Mountain Park along with the bike park. Intermediate riders should check out Rim Trail, Deadline, Airline, and Hummingbird.

Advance riders seeking a longer ride should look into Sunnyside from Smuggler and reverse Government trail back towards Snowmass to Sky Mountain Park, Vapor trail at the bike park along with Espresso to stage 5 is a great pedal with a really fun descent back to Snowmass Village for brews and food. Bike Snowmass should be on the list for at least 1 or more days for lift assisted bike park laps.

For those that are not as inclined to bust off into the wilderness for hours on end, look no further than Aspen for a variety of activities. The Roaring Fork River which runs through Aspen and the entire valley has world-class fishing. Aspen has enough shopping to keep a teenage girl busy for days. There is also paddle boarding, rafting, floating, and hiking to name a few other actives for the rest of the family. World class dining along with the more casual dinner spots are all available.

We suggest staying a night or 3 in one of the fancy hotels or get in early in the week to score a camping spot at either Weller campground, Difficult campground, or Maroon Bells (most popular, usually need a reservation).Aspen is a perfect get away from the city and heat. Plenty of watering holes to cool the toes after a full day in the saddle. It’s character as a world-class ski town makes it unique and gives the appeal of being in a little slice of Europe during the Summer. Don’t stick to riding in the summer only, fall in Aspen will blow your mind. Prime leaf-peeping season is late September into October.

Aspen is a perfect getaway from the city and heat. Plenty of watering holes to cool the toes after a full day in the saddle. It’s character as a world-class ski town makes it unique and gives the appeal of being in a little slice of Europe during the Summer. Don’t stick to riding in the summer only, fall in Aspen will blow your mind. Prime leaf peeping season is late September into October.

Pro Tip: Snowmass is for chilling out and Aspen is for the experience. You will almost certainly encounter a few entitled douche bags in Aspen. We’ve tried to highlight low key businesses that keep it real in the land of the rich and famous.

Explore each section below to view our top recommendations for everything from mountain bike trails to restaurants to try during your mountain bike vacation in Aspen.

3.5 hours from Denver International Airport
Direct flights into Aspen Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
2 Resort Areas spanning 4 Mountains
Lift Serviced Mountain Biking at Snowmass Bike Park

Aspen Mountain Bike Vacation

Trails

Sky Mountain Park

Type: Intermediate Trail
Location: Buttermilk Ski Area Parking Lot

One of the most popular riding areas here in the upper Roaring Fork Valley. Sky Mountain Park offers something for everyone. Great place to take the girlfriend/wife. Incredible views with some... Read More ›

Review four star rating

Snowmass

Type: Advanced Trail System
Location: Snowmass

Snowmass has the most advanced trail system in the valley that includes a 20+ mile Snowmass Loop with plenty of bailout options and ways to make the ride longer if so desired. This is a great way... Read More ›

Review five star rating

Hunter Creek / Smuggler Area

Type: Intermediate
Location: Aspen

Take on the climb and enjoy the views on your way up Smuggler road. At the top, but not quite the top, awaits a variety of local favorites. The main local favorite ride that’s a bit longer... Read More ›

Review five star rating

Prince Creek / Mushroom Rock:

Type: Intermediate
Location: Carbondage, CO

Prince Creek, and Mushroom Rock located in Carbondale a short 30 minute drive down valley from Aspen offers a fun variety of trails to ride. Nice place to switch up the scenery and score some more... Read More ›

Review three star rating

Government Trail

Type: Advanced
Location: Snowmass to Buttermilk

This difficult trail packs enough punch to please even the most accomplished mountain biker. It begins with a challenging climb up Snowmass Ski Area and then traverses across ski runs and through... Read More ›

Review five star rating

Lodging

St Moritz

Type: Hotel
Location: Aspen
Address: 334 W. Hyman Avenue | Aspen, Colorado 81611
Contact: (800) 817-2069

Cheapest in Aspen with a great location, simple breakfast, pool and European style lodging.... Read More ›

Review four star rating

Mountain Chalet Aspen

Type: Hotel
Location: Aspen
Address: 333 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, Colorado 81611
Contact: 1-888-925-7797

Breakfast, pool, next to the bus stop, one block away from downtown. Fairly inexpensive (for Aspen... Read More ›

Review four star rating

Limelight Hotel

Type: Adventure Hotel
Location: Aspen
Address: 355 S. Monarch St. Aspen, CO 81611
Contact: 855-925-3025

Adventure oriented, pet friendly, great for families, comfortable rooms, nice breakfast spread, cruiser bikes for town, pool and hot tub, decent rates (again, for... Read More ›

Review five star rating

Food

Big Wrap

Type: Lunch
Location: Aspen
Address: 520 E Durant Ave #101, Aspen, CO 81611
Contact: (970) 544-1700

Big Wrap for your burrito fix. Not much room inside so order to go and find a park to chill... Read More ›

Review five star rating

New York Pizza

Type: Lunch
Location: Aspen
Address: 409 E Hyman Ave # B, Aspen, CO 81611
Contact: (970) 920-3088

New York Pizza  is great for $5.00 slices and a cold beer. Open until 2 p.m. Note! NYP is cash only. Bring at least 10-12... Read More ›

Review five star rating

Fuel Cafe

Type: Breakfast Lunch
Location: Snowmass
Address: 45 Village Run Cir, Snowmass Village, CO 81611
Contact: (970) 923-0091

Located at the top of Snowmass Village, Fuel Cafe is a great place to grab a breakfast burrito and coffee before you hop on the lift to shred the Snowmass Bike Park. Smoothies are good... Read More ›

Review five star rating

Drinks

Aspen Brewing Company

Type: Craft Brewery
Location: Aspen
Address: 304 E Hopkins Ave Aspen, CO 81611
Contact: 970.920.BREW (2739)

Laid back craft brewery in the heart of downtown Aspen. Refreshingly chill, pet friendly with great beers. Can’t ask for much... Read More ›

Review four star rating

Rentals

Aloha Mountain Cyclery

Type: Full Service Bike Shop
Location: Carbondale, CO
Address: 580 CO-133, Carbondale, CO 81623
Contact: (970) 963-2500

Down valley shop that is core mountain biking. Will give great trail riding advice. Has a good selection of stuff you may want or need. Limited rental... Read More ›

Review four star rating

Camping

Silver Bells Campground

Type: Camping
Location: 5 miles southwest of Aspen

Just a quick five miles southwest of Aspen, these four campsites allow for an especially exciting camping experience. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildflower identification are just a few... Read More ›

Review four star rating

Lincoln Gulch Campground

Type: Campground
Location: 11 miles southeast of Aspen

Home to six campsites accommodating a total of 35 people, these beautiful spots allow direct access to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. From here, enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and 4-wheel... Read More ›

Review four star rating

Shops

Tours & Guides

Please check back for suggestions about Tours & Guides.