The best MTB trails in Summit County

Embark on a diverse mountain biking journey with the Peaks Trail and Blue River Recpath Loop, a route that transitions from challenging singletrack to smooth paved paths. You'll navigate rocky and rooty sections of the Peaks Trail through pine and aspen forests, passing picturesque Rainbow Lake and opening up to incredible views of the Tenmile Range. The return trip on the Blue River Recpath offers a more relaxed ride alongside the Blue River, with glimpses of the Dillon Reservoir, making for a varied and engaging experience.

This difficult 20.0-mile (32.1 km) loop involves 1390 feet (424 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 22 minutes to complete. Riders should be prepared for high altitude, as the trail reaches up to 10,500 feet. While the Peaks Trail offers technical challenges, the Blue River Recpath provides an easier, family-friendly option for part of the journey. Consider starting from Breckenridge and riding the Peaks Trail towards Frisco for a more downhill-biased experience.

This popular mountain biking loop in Summit County is notable for combining two distinct riding experiences into one comprehensive adventure. The Peaks Trail is a well-known singletrack, while the Blue River Recpath is part of an extensive paved pathway system, offering flexibility for all skill levels. You can even utilize free bus services like the Summit Stage to customize or shorten your ride, making it a versatile option for exploring the area.

The Baker's Tank and Aspen Alley Loop offers a quintessential Breckenridge mountain biking experience, winding through dense pine forests and spectacular aspen groves. You'll be treated to picturesque views of the Breckenridge Ski Area, the Tenmile Range, and Quandary Peak, with the highlight being the flowing singletrack of Aspen Alley, a 1.3-mile section known for its

The Tenderfoot Mountain and Oro Grande Loop offers a fantastic mountain biking journey through diverse Colorado landscapes. You'll pedal through fragrant sagebrush and dense aspen and lodgepole pine forests, with the highlight being the expansive panoramic views of Lake Dillon, the Tenmile Range, and the Gore Range that unfold as you gain elevation. The trail combines flowy singletrack with sections of old Jeep road, providing a varied and engaging experience for riders.

Planning your ride on this popular loop is straightforward, with trailheads conveniently located near Dillon. Parking is available near the Dillon Water Treatment Plant or off County Landfill Road, though it can get busy on weekends. This moderate 12.3-mile (19.8 km) route, with its 1713 feet (522 metres) of elevation gain, is often one of the first trails to dry out in spring, making it a prime early-season option. Expect to spend around 2 hours and 7 minutes on the saddle.

What makes this trail particularly notable is its south-facing orientation, which allows it to shed snow and become rideable much earlier than many other trails in the region. This makes the Tenderfoot Mountain and Oro Grande Loop a go-to for mountain bikers eager to hit the dirt in the spring. It's a multi-use trail, so you'll share the path with hikers and trail runners, adding to its community feel and popularity.

The Miners Creek and Peaks Trail Loop offers a true taste of high-alpine mountain biking near Frisco, Colorado. You'll experience a journey through varied terrain, from the initial grind up Miners Creek Road, past an old mining shack and beaver ponds, to the exhilarating descent on the Peaks Trail. The route features amazing forestry, technical sections with roots and rocks, and wide-open views through a burn area, culminating in the serene beauty of Rainbow Lake with the Ten Mile Range as a backdrop.

This difficult 19.8-mile (31.8 km) loop involves a substantial 3505 feet (1068 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 19 minutes. Be prepared for a challenging climb, with some sections requiring you to hike your bike due to steepness and loose surfaces. While specific parking information isn't detailed, plan to arrive early at trailheads near Frisco, especially during peak season, to ensure you find a spot.

What makes this route stand out is its combination of sustained climbs on dirt roads and technical singletrack descents, connecting to the renowned Peaks Trail. Portions of the loop are also part of the larger Colorado Trail, providing a sublime high-alpine experience. Keep an eye out for potential moose sightings near Rainbow Lake, adding to the natural allure of this demanding ride.

The Peak 9, Wheeler and Burro Trail Loop is a quintessential Breckenridge mountain biking experience, offering a diverse journey from challenging climbs to thrilling descents. You'll start with a grind up the Peak 9 Access Road, where views of Baldy Mountain unfold, before transitioning to the raw, "chunky" singletrack of the Wheeler Trail. This leads to a "ripping, steep descent" into the Crystal Lakes drainage, followed by the fast, rooty Spruce Creek Trail, and finally the "fast, swoopy singletrack" of the Burro Trail. This 12.7-mile (20.5 km) route, with its 2906 feet (886 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and typically takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes, making it ideal for experienced riders. It's a true test of skill and endurance, rewarding you with spectacular high-alpine views and varied terrain.

Planning your ride on this popular Breckenridge mountain biking route means aiming for the summer months, specifically July through September, as higher elevations can hold snow well into the season. The initial climb on Peak 9 Access Road is a steady effort, and you'll encounter technical sections on the Wheeler Trail. Be aware that parts of the Spruce Creek and Burro trails are shared with hikers, so courtesy is key. There are no specific permits mentioned, but always check for any local advisories or conditions before heading out.

This loop is more than just a ride; it's a segment of the renowned Breck Epic mountain bike event, highlighting its challenging and epic nature. The trail takes you through a range of environments, from old-growth forests to high alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, offering views down to Copper Mountain Ski Area. It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse natural features and demanding terrain that make mountain biking in Breckenridge so famous, providing a big reward for your effort.