Colorado’s high country is still blanketed with snow, but for those seeking adventure, the lower-altitude areas are already prime for mountain biking in the spring. The variety of trails across the state caters to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. While searching for the best spring riding conditions, it’s essential to consider the factors that contribute to trail dryness, temperature, and elevation. The western side of the state, including areas like Grand Junction, Fruita, Cortez, and the southwest, offers an ideal environment for spring mountain biking.
- Grand Junction, Fruita, and Cortez provide a suitable combination of trail dryness, temperature, and elevation for early-season riding.
- The southwest region offers a unique desert environment with dry trails and warmer temperatures.
- These areas also offer access to other popular mountain biking destinations, such as Moab, Utah.
Colorado’s top spring mountain biking trails are not limited to the western side of the state. Other regions, like the eastern side and the mountains, offer a range of trails suitable for different skill levels.
- The eastern side of the state features trails with moderate to challenging terrain, ideal for intermediate to advanced riders.
- The mountains, with their varied elevations and climates, provide a diverse range of trails for all levels.
One of the most popular spring mountain biking trails in Colorado is the Lunch Loops in Grand Junction. This trail system offers a unique combination of technical rock gardens and epic views.
- Trail Details
- Location: Grand Junction
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Why Ride?: Grand Junction’s Lunch Loops are one of the first trail systems to dry out in the spring, featuring technical rock gardens and epic views.
Another notable trail is Phil’s World in Cortez, which offers some of the fastest and flowiest trails in Colorado. The trail features tons of fun rollers and big berms, making it an excellent choice for early-season riding.
- Trail Details
- Location: Southwest Colorado
- Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
- Why Ride?: Phil’s World in Cortez features some of the fastest and flowiest trails in Colorado, with tons of fun rollers and big berms.
The Hartman Rocks trail in Gunnison is another great option for early-season riding. This trail is at the right elevation and sun exposure to ensure optimal conditions for trail dryness and temperature.
- Trail Details
- Location: Gunnison
- Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
- Why Ride?: Harman Rocks gets its name from the unique granite formations and offers technical and flowy trails alike.
The Pueblo Reservoir Trails offer a unique opportunity for early-season riding, with over 40 miles of singletrack and lakeside views.
- Trail Details
- Location: Pueblo
- Difficulty: Beginner to Expert
- Why Ride?: One of Colorado’s best-kept secrets for early-season riding, the Pueblo Reservoir Trails feature lakeside views and technical rock sections.
The Kokopelli Loops in Fruita are one of the most famous trail systems in western Colorado, offering a mix of scenic desert riding and technical challenges.
- Trail Details
- Location: Fruita
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
- Why Ride?: The Kokopelli Loops feature a mix of scenic desert riding and technical challenges, making them an ideal choice for spring mountain biking.
In conclusion, Colorado offers a diverse range of trails for spring mountain biking, catering to all skill levels. From the western side of the state to the mountains, there’s a trail for everyone. With its unique combination of trail dryness, temperature, and elevation, the western side of the state is particularly well-suited for early-season riding. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Colorado’s top spring mountain biking trails are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
