7 Reasons Crested Butte Should Be Your Next Mountain Biking Destination

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Known as one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the United States, there’s truly no parallel to Crested Butte, Colorado for high alpine, mountain bike terrain. Biking culture pervades this small Colorado town, and local’s will tell you that they prefer bikes to cars for transportation any day. From a world-class downhill bike park to stunning singletrack, from high-alpine cross-country routes to trails with breathtaking scenery, there’s truly something for every mountain biker. Here are just seven of the reasons that Crested Butte should be your next mountain biking destination.

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1. Mountain biking was born here.

Mountain biking in Crested Butte began on 35-pound Schwinns in 1976. With no shocks and only three speeds, Crested Butte locals would drag themselves up and down Pearl Pass, an old 40-mile mule train between Crested Butte and Aspen. Though the bikes are now lighter and the technology has improved, bike culture and heart is alive and thriving today in Crested Butte. From heart-pumping singletrack to world-renowned cross-country trails, from a lift-serviced downhill park to trails with unmatched views, Crested Butte is a mountain biker’s paradise and one bucket list mountain biking destination that you won’t want to miss.

2. Bike-in, bike-out accommodations.

Elevation Hotel & Spa

Elevation Hotel & Spa is situated at the base of Mount Crested Butte, offering direct access to the best mountain bike terrain in Crested Butte. Slope-side dining, a heated indoor pool, a full-service spa, and three hot tubs await guests after a long day of exploring the mountains on their mountain bikes. Bonus: your favorite furry friend can also join you at Elevation Hotel & Spa. The hotel offers pet-friendly floors and dog treats at check-in to make Fido feel as pampered and as welcome as you do.

The best way to cap off a day on your bike is to enjoy a spa treatment at the  Elevation Hotel & Spa. They offer a full menu of massage therapy, facials, and body treatments all designed to pamper you and help you relax.

Gear Rentals

The Elevate store located at the second floor lobby offers premium bike rentals and complimentary valet and storage in addition to clothing and gear that you may need to make the most out of your adventures. For more information or to reserve your rental equipment, visit  elevationresort.com.

Slope-side Dining

A full bar, great appetizers, and epic views await you on 9380 Prime’s dog-friendly outdoor patio. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can sip your morning coffee within view of the slopes and enjoy an evening cocktail in the same spot. The slope-side spot also has a fire pit to enjoy alongside Colorado-brewed beers on tap, a specialty cocktail, or a glass of wine from the extensive wine selection. The restaurant offers a convenient ‘order online’ option so that you can skip the wait, and get back to your adventures more quickly.

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3. Evolution Bike Park

Evolution Bike Park was built on the slopes of Crested Butte in 2009. Its lift-serviced terrain features 30 miles of singletrack with trails for advanced riders as well as beginners. Psycho Rocks (seen above) is one of the Bike Park’s legendary trails; it’s the hardest trail on the mountain with a series of technical features and fast and flowing singletrack. If you’re up for a challenge, head to Psycho Rocks.

4. Wildflowers, wildflowers, wildflowers.

Crested Butte’s summer wildflower bloom is legendary. So much so, that the area has been dubbed, “The Wildflower Capital of Colorado”. Head out into the hills outside of town to catch views of meadows dotted with colorful flowers. Early July is often the best time to see the widest array of colors.

5. 401 Trail

The 401 Trail is the classic Crested Butte mountain biking route. This high-alpine trail provides incredible views of Mount Crested Butte and the surrounding valley as well as an exciting ride as you descend back towards the ghost town of Gothic. The trail runs for 13.6 miles with 2,398 feet of elevation gain. Riders will pass through forest, meadows of knee high wildflowers, and above tree line. This is one legendary route that you’re going to want to add to your summer bucket list.

6. 750 miles of trails around Crested Butte.

The Gunnison Valley in which Crested Butte is situated features more than 750 miles of mountain biking trails. A local favorite route (which also great for intermediate riders) is the Tony’s-Divine-Deli loop. Smooth singletrack and relatively mellow grades characterize this route, which offers beautiful view of Whetstone Mountain and the town of Crested Butte.

7. Stunning scenery in all seasons.

Fall is also a great time of year to head to the high country. Golden aspens dot the hillsides and the crisp air makes for perfect mountain biking weather. The trails are great to ride until the first snowfalls, so planning a trip in September could be the optimal time of year to beat the crowds and get a glimpse of those golden aspen trees.

Your Crested Butte mountain biking adventure starts here with 20% off lodging at Elevation Hotel & Spa!