Vail is one of the most sought after destinations for cyclists. With picturesque skies, lusciously diverse terrain, and breath-taking scenery Vail, Colorado is a natural haven perfect for a mountain biking adventure.
Whether you choose to explore the Vail Valley in summer or in fall as a cyclist, you will find yourself thrilled at what this area has to offer. Vail mountain biking trails offer a wide range of experiences to cyclist of all ages and the weather here is almost always perfect.
And don’t worry about bringing your own gear, you can rent bikes locally in the area. Planning a trip to Vail and want to know which biking trails are best?
Keep reading to find out!
1. MidValley Madness
This trail, which begins at Beaver Creek’s Elk parking lot, is a 14-mile trail with a variety of terrain. Classified as easy, this trails elevation gain is around 1600 feet and follows the path of well taken care of dirt roads.
MidValley Madness offers riders a panoramic view of Beaver Creek and the Sawatch Range as well as of the Arrowhead Resorts. Once you get to Berry Creek Road the path turns to gravel and will lead you all the way to the valley floor.
This trail is covered in sagebrush and is a beautiful mixture of terrain and gentle slopes.
2. Vail Pass Bike Path
This trail can be tackled in a few different ways depending on your own personal level of skill. The entire route is 29 miles out and back with only 1,500 feet of elevation gain and connects Vail to Frisco.
If you are starting from Vail, it’s best to start by heading up the summit. If, before getting to Copper, you feel like turning around it’ll be a nice downhill ride back.
If you don’t feel like going down the pass alone, considering finding a nice guided tour.
3. Red Tail Ripper
If you’re looking for a nice intermediate trail that takes you up high consider Red Tail Ripper. With an elevation gain of 1,994 feet, this trail reaches a max elevation of 8,844 feet and takes you through the beautiful forests.
These forests, filled with aspen trees, pine trees, and a lovely stream offer riders majestic views of the area. The trail contains both dirt and paved portions that take you from one village to the next.
One portion of the trail is a thrilling descent along Beaver Creek, making for an exciting adventure.
4. Village Trail On Vail Mountain
If you’re looking for a long a relaxing way to reach the mountain, this trail is it. At about 7 miles long this is also a great trail for beginners.
Village Trail is a winding gravel road that gives riders the true mountain experience and is in a decent making it perfectly mellow. Along the trail, you’ll get awesome views of Gore Range and the town below.
5. Grand Traverse Trail
This trail is 4.9 miles long but don’t let that fool you. This is one of Vails most beloved intermediate trails with a 2500+ foot elevation gain.
Grand Traverse weaves through Sun Down Bowls and Game Creek. This trail starts off easy before hitting you with elevation gain and contains sections of both wide open single track and lush forests.
The climb is well worth your effort. Once you reach the top, you get spectacular picture-worthy views of the Mount of the Holy Cross and the Sawatch Range.
6. Eagle’s Nest Test
If you’re an experienced cyclist who is looking for some good lung-burning ascents, this may be the trail for you. It’s a long and steady climb to Eagle’s Nest which sits atop Vail Mountain at 10,340 feet.
The scenic trail takes you along gravel and dirt access roads that travel through aspen and pine trees. At the top, you’ll enjoy a range of panoramic views.
Not to mention this trail offers different options for heading back down.
7. Mid-Vail Escape
If you’re wanting something short but challenging, Mid-Vail Escape is only 2.2 miles.
This trail consisting of switchbacks and a 1000ft descent takes you from Kloser’s Klimb down to Mid-Vail and offers perfect views of Gore Range.
8. Buffehr Creek Trail
Buffehr Creek, which starts at Lost Lake Trailhead across from Vail Mountain is a difficult but beautiful trek. This trail, at 5.5 miles one way, descends through amazing local scenery.
Ride through meadows and trees and cross over beaver ponds at Buffehr Creek as you descend 1500 feet through the trail.
This trail switches between single and double tracks and is perfect for immersing yourself in a variety of nature.
9. Tour De Vail
If you’re wanting a laid back cruise that offers many stops along the way, Tour De Vail is an easy and flat ride. This scenic road passes by many kid-friendly parks and travels the length of the town, west to east.
Tour De Vail offers you a chance to see many of the ideal scenes of Vail in Lionshead and Vail Villiage. Ride the whole distance of 19.8 miles or take a break an enjoy a nice picnic lunch at a local park.
10 .Leadville Loop
For the most enthusiastic and experienced riders, Leadville Loop is normally at the top of the list. This challenging ride is an inspiring adventure at 78 miles.
The mountain scenery along this ride is breath-taking, as it passes over the continental divide twice. Complete with tough climbs, awesome descents, and unforgettable views this trail is well worth it.
Enjoy Your Vail Mountain Biking Trip
This list is just a tip of the iceberg to the many awesome trails in Vail, Colorado. This place is truly a cyclists haven.
So once you decide which trails to take on, simply sit back and enjoy your Vail mountain biking experience.
And for more info on bike tours, head to our website.
