Where to Mountain Bike
Where to Road Bike
Hire A Guide
• RIO GRANDE TRAIL: Named for the old railroad line whose tracks it follows, this 19-mile trail, located north of town, takes a ride from Aspen to Emma with an easy grade, perfect for beginner riders. Join it in the middle of town where it is paved and take it for miles.
• MAROON CREEK ROAD: From mid-June to September, this road, which leads to the popular Maroon Bells Wilderness Area, is closed to all motorized traffic except shuttle buses, making it an especially enjoyable ride for bikers. From the Roundabout just west of town on Highway 82, turn on to Maroon Creek Road and ride 10 miles to Maroon Lake.
FOR UNDER $100, you can experience a guided tour of what the Aspen valley has to offer. Guided rides are perfect for those who may be new to the sport or who are interested in getting the lay of the land from a local professional. Check out the local bike shops for detailed maps of trails and terrain, for advice on the best rides and for all your gear needs.
• OWL CREEK TRAIL: Starting at Buttermilk Ski Area, this easy, less-than-5-mile trail connects the town of Aspen with Snowmass Village with some hills. • HUNTER CREEK VALLEY TRAIL : Paralleling Hunter Creek, this trail, with public parking at lower and upper access points, is a favorite among local riders. In Aspen, head north on Mill Street and bear left at Red Mountain Road. For access to lower trailhead, take next right at Lone Pine Road after bridge crossing, and following signs for parking on the left. For upper access, follow Red Mountain Road about a mile and take a right onto Hunter Creek Road. About a half mile further you should see signs for parking. • SKI RESORTS: including Buttermilk, Aspen Meadows and Snowmass, all maintain bike trails on their downhill ski terrain, during the summer season. Visit their Web sites for more information.
• INDEPENDENCE PASS: Th is mountain pass (Highway 82 between Aspen and Twin Lakes) is not for beginners — in fact, it’s barely for pros. Grueling as this 10 percent grade road may be, it’s a popular route for Aspen area road biking die-hards. (37 miles from town-to-town.)
Fees and Cost FEES may be associated with lift/gondola access to some resort trails. Trails located on National Forest land are free and open to the public. Local shops rent everything from full suspension mountain bikes to road bikes to kids trailers for rates that range from $10/hour to $90/day.
SUMMER IN aspen 2012
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