Biking in Aspen

Bike Shops

Basalt Bike & Ski

Since 1983, Basalt Bike & Ski (formerly Ajax Bike and Sport) has provided excellent service and products. At Ajax Bike and Sport they offer customers the best brands for the best prices. They feature top of the line bicycles, clothing, accessories, and much more. The next time you need cycling gear, think of Ajax Bike and Sport first. They guarantee that you will find what you need, for a price you are willing to pay.

400 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen, CO 81611 – (970) 925-7662

731 E Valley Rd, Basalt, CO 81621 – (970) 927-3460

571 CO-133, Carbondale, CO 81623 – (970) 963-0128
For over 30 years the Hub of Aspen has been the premier full service bike shop in the Roaring Fork Valley. In the early 1980’s the Hub was started by some intrepid guys who had an undying love for cycling in all of its forms. Carbon Road and Mountain Bikes available for your next adventure in the Roaring Fork Valley.
616 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO 81611 – (970) 925-7970
A locally owned and operated bike shop, we have been meeting Aspen’s biking needs since 1999. Aspen Bikes is Aspen’s premiere full service rental company. Their goal has been to provide the best possible experience for their clients including courteous service, top of the line bikes and quick pick up and drop-off. From mountain bikes, town cruisers, and children’s bikes to road bikes and comfort bikes. Their expert staff will outfit you and your entire family. With a large selection of things to rent such as E-Bikes, Paddleboards, Road Bikes, and Mountain Bikes.. You are sure to find what you need!
430 S. Spring St., Aspen, CO 81611 – (970) 925-9169
A local bike shop all year round. They are committed to the best experience you can find on two wheels. Full-Service for all biking needs including bike maintenance & care, custom builds & fitting, and bike travel services. They encourage you to stop by the shop to check out their bikes, ask questions, learn more about local trails and spend time with Cooper, the shop dog!
231 E. Main St., Aspen, CO 81611 – (970) 920-3325
A local shop who’s goal is for you to have your best day ever! Rent one of their mountain bikes- the best mountain bike on the market and available exclusively as a rental with Aspen MTB. Grab your MTB gear in our little pop up shop before you hit the trails or bike park. They’ll get you set up right. Their techs will set your suspension for you. They’ll share their favorite trails and can even arrange some guided riding on private MTB heaven. If you are looking for mountain bikes, e-bikes, dirt bikes, gear and clothing, this is your place! No other shop in Aspen carries dirt bike gear!
516 E Durant Ave., Aspen, CO 81611 – (970) 404-0665

Cycling Guide Magazine- The Aspen Times

Cycling Guide

Check out maps and trail features from The Aspen Times 2023 edition of the Cycling Guide, which has trail maps and tips for mountain bike and road bike rides in Pitkin, Garfield, and Mesa Counties.

The e-edition of the 2023 Cycling Guide can be found here: 2023 Cycling Guide

Mountain Bike Trails 

MTB Project

Aspen is an old silver mining town located on the Roaring Fork River, halfway between its source, 40 miles upvalley at Independence Pass (12,095 ft.), and its confluence with the Colorado River, downstream in Glenwood Springs. Nearer to town the local trail network is continually improving. Increased connectivity keeps you off the roads as much as possible and improved signage, information kiosks, and trailhead parking make everything visitor friendly. A new network of trails in Skyline Park can be looped for miles and offers an alternative way to connect Snowmass and Aspen. Additionally, Snowmass ski area has been aggressively developing their on-mountain trail network for runners, hikers and bikers alike.

Find new mountain bike trails to explore in Aspen: MTB Project

Snowmass Bike Park

With 25 miles of purpose-built, diverse trails-from beginner-friendly and flowing singletrack to adrenaline-inducing downhill- the Snowmass Bike Park extends almost 3,000 vertical feet from the top of the Elk Camp Chairlift down to Snowmass Base Village. Plan your trip and find your flow no matter your skill level this summer at Colorado’s only Gold-Level Bike Park. The Roaring Fork Valley, home to Aspen and Snowmass, is designated an IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center, one of only seven in the world and the only Gold-Level Ride Center in Colorado.

For Trail Descriptions: Click Here

For Bike Clinics and Camps: Click Here

For Tickets and Passes: Click Here

For Downhill Rentals: Click Here

Buttermilk Bowls Loop

Distance: 8.8 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Begin at the base of Buttermilk on the Tiehack side, and start your ascent on the right side of the summer work road. Take a left at the fork on Oregon Trail. The trail will begin as a double track and become single, then end abruptly when it meets the Buttermilk Ski Area summer road. Continue on the road, and make a left for the long climb. About a half mile past the Cliffhouse, you’ll reach the top of the West Buttermilk ski lift, where you’ll find the Buttermilk Bowls Trail.

Hummingbird

Distance: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: Intermediate

Head to Smuggler Mountain Road to access the trailhead, which is on the city’s northeast corner. There’s parking up the dirt road and to the right. If it’s full, there’s an overflow lot nearby on Park Circle. Hummingbird is a great connector for longer rides or fun on its own. It’s Hunter Creek’s first machine-built trial.

Hunter Creek Trail 

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Intermediate

This trail actually starts on the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen. It eventually becomes a steep hiking trail. The far eastern end of the trial is close to the Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness boundary, which makes for a beautiful out and back ride. The far end of the trail is much more technical. Near the upper trailhead, the ride becomes rocky. Most riders avoid this stretch b hitting the Verena Mallory single-track for a half-mile detour. Most people access this route from the parking lot at the Upper Hunter Creek Trailhead. From here, it’s a fast descent.

Skyline Ridge Trail 

Distance: 2.3 Miles

Difficulty: Intermediate

This trail offers some of the biggest and most panoramic views in the upper valley, including 360 degree views at the eastern end near the airport’s radar tower structure. The trail roughly follows the ridgeline of Sky Mountain Park, connecting on the west end directly to the Viewline trail, and on the east to Radar Road. Airline and Cozyline singletrack trails meet here. Colorful wildflowers abound along the trail during the late spring, early summer, soon after the area opens up to the recreation for the season. Views towards Aspen and Snowmass, as well as the high mountains in all directions are incredible. Whether you’re a local, or you’re visiting the area for the first time, put this trail on your short list!

Road/Gravel Bike Trails

Short Rides

Maroon Creek Road

Distance: 22 miles round trip

This is one of the most popular short rides out of Aspen. Its popularity is due not only to its serene ascent through the heavily forested Maroon Creek Valley, but also for its destination- Maroon Lake, the popular viewing spot for the Maroon Bells.

Distance: 24 miles round trip
Like Maroon Creek Road, Castle Creek Road winds its way through a gorgeous mountain valley and ends up at a classic Colorado destination- the ghost town of Ashcroft.
Medium Rides
Distance: 40 miles round trip
This classic Colorado road ride winds its way through thick forest and clings to the side of mountains high above the headwaters of the Roaring Fork River before the final (steep!) push up to the 12,095 foot summit on the Continental Divide.
Distance: 60 miles round trip
This trail is built on the old Rio Grande Railroad route from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, and is relatively flat and well maintained. Head for Carbondale’s downtown to grab a bit before cruising back up the trail. For a longer ride, try heading down to Glenwood Springs and back.
Century Rides 
Distance: 95 miles round trip
For the first 19 miles of this ride, you’ll follow the Rio Grande Trail through Snowmass Canyon. Turn right at Basalt and head up the beautiful Fryingpan Valley where you’ll ascend to Ruedi Reservoir before leveling out around Meredith.