Biking in Aspen
Bike Shops
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
Cycling Guide Magazine- The Aspen Times
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.