In summer, the hills and valleys of Vail are as perfect for mountain biking and hiking as they are for winter skiing! There’s enough to satisfy any mountain bike enthusiast here, from treks across cross-country landscapes to technical—or just plain fun—cruises down the mountainside.
Our town’s main attraction is a great place to start: in summer months the ski resort becomes the Vail Mountain Bike Park, offering gondola rides over two thousand feet up to Eagle’s Nest. From there you’ve got a number of trails to choose from, ranging from beginner gravel roads like Cub’s Way to the challenging single track Fred’s Lunch and Grand Traverse, a 5-mile route that covers the Back Bowls.
Vail has a variety of shops that offer mountain bike rentals and guided tours. Some of our recommended recommended companies are:
Vail Bike Tech offers intermediate bike tours of Vail Pass, which is a 15 mile ride from Vail that descends past Black Lakes into Lionshead Village. They also provide bike rentals and any other equipment needs.
Vail Sports offers multiple tours each day of Vail Pass as well and is $64 per person for the tour and bike rental, the tour alone is only $54. To make a reservation, please call 970-476-3600.
CBST Adventures also offers guided mountain biking tours and urban cycling adventures.
Beaver Creek Sports also offers guided mountain biking tours and urban cycling adventures.
Outside the resort, great trails aren’t difficult to find! For more advanced riders, explore the Vail Pass Bike Path—the only mountain pass in Colorado with a paved trail on both sides. From West Vail you can also try the Davos Hill Climb, a short but challenging classic.
Many rental companies include helmets in the price, but a helmet and athletic shoes are recommended for mountain biking activities. Bikes are required to have two working hand brakes and child carriers are not allowed on the trails. Please note that bikers must yield to hikers and horses when on the mountain. Staying on the trail is encouraged for your safety and out of respect for the wildlife in the area.