The Local Insider Guide to Mountain Biking in Boulder
Boulder has some of the best mountain biking in Colorado – fast descents, smooth singletrack, and rocky climbs all within minutes of town.
This guide covers the top trails by skill level, local bike shops, the best times to ride, and events worth checking out. Whether you’re new or just want to find better routes, this is everything you need to ride Boulder like a local.
Bike Terrrain For All Levels
Beginner Trails
Boulder Valley Ranch
Easygoing and wide, perfect for getting used to the bike. Great views and not much climbing.
Marshall Mesa
Smooth, fast, and scenic. A solid intro trail that can be linked to others if you want a longer loop.
Valmont Bike Park (Beginner Lines)
Ideal for skill-building. Features small rollers, berms, and pump tracks to get confident before hitting dirt trails.
Intermediate Trails
Betasso Preserve
A fast, flowing loop with some climbs. Though bikes aren’t allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The smooth flow caught me by surprise the first time I rode it. definitely a favorite for pushing pace.
Doudy Draw
A mix of open meadows and rocky sections with some short climbs. It connects easily to Spring Brook and Flatirons Vista for those looking for a longer ride.
South Boulder Trails (Flatirons Vista)
Mostly smooth singletrack with some loose corners. A good step up if you’re ready for more technical riding but not quite advanced.
Dirty Bismark Loop
Longer ride combining singletrack and doubletrack. Not too technical, definitely one of my favorites when I’m looking for a good workout.
Advanced Trails
Walker Ranch Loop
Technical and challenging with steep climbs and rocky descents. There’s even a section where you have to hike your bike. Definitely not for beginners, but the views and flow make it worth it.
Heil Valley Ranch (Wapiti Trail)
Rocky, raw, and demanding. That climb up Wapiti is pretty tough, but the fast, technical descents make it more than worth it, and a blast for experienced riders.
Valmont Bike Park (Advanced Lines)
Making the list for a second time, this park also features big jumps, drops, and technical lines. Great place to hone your skills if you want to progress on jumps and slopestyle.
Best Apps for Bike Riders in Boulder
Trailforks: I’ve found this is the Best for up-to-date trail maps and conditions, which is essential for Boulder’s often changing rules.
AllTrails: Easy trail info and reviews, great for exploring new areas, and finding local spots.
Strava: Huge local community here in Boulder, perfect for tracking rides, joining group rides, and meeting new riding buddies.
Where to Gear Up: Boulder’s Best Bike Shops
Whether you need a quick tune-up, new gear, or a rental, Boulder has some top-notch bike shops ready to get you back on the trail.
Here are some of my favorites that are worth checking out.
Best Local Bike Shops
University Bicycles
A go-to spot for rentals, repairs, and all kinds of bikes. Friendly staff and solid service make it easy to get exactly what you need.
Mikes Bikes
More than just a shop—it’s also a café and community hub. They host group rides and events, perfect if you want to meet other riders.
The Fix
Known for mountain bike expertise and suspension tuning. Great if you want your bike dialed in for the trails. They are also very involved in trail building in the Boulder area.
Vecchio’s Bicicletteria
Focused on road and gravel, but worth a visit if you appreciate quality mechanics and boutique service.
When to Ride Boulder’s Trails
Boulder’s mountain biking scene changes with the seasons, and knowing the best times to hit the trails can help you make the most of every ride. Here’s a quick guide to riding conditions throughout the years
- Spring (April–May)
Trails can be muddy from snowmelt, which is a great time if you aren’t afraid of getting dirty. If thats not your jam, stick to lower elevation spots like Marshall Mesa to avoid the mess. - Summer (June–August)
Prime riding season with long days and dry trails. Early mornings and late afternoons are best to avoid heat and afternoon storms. - Fall (September–October)
This is my favorite time of year to ride, riding in the fall offers cool temps, dry trails, and stunning fall colors. - Winter (November–March)
Some lower trails stay rideable, but snow and ice are common. Fat biking is still quite popular when conditions allow.
Annual Mountain Biking Events in Boulder
Boulder’s mountain biking scene has a solid lineup of yearly events – races, group rides, skill clinics, and trail days that bring the riding community together.
Here’s a look at the staples that happen every summer.
Boulder Short Track Series
Wednesdays, June–July | Valmont Bike Park
A weekly summer race series with short, fast laps and a friendly vibe. Open to all levels, including beginners. Great way to get into racing or just ride mid-week with a crowd.
Valmont Bike Park Jam
Usually June or July | Valmont Bike Park
Slopestyle and dirt jump competitions, plus food, music, and clinics. A fun day whether you’re riding or just watching.
Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) Trail Work Days
All summer long
Volunteer trail maintenance events hosted across Boulder County. Tools provided, and you get to give back to the trails you ride. Sometimes ends with a group ride or hangout.
BMA Group Rides
Weekly rides, June–September
BMA hosts intermediate and advanced group rides on local trails. A great way to find new routes, meet solid riding partners, and lifelong freinds.
Valmont Cyclocross Summer Series
Starts late August
Technically cross country, but a lot of Mountain Bike riders join in for fun. Fast laps, local crowd, and good energy at Boulder’s most famous bike park.
Boulder Roubaix
Held every other year, usually in April or September
While not for mountain biking specifically, this historic gravel and mixed-surface race attracts Bike riders of all shapes and sizes.
Click here for help finding specific dates
For more information about other types of riding, check out our post about Road Biking in Boulder Colorado – Insider Guide
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