If you haven’t heard, Steamboat is gaining wide recognition as a biking mecca for road and mountain-biking enthusiasts alike. Endless views, roads, and trails to take in as you roll over the pavement (or the dirt). In case you hadn’t heard, Ski Town, USA®, quickly becomes Bike Town, USA®, each spring - and it’s no joke.
A Quick Guide to Biking the 'Boat:
Mountain Biking
If you’re a fan of riding trails, Steamboat doesn’t disappoint. Some of the favorite area mountain bike trail locations are: Emerald Mountain, Spring Creek, Buffalo Pass, Rabbit Ears, Hot Springs, Seedhouse, and State Parks. There are trails for all ability levels. Take a look at the complete trail list, with guides, here or look them up on apps like MTB Project or Trail Forks.
Downhill Biking
Some would argue “Why bike up when you could take the Gondola?” The Steamboat Bike Park lets downhill bikers ride up the gondola, and then race their bikes on an array of trails to the bottom. Learn more about the Steamboat Bike Park and its hours here.
Road and Gravel Biking
The wide-open rolling terrain of the Yampa Valley has long been home to our ranching legacy. Pedal our roads and you will be rewarded with miles of great vistas. Popular routes include everything from 20-mile out and backs, to 40-mile circuits to epic hill climbs and century rides on many quiet paved roads.
Gravel riding is the latest phenomenon to arrive here and Routt County is fast gaining a reputation as a mecca for this new genre. Gravel Grinders sporting fat tires and wider frames are carving out new routes to criss-cross the picture postcard landscape.
Rides vary in mileage so you’ll have options for a quick cruise or an all-day crusher. Road rides abound throughout Routt County, just a few minutes in any direction and you’ll quickly remember why you find yourself in Steamboat again and again. See the best road biking routes here.
Cruiser & Family-Friendly Biking
The Yampa River Core Trail is a 7.5 mile paved multi-use trail that runs next to the Yampa River. You can safely cruise from the mountain all the way to the West End of town, enjoying views and picnic spots along the way! Look for wayfinding signage along the trail for helpful links to other family-friendly dirt and paved routes throughout town. You do not need to tackle the whole 7.5 miles, but rather can do as little or much as you’d like. Core Trail Information
BMX and Jump Biking
An awesome addition to the freestyle experience in Steamboat, the Bear River Bike Park serves up medium to expert jump lines along with a honeycomb pump track. The park offers something for the whole family from adventurous youngsters to adrenaline seekers. And, don’t forget your skateboard. The park has a concrete skate park complete with rails and bowls. Find more information on Bear River Bike Park here.
Steamboat also has a full BMX track located at Howelsen Hill, close to another set of skate and bike ramps.
