Mountain Bike Trails
Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers an assortment of lift-accessible singletrack trails for all levels of mountain biking. The Red Lady Express lifts carries passengers and their bikes (lift ticket required). So ride the lift to access all of the trails described below and get ready for some fun-filled riding!
(Note: You can also ride on the mountain for free if you do not take the lift and you ride up the trails.)
» Download the Summer Trail Map in a PDF document
Mountain Bike Trail Descriptions
Aspen Park
From the top of the Red Lady Express lift, this trail is a wonderful descent through huge aspen groves. Or start from the base area, climb Houston, then turn right at the intersection with Aspen Park. 2.5 miles.
Avery Trail
From the top of the Red Lady Express lift, follow Aspen Park, then descend intermediate single track until linking with Houston. 0.8 miles.
Buckley Trail
Accessed from Aspen Park, Buckley is an intermediate single track which links back to Houston in the base area. 0.5 miles.
East River
From the top of the Red Lady Express lift, follow Houston to the intersection with East River. Enjoy a gentle ride along a dirt road with views of the Elk Mountain Range. This is an out and back trail. 1.8 miles each way.
Houston
From the top of the Red Lady Express lift, this trail descends to an intersection with the East River Trail. Enjoy a gentle ride along a dirt road with views of the Elk Mountain Range. This is an out-and-back trail. It can be accessed from the base area by climbing Houston to the intersection with East River. 2 miles.
Painter Boy
Accessed from Houston and East River, the lower section of Painter Boy is a great alternative to Houston for intermediate and advanced riders. The upper section of Painter Boy is a meandering single track through beautiful stands of aspen. 1 mile.
Prospector
2+ miles of singletrack meandering through aspens and wildflowers. This intermediate trail takes you to Gothic Road and finishes at the Snodgrass trailhead. Ride the trail as an out & back or take Gothic Road back to the base area. 2+ miles.
Rollercoaster
From the top of the Red Lady Express lift, follow Aspen Park for a short distance, then descend an advanced road until linking with Houston. 0.7 miles.
Upper Sink Trail
This intermediate single track connects Houston with the Sink Trail. 0.25 miles.
Waterfall
This trail lives up to its name. Accessed from Aspen Park, this expert single track is an exhilarating short cut which connects back to Aspen Park. 0.5 miles.
Wood's Trail
A freeride downhill trail with manmade features throughout the trail. The trail is closed to hikers and horses. Ride at your own risk.
CAUTION: Hikers may be encountered on trails:
Hikers: please allow bicyclists and horses to pass
Bikers: please respect hikers and horses and make your presence known well in advance
Be Prepared
Elevation
There is about 50% more ultraviolet radiation at 10,000 feet than at sea level. Always wear sunglasses, sunblock, and lip balm. Also, there is a third of the oxygen here that there is at sea level. Please take this into account when planning your activities.
Water
Keeping hydrated is the best way to deal with high altitude. Drink plenty of water when biking. Do not drink from streams!
Adequate Clothing
The weather here changes quickly. There is usually at least a 10 degree temperature difference from the bottom to the top of the lifts. A waterproof windbreaker is recommended, as well as a light jacket.
Environment
Please leave wildflowers for other to enjoy. Stay on designated hiking and biking trails and give the fragile ecosystem an opportunity to thrive.
WARNING
Mountain biking is a challenging, outdoor sport. While efforts have been made to provide for your bicycling pleasure, you are in a mountain environment that requires alertness, common sense, and caution. Changing weather conditions, variations or steepness of terrain, natural and man-made obstacles, and other dangers or conditions that may be encountered are inherent risks that are part of the challenges of bicycling and hiking. You must ride within your own ability. You are using the premises at your own risk. Mountain biking is potentially dangerous. Helmets are required while biking within Crested Butte Mountain's boundaries. If you become lost, you may be held responsible for the cost of search and rescue. Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be prohibited from the use of the premises.
IN CASE OF ACCIDENT
Report accidents at the base of the Silver queen lift or at any of our designated on-mountain emergency telephones. Dial ext. 2317. Cell phones dial 970-349-2317. After lift operation hours dial 911.
LIGHTNING AND THUNDERSTORMS
Summer storms are frequently accompanied by lightning. If you get caught in an electrical storm, head for the top of either the Silver Queen or Red Lady Express lifts or back down to the base area, which ever is closer.
If you cannot make it to shelter, follow these rules:
* Stop riding and separate yourself from your bike.
* Stay away from water, including streams, small ponds and large mud puddles. Avoid the highest ground or the highest object in an area.
* Avoid hilltops, open spaces, wire fences, power lines and chairlifts.
ON-MOUNTAIN TRAFFIC
Crested Butte Mountain sees a good deal of on-mountain maintenance and improvements during the summer months. Vehicles and work crews may be encountered at any time any where on the mountain
