Crested Butte

Beta: Park at the Gothic/Judd Falls trailhead (end of Gothic Road, 7 mi north of CB). Climb 4.5 mi up FS 317 to Schofield Pass. Loop is typically ridden counter-clockwise: up the road, across the alpine traverse, down through aspens. The descent through wildflower meadows on Mt. Belleview is about as good as mountain biking gets. Bring a layer — exposed at 11K and weather changes fast.

Season: Snow doesn't clear from the 11,300 ft apex until late June or early July. Peak conditions mid-July through September. Wildflower bloom is staggering in July. Afternoon thunderstorms above treeline are dangerous — start early.

Shuttle: No commercial shuttle for 401 — most riders pedal up Gothic Road to Schofield Pass. Hitchhiking with passing trucks is common and generally works.

Beta: Start from Brush Creek Road, 2 miles south of CB. Climb is the real test: gentle 5-mile dirt road warm-up, then brutally steep 2-mile singletrack push to 11,300 ft. The descent makes it all worth it — five miles of varied terrain with switchbacks. Two creek crossings en route.

Season: Rideable mid-July through September once snow clears from the ridge. Fully exposed alpine — afternoon lightning is real. Morning starts only.

Beta: Full loop starts at North Bank Campground on the Taylor River — 20 miles and 2,700 ft of climbing. The descent rewards the effort: starts rocky, opens to fast flow, then gets technical again. Carry water for the climb — no resupply.

Season: Lower elevation than 401/Teocalli — opens earlier, typically late June. Rideable through early October.

Shuttle: Can be self-shuttled to top of Doctor Gulch Road, but shuttle traffic isn't permitted past the creek crossing. Most riders pedal the full 20-mile loop.

Beta: Access from town via Butte Avenue — trail on your left just past the last house. 4-mile Lower Loop follows the Slate River. Add Upper Lower Loop for more distance. Easy linking with Woods Walk and Budd Trail.

Season: First trails to melt out — rideable by mid-June. Season extends through October.

Beta: Base is in Mt. Crested Butte — free Mountain Express bus from downtown CB. Rent DH bikes at Crested Butte Sports (35 Emmons Rd) and walk to the lift. Green trails are genuinely beginner-friendly. 30+ miles of singletrack.

Season: Opens early-to-mid June, runs daily through Labor Day, then weekends through early September.

Lift: Red Lady Express high-speed quad with self-load bike trays. Bike haul tickets required.

Beta: Start at Deadman's Gulch trailhead off Cement Creek Road. Links four trails: Reno Road climbs 1,400 ft in 3 mi, Flag Creek drops 1,000 ft in 3 mi, Bear Creek mellows through meadows with creek crossings, Deadman's Gulch caps it with 30+ switchbacks. This is an endurance ride — bring food and 2L+ of water.

Season: Opens mid-to-late June. Max elevation 11,100 ft — respect the afternoon lightning window.