There are hundreds and hundreds of miles of singletrack in the Crested Butte/ Gunnison area, but for visitors with limited time, the question becomes “Which are the best rides?”. These rides have been chosen for the quality of the descent, not on the scenery. Also, there are great short rides, but these are all “full day” rides. Read on to discover Crested Butte’s best rides- and let us know your favorite.
Doctor Park
The most enjoyable trip to the doctor ever…
Distance: 20 miles Level: Moderate- long gradual road ride followed by a short but steep road to the start of the singletrack descent. Description: Whether you call it Doctor’s Park or Doctor Park, this is a ride not to be missed in Crested Butte. The upper meadows give way to some fast technical riding, and that’s where the fun really begins. The middle section leaves flies through the trees with twists and berms that will leave you grinning. The Doctor keeps giving, however, and the bottom section is another fun tech section just to keep things honest.
Hunter Creek
Quality knee technique on Hunter Creek.
Distance: 20.5 miles Level: Difficult, with some hike a bike, and high altitudes. Description: This a probably my favorite alpine ride in the Crested Butte area. But Hunter creek has more than views- it’s an ear-to-ear grinning descent on its own, with a little bit of everything on the way down. The cross country part of this loop is one of the best as well.
Teocalli Ridge
Riding through the flowers on Teocalli Ridge.
Distance: 20.5 miles Level: Moderate-difficult with a steep climb. Description: Like many, we missed Teocalli ridge when it was closed for a few summers and the trail was realigned. Thankfully, Teo ridge is once again open, and riders can enjoy the playful ridge section along with the rough and tumble middle, and fast meadows at the bottom. Oh, and the views are tough to beat.
Green Lake
Green Lake at the top of the trail.
Distance: 20 miles, less from town. Level: Moderate but steep climb. Description: Starting in downtown Crested Butte and ending at a subalpine lake, Green Lake is one out and back ride that is well worth the time. Alternating between fast flowing sections and the occasional technical section, this shorter ride has long been a favorite.
409 and a Half
409.5 is a fast and flowy descent!
Distance: varies Level: Moderate-Difficult depending on route choice. Description: Whether you access 409.5 from the new Point Lookout trail or Cement Creek and Walrod Gulch, this trail is sure to please those who like to get their wheels off the ground. This high speed trail has berms and drainage berms which double as jumps. This links up easily with Strand or Strand Bonus. Alternatively, adding 402 makes for some serious downhill fun.
Starvation Creek
Green grass and tacky dirt on the Starvation Creek trail.
Distance: ~35 miles plus shuttle Level: Moderate with a shuttle. Description: This is another trail that isn’t technically in Crested Butte, but it’s in the area so it’s on the list. It’s tough to pick the best trail on Monarch Pass, but we’ll pick this one.
Texas Ridge
Pine needle freedom on Texas Ridge.
Distance: 28.6 miles Level: Difficult, with some hike a bike. Description: This rugged adventure ride is worth the tough climb. Weaving through the pines on an extra thick carpet of pine needles, Texas Ridge is one to check out.
Whitepine/ Canyon Creek
Dropping in from treeline on the Canyon Creek trail.
Distance: 20.5 miles Level: Difficult, with hike a bike to the summit, and high altitudes. Description: While not technically in Crested Butte, this ride near Monarch Pass is one of the longest descents around. After a tough road climb and hike a bike to a mountain summit, Canyon Creek throws a little bit of everything at riders. Grassy alpine meadows are followed by technical riding through rock gardens, but then the trail opens up into a fast and flowy descent through the trees.
Frank loves snow more than anything... except his wife. He ensures his food is digested properly by chewing it 32 times before swallowing.He is a full-time real estate agent serving Crested Butte and Gunnison and would be honored to send you his monthly newsletter.
Frank loves snow more than anything... except his wife. He ensures his food is digested properly by chewing it 32 times before swallowing. He is a full-time real estate agent serving Crested Butte and Gunnison and would be honored to send you his monthly newsletter.
