Put Some Mountains in Your Biking!
Summer days equate to summer rides for us! We honestly aren't sure if life can get any better than a good ride on a summer day. It's no question that Grand County offers some of the best mountain biking around. With over 600 miles of cross-country trails in the Fraser Valley alone and world-class downhill trails at both Winter Park Resort and Granby Ranch, it's easy to find the perfect route for anything from your epic 30-mile adventure or a quick loop on your lunch break.
While we both love exploring the extensive trail system, we each have our favorite "go-to" rides. Leah makes getting out on the Tipperary Creek trail a habit as she can easily ride to the trailhead from right out her back door. This Northern Fraser Trail System favorite heads up for a fun climb through meadows and thick aspen groves with plenty of switchbacks and even a few stream crossings. The views are some of the best in the valley, and you're really living the good life if you get a chance to pedal up during peak wildflower season. After catching your breath at the top, head down Spruce Creek for some windy downhill with a little sand and loose rock mixed in to keep you on your toes. Take Flume or Creekside back to meet up the with the Northwest Passage or Givelo Trail (or take the road if your legs are toast!) and circle back to your starting point.
The ride I always circle back to (quite literally!) is one I've dubbed the "lunch loop." As the name suggests, it's a relatively quick ride that I can squeeze in even on a busy day. I hop on the trail at the bottom of Leland Creek in Winter Park, climb up Sundog and Sunset Pink, cruise down D4, head back up D3 and then ride back down into town. It definitely gets my heart pumping and is always a beautiful reminder or why I call this place home.
Looking for more trails or more specifics? COTREX, a mobile and desktop app with a statewide and comprehensive trail map, is a great resource for trails. Or download a local trail map here (or pick up a hard copy at the Information Center in Downtown Winter Park). And be sure to check out Headwater's Trail Alliance's daily trail report for up-to-date conditions. However you plan it or map it, we hope you get a chance to pedal while you soak in the mountain-biking season this summer and fall!
Posted by Angela McDonough (Sandstrom) on
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