Breckenridge Mountain Biking, Colorado Bike Trails & Tours

Whether it's a road bike endurance test, digging deep to battle the single-track hills, or just pedaling around town on your favorite cruiser, Breckenridge is the place to make it happen.

Overview

Since the town of Breckenridge (and Summit County in general) is so friendly to bikers, it's a great idea to rent a bike for your entire stay. Even if you're not on a soft tail or the latest carbon fiber featherweight, the Breckenridge bike trails are enjoyable to everyone.

In order to really enjoy a bike ride, there are a few mandatory pieces of equipment:

• Helmet – Most bike rentals include a helmet. For maximum fun and safety, make sure it fits snuggly and has a sun visor.
• Padded biking shorts – You will not regret this investment in your comfort. If you will be riding for more than a block or two, padded bike shorts will help to reduce discomfort, which makes biking more enjoyable because you can focus on the surrounding scenery.
• Biking gloves – Okay, gloves aren't necessarily mandatory.... However, they will reduce the hand stress that comes from a tight grip on the handles. Gloves are also lifesavers if you fall and catch yourself with your hands.
• Other useful items – Sunglasses, a tire repair kit, a tire pump, water and a high-energy snack. Properly preparing for a bike ride makes the sport more safe and enjoyable.

Where to go

Mountain Biking
Try the Peaks Trail, a 7.8 mile single-track connecting Frisco and Breckenridge.  This east-coast style track still has enough technical sections to keep things interesting.   The trailhead is past Peak 8 on Ski Hill Rd. in Breckenridge. In Frisco, the trailhead is at 2nd Ave. and Main St.

Another great option is the Kenosha Pass to Breckenridge Trail. This 33 mile single-track starts at the top of the pass and winds its way down to Breckenridge. It's considered an advanced trail, so make sure you're properly equipped for the endurance test, balancing uphill slogs and downhill runs. To get there, have some friends drop you off at the top of the pass on Highway 285 between Jefferson and Grant, then follow the trailhead north.

Road Biking
Take the opportunity to get out of town for a ride by heading over the Hoosier Pass and reaching an elevation of 11,541 ft.  Head out to Fairplay on this 45 mile out-and-back trip through Alma on CO-9.

For those who enjoy a challenge, try the Fremont-Tennesee-Vail Pass Loop. Starting at Frisco, head up the Ten Mile Recreational Pathway.  At Copper Mountain, head south onto Fremont Pass (11,318 ft.) through Leadville. Then, head north over Tennessee Pass (10,404 ft.), onwards through Vail Pass (10,554 ft.) and back through Copper Mountain for the downhill coast back to Frisco. The 93 mile loop makes for a long, but rewarding day.

Rentals & Fees

The local bike shops will be glad to help you find the best roads, trails, rentals and other equipment. Some shops specialize in road biking, others in mountain biking, but most have all the gear and advice that you could ask for. These locals are riders themselves and happy to share their knowledge.

Hire a Guide

If you are unfamiliar with the Summit County area, you should consider hiring a bike tour guide. There are several tour services that help you access the best of Colorado's mountain trails with as much enjoyment as possible. Tours often include rentals and lessons. If you're on a full day tour, lunch can be arranged as well.

Also, if you don't have enough cars or racks to shuttle the riders and bikes between trailheads, there are companies in town who will arrange transport.