Vail is an amazing location for mountain biking. Miles of scenic trails are accesible on Vail via the Eagle Bahn and Gondola One - and the adventurous can always ride up the mountain. With plenty of trails for every type of bike rider, Vail offers adventure, challenge, and enjoyment for families, first timers, experts, and everyone in between.
Don't have a bike? No problem: rent bikes, helmets, and other gear from the Vail Sports locations in Vail Village and Lionshead or one of many other local shops. To get to the top of the mountain, so you only have to ride downhill, you can purchase a special bike haul ticket for the gondola. Mountain biking around Vail is the perfect way to add a memorial experience to your summer vacation!
Experienced mountain bikers can also enter one of many Vail Mountain Bike Races organized by theVail Rec District. Want a guide for your friends or family? Take a guided tour out of Adventure Ridge - see info below.
Guided Mountain Biking | Vail Area Trail Info | Vail Bike Shops and Bike Rental
Vail Mountain Trail Descriptions (view 2012 summer trail map, 2013 coming soon)
Eagle's Loop
Green.Great for the beginner biker with scenic vistas and access from the Eagle Bahn Gondola - 1 mile (1.6 km)
Upper Fireweed
Green. A beautiful bike trail for beginners from Adventure Ridge to Mid-Vail - 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Cub's Way
Green. Gravel road connecting Fred's Lunch to Lion Down - 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Village Trail
Green. Longest and most pleasant route on the mountain - a winding gravel road that traverses the mountain in a descent - 7 miles (11.3 km)
Hank's Hideaway
Blue. A fun yet challenging single-track that leads from Lion Down to LionsHead Loop - 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Gitalong Road
Blue - due to high traffic. An alternative to Village Trail with a pleasant winding gravel road most of the way - 5 miles (8 km)
Fred's Lunch
Blue. An alternating single and double track path that leads from Mid-Vail down the mountain, providing spectacular views - 3.2 miles (4.8 km)
Grand Traverse
Blue. Vail's signature trail crossing the Back Bowls, starts easy and becomes more difficult, accessed from Adventure Ridge or the Wildwood connector - 5.3 miles (8.5 km)
Lion Down
Blue. Downhill all the way from Adventure Ridge on this beautiful, winding single track through groves of Aspen trees - 6 miles (9.7 km)
Kloser's Klimb
Black. A grueling 1,000 foot climb from Adventure Ridge to Patrol Headquarters - 2.4 miles (3.9 km)
Onza Alley
Black. Most difficult loop with single track, 4x4 roads, steep descents and a 1,000 foot climb - 4 miles (6.6 km)
The following are Downhill biking trails:
WARNING! Downhill bike trails are not for hiking and cross-country biking. Downhill bikes, downhill equipment and pads are highly recommended for use on downhill-specific trails. These are not the same as cross-country trails. They are more technical and require the use of different equipment and skills.
Magic Forest
Black. Starts at Adventure Ridge and works its way down to Cubs Way. This single-track winds its way through the woods with several drop-offs and challenging terrain features - 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Mane Lane
Black. Formerly part of the LionsHead Loop, this is a steep single track with can be used as a side route on Lion Down - 0.6 miles (1km)
PMT
Double Black. Steep rhythmical single-track with some technical elements - 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Old Nine Line
Double Black. Very steep and technical with varied terrain and lots of rhythm. Downhill gear necessary - 0.75 miles (1.25 km)
*An additional bike haul ticket is needed to take a bike up the gondola. Bikes are not allowed on the gondola after 6 p.m.
Guided Mountain Bike Tours
Group Tour
Morning Tour Departs LH promptly at 10:15
Afternoon Tour Departs LH promptly at 2:15
Max 12 ppl per tour
Two guides per tour, 1 lead guide, 1 tail guide
2 rides down Vail, trails include
Liondown
Gitalong
Sections of Big Mamba (per discretion of the guides)
Pricing
Guide only $40
Guide w/Lift $55
Guide w/ Lunch $55
Guide w/lift/lunch $60
Guide w/Rental/Lift $90
Guide w/Rental/Lift/Lunch $95
Private Tour
Morning Tour Departs LH promptly at 10:15
Afternoon Tour Departs LH promptly at 2:15
Max 8 ppl per tour
Two guides per tour, 1 lead guide, 1 tail guide
2 rides down Vail, trails include
Liondown
Gitalong
Sections of Big Mamba (per discretion of the guides)
Pricing
Guide only $200 for up to 8ppl
Ticket office will sell pre existing packages alongside guide cost if guests need lift tickets, lunch, rentals etc.
Guides are truly just guides. There will be minimum instruction, limited to gear usage, braking, etc. They WILL NOT teach people to downhill (expert trails) bike
Other Vail Area Mountain Bike Trails
Along with excellent trails on Vail Mountain, mountain bike trails can be found elsewhere in the Vail Valley in the White River National Forest. These are not located on Vail Mountain and are not maintained by Vail. Here are a few popular trailheads within a short bike ride of Vail Village or Lionshead - for a full list and maps in the area, visit the Vail White River National Forest Mountain Bike Trails page
Vail Pass Bike Path - An easy, paved trail from Vail to top of Vail Pass
Buffehr Creek - A difficult trail across I-70 from Vail Mountain
Davos Hill Climb - Located in West Vail, Davos is a great workout and only moderately technical
North Trail Buffehr Creek to Red Sandstone - A popular section of the North Trail system across from Vail Mountain
Red Sandstone Road - A 10 mile dirt road leading to Piney Lake
Son of Middle Creek - A more difficult section of the popular North Trail system
Vail Bike Shops and Vail Bike Rental Information
Looking to rent a bike while you are in Vail? Local shops have a variety of options. Road bikes, mountain bikes, kid's bikes, and town cruisers. Calling ahead is suggested to check availability.
Vail Sports (Arrabelle) - (970) 479-4415
Vail Sports (Ritz Carlton) - (970) 476-4615
Vail Sports (Vail Village) - (970) 479-0600
Charter Sports in Vail Marriott - (970) 476-7517
Lionshead Bike Valet - (970) 476-7770
Christy Sports - (970) 476-2244
Double Diamond Ski Shop - (970) 476-5500
Performance Sports - (970) 476-1718
Troy's Ski Shop - (970) 476-8769
Vail Bike Tech - (970) 476-5995