Biking on Vail Mountain
On Mountain Trail Status
OPEN Cross Country/Single Track
OPEN Downhill/Expert
Trail Descriptions (view 2011 summer trail map)
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 4 p.m.
Vail Area 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. 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