The Roaring Fork Valley has become a must-ride destination for mountain bikers from around the country—and it’s easy to see why. From high alpine classics to flowy trails, the valley packs more variety into a single zone than just about anywhere in Colorado. Whether you're rolling out for a quick after-work loop or spending the day on an all-mountain sufferfest, there's a trail with your name on it.

Here’s our breakdown of just a few places to ride in the Roaring Fork Valley—trails we know like the back of our hands because we ride them all season long.

Sky Mountain Park (Smuggler, Airline, Deadline)

Ride time: 1–2 hours
Skill level: Intermediate
Location: Between Aspen and Snowmass

Sky Mountain Park is your go-to for fast laps and killer views. The trails here are designed with flow in mind—think machine-built berms, playful jumps, and perfect grades for climbing and descending. You can access the park from several points—Skyline Ridge, Buttermilk, or the Brush Creek Intercept Lot—but our favorite way in is the Airline climb and the Deadline descent. It’s a quick loop that rides like a mini bike park. This is where locals sneak in a ride before or after work, and the dry, south-facing trails make it one of the first zones to open in spring.

Views of Mount Sopris at the top of the Crown at Prince Creek.

Prince Creek and the Crown (Father of Ginormous, Undie, Crown Royal, Vasten)

Ride time: 2–4 hours
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Carbondale

This trail system is so vast that it links our Carbondale and Willits shops with almost all singletrack. The lower trails, like Monte Carlo, are beginner-friendly and playful, while the upper trails, like Undie and Ginormous, add elevation for a longer backcountry feel. Finally, Crown Royal offers an incredible 2,500+ foot descent on machine-built berms, jumps and wild flow. A word of warning: don’t ignore the black diamond sign for Lower Crown Royal, a rowdy, half-pipe-like ravine descent that’s not for the faint of heart. 

In the Crown system, you’ll find everything from tight, wooded singletrack to wide-open ridgelines with panoramic views of Mt. Sopris. Park at the BLM lot on the Prince Creek side or Hooks Spur on the Rio Grand bike path if you are coming from Basalt.

Photo Credit: Nick Wilder riding Red Hill trails.

Red Hill (Three Gulch, Mushroom Rock)

Ride time: 1–2 hours
Skill level: Intermediate
Location: Just outside Carbondale

Red Hill is the Roaring Fork’s version of Moab—techy rock rolls, sandstone slabs, and loose corners that keep you on your toes. It’s a compact network, but the technical riding will challenge your line choice and reward good bike handling. Three Gulch is the go-to climb, with options like Blue Ribbon or Roller Coaster on the way down. This is one of the best shoulder-season rides in the valley since it dries out early and stays rideable into late fall. 

There is a large parking lot located right on Highway 82 with a challenging first climb, where pushing your bike up or down brings no shame. For a milder approach, check out the new Sutey Ranch trailhead, but check for seasonal wildlife closures. 

Aspen Highlands / Government Trail

Ride time: Half day
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Aspen

For a true point-to-point experience, nothing beats the Government Trail. Starting from Aspen Highlands, it winds through old-growth aspen groves, meadows, and rocky descents all the way to Snowmass. It's best ridden from east to west, and though it’s not an epic in terms of mileage, the trail feels big—remote, technical in spots, and breathtakingly scenic. Keep an eye out for elk, and pack extra snacks—this is a true backcountry ride, and it's got the vibe to match.

Basalt Mountain (Green Gate, South Trail, Cattle Creek)

Ride time: 3–5 hours
Skill level: Advanced
Location: Basalt

This is where to go when the high country opens up. Basalt Mountain offers long loops, creek crossings, and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. It's remote, quiet, and absolutely stunning. Bring a map or GPS—it's easy to miss a turn if you’re not paying attention. Best ridden in late June through September, depending on snow melt.

Final Tips from the Crew at Cripple Creek

• Ride early: Summer afternoons can get toasty, and pop-up storms roll in fast.
• Pack smart: Especially for the bigger rides—bring tools, water, and layers. 
• Respect closures: Wildlife and weather-related closures are common in the valley. Check with RFMBA or BLM trail updates before heading out.
• Support local: Grab your post-ride beer at a local brewery, and stop by our shop in Carbondale, Willits (by Basalt) or downtown Aspen if you need gear, repairs, rentals or beta on trail conditions.

The Roaring Fork Valley has enough riding to keep your Summer calendar packed. Whether you're chasing singletrack with a view or dialing in laps on perfectly sculpted berms, it's all right here.

See you on the trail.