Colorado's 'Western Gateway To Rocky Mountain National Park' Is A Year-Round Mountain Biking Haven

Known as "The Rocky Mountain State" for good reason, Colorado is a gorgeous natural playground that is home to 75% of U.S. land area above 10,000 feet, according to Colorado State University. It's a place where outdoor adventure is a way of life, from captivating towns tucked into the Rocky Mountains to essential journeys for road trippers and beyond. When winter arrives, a white, fluffy canvas is laid over the state, creating opportunities for world-class skiing, snowboarding, and all-around adventure. Summer opens up the mountains to endless hiking routes, with pristine lakes and distant peaks that challenge even the most ambitious. Rafting, climbing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching are all on offer in the rugged landscapes of Colorado.

Mountain biking is another stand-out thrill. The varied geography creates riding options for every skill level — smooth, family-friendly paths on sweeping hills, rugged high-country scrambles, and single-tracks lined with pines that descend deep into silent valleys. Just 90 minutes from Denver, Grand County is one of Colorado's best spots for riders. Its quaint towns and numerous ski resorts deliver a sense of escape without requiring days' worth of travel. More than 600 miles of trails thread through the county, inviting exploration across forests, ridgelines, and the slopes surrounding Winter Park — often called "Mountain Bike Capital USA."

Whether carving through aspen groves, climbing toward high-altitude vistas, or racing downhill, riding here feels both grounded and exhilarating. Colorado offers countless ways to play outside, but in Grand County, mountain biking is its own vivid story all year-round — the area isn't called the "Western Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park" for nothing.

Grand County offers a rare promise to riders: biking in every season, on terrain that shifts with the weather but never closes. The warmer months offer high-country single-track riding, while autumn washes the hills in color and winter opens a world of fat-tire adventures. No matter when you visit, the trail diversity keeps the pedals turning year-round.

One of the top-notch destinations in Grand Country is Trestle Bike Park at Winter Park Resort. It's a rider's dream carved into three of the mountain's famous Seven Territories. The scale alone is epic — fast lines, jump trails, and challenging features like the pro-level Banana Peel line. For those seeking wilderness, mountain biking trails in the Stillwater area offer backcountry routes such as Gilsonite and Wolverine. These trails climb roughly 2,000 vertical feet to the edge of the tree line, rewarding the incline effort with sweeping views. Closer to town, Little Vasquez Road provides easy access to a network of connecting paths. Its gentle double-track descent into Winter Park makes it a relaxed, scenic option. Beginners or anyone seeking guided expertise can find confidence on the scenic trails at Devil's Thumb Ranch. Instructor-led rides blend skill-building with wide-open vistas, offering an approachable way into the sport. 

When the snow arrives, bikes don't have to be replaced with snowboards; the adventure continues on fat tires. Spots like Devil's Thumb Ranch, Latigo Ranch, and more offer winter riding for snowy fun. Fat-tire bike rentals are readily available at local outfitters in Steamboat Springs, Golden, and Glenwood Springs, so everyone can enjoy this winter cycling playground of Grand County, a place where mountain biking never goes dormant.

Beyond biking, Grand County offers a world of mountain-town vibes, with many trip-worthy small communities that serve as welcoming bases for outdoor fun here. Fraser has breweries, refined eateries, and valley views that make it a great place to unwind after a day outdoors. Granby brings a family-friendly charm, with easy access to lakes, golf courses, and rafting. Grand Lake, the state's largest natural lake, is a fantastic spot for fishing, swimming, and camping, all complemented by views of jagged peaks in the distance. 

Rocky Mountain National Park is right there in Grand County as well. The ideal itinerary depends on the length of your stay, but the perfect one-day visit begins at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center and continues up Trail Ridge Road, featuring an ascent into wide views, changing ecosystems, and frequent wildlife sightings. Those driving toward the town of Estes Park can break up the visit with short hikes of their choosing among the park's 350 miles of trails — be sure to bring lunch for a mountain-side picnic. Near day's end, pause at the Shadow Mountain Lookout Trailhead for a rewarding trek to a historic tower with panoramic vistas. 

For the ultimate post-adventure experience, stop by Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa, which features more than 20 mineral pools that ease muscles and settle the mind. In nearby Kremmling, the wilder Radium Hot Springs provide soaking options on the banks of the Colorado River. A short hike (or a raft) to the springs adds an adventurous element. In the end, Grand County is a place where every season has something memorable: a blend of action, beauty, and restorative mountain calm 12 months of the year.