The area surrounding Steamboat Springs is loaded with great mountain biking trails. The Gondola allows bikers access to 30 miles, with expansion plans in the works, worth of scenic trails on the Steamboat Ski Resort. For a gentle ride with the kids, take the 5-mile Yampa River Trail, which connects the ski area to downtown Steamboat Springs. Adrenaline seekers can then hit the Howelsen Hill loops, Red Dirt at Mad Creek, The Hot Springs Trails, and so many more!

The Bella Vista Estate is the ideal base for the serious mountain biker offering prime access to backcountry trails in the Routt National Forest and the perfect place to return to for a soak in the rock Jacuzzi or a dip in our heated pool after a day of riding.

Mountain Biking from the Bella Vista:

The Ferndale Loop is a moderate, consistent downhill single track and wide two track run. This forest service road used to be part of the old highway 40. The Ferndale Loop is approximately 5 miles long with and elevation gain of 960 feet. From Bella Vista ride or drive a short way up US hwy 40 to the Ferndale Picinic area. If driving, park here and continue on your bike past the picnic area to a concrete barrier with red and white warning signs on it and a FR 299 sign in front of it. This is the beginning of the downhill ride back to the picnic area. At the bottom of a switchback at mile 4.8 a narrow trail drops down and will bring you back to the picnic area.

The Walton Repeater is an easy, 8.6 mile, out and back ride on pavement and dirt road with awesome views of the Rabbit Ears and Sarvis Creek Wilderness area. From Bella Vista, drive up Rabbit Ears Pass to the Walton Creek Campground. Park ¼ mile past the campground on the right. Ride east on Hwy 40 one mile to FR 302. Turn right and follow the road 4.3 miles to the top. The last part of the road is a stiff uphill push but worth it for the ride back down.

From the Steamboat Ski Area: Load your bike up the gondola and enjoy the ride down without the pain of the uphill. There are single tracks, two tracks and dirt roads. Some favorite trails include Pete’s Wicked Trail, YooHoo, Valley View and Zig Zag. Helmets are required.

Mountain Biking from downtown Steamboat Springs:

The Yampa Core Trail is a paved multi-use 7 mile trail that runs along the Yampa River that begins at Walton Creek Road and Hwy 40. It winds past the Botanic Park through downtown Steamboat to the James Brown Soul Center of the Universe Bridge on the west end of town.

Another great place to ride is Howelsen Hill. Take the steep climb up the dirt road to the top of Quarry Mountain. There you have several thrilling named loops and trails that will take you back down Emerald Mountain to Howelsen Hill.

The ride to Fish Creek Falls is a favorite for the stunning views of the waterfalls at the end of the ride. Try this ride during off peak times, weekdays or early morning, to avoid vehicle traffic. From the Courthouse downtown turn right on Oak Street which turns into Fish Creek Falls Road. The road is paved and climbs steadily from town about 6.5 miles to the main parking lot. Walk your bike down the path to the falls. There are great trail guide books, like “Steamboat Single Tracks”, that will help you choose a trail, but it’s always best to head to the local shops and ask about trail conditions and closures.