The best MTB trails around Upper Bear Creek

The Evergreen Mountain Summit Loop offers a fantastic mountain biking experience, guiding you through dense evergreen forests before opening up to spectacular panoramic views from the Evergreen Mountain Summit. This moderate 12.8-mile (20.5 km) loop features 1843 feet (562 metres) of climbing, typically completed in about 2 hours and 12 minutes, making it a solid choice for intermediate riders. You'll navigate winding singletrack, enjoy well-graded switchbacks, and be rewarded with vistas of the majestic Front Range peaks.

Located in Alderfer/Three Sisters Park in Evergreen, Colorado, this trail is a popular multi-use route. It's best to plan your ride during off-peak hours, especially in summer, as it can get quite busy. Be prepared for potentially challenging conditions with ice and snow if you venture out during the winter months.

This loop is a local favorite among mountain bikers, celebrated for its blend of a good workout and stunning scenery. Riders particularly enjoy the fun, flowy downhill sections and the challenging yet manageable technical features that define "proper mt biking" on the east side of the mountain.

The Mason Creek Trail and Catamount Overlook loop offers a truly scenic and demanding mountain biking experience, covering 27.5 miles (44.3 km) with a substantial 4564 feet (1391 metres) of elevation gain. You'll ride through a mix of singletrack, dense pine forests, and bright aspen groves, with some rocky sections and creek crossings. The reward for your effort is the breathtaking Catamount Overlook, where you can soak in expansive views of landmarks like Lions Head, Black Mountain, and even Pikes Peak on a clear day.

This difficult route is best suited for mountain bikers with good fitness and advanced skills, as some sections are quite technical and may require pushing your bike. Plan for an estimated 5 hours to complete the loop, starting from the Kings Valley area. It's a popular trail within Staunton State Park, so consider an early start, especially on busy days.

What makes this loop stand out is its comprehensive showcase of Staunton State Park's varied terrain and natural beauty. Beyond the challenging climbs, you'll find long, flowing downhill sections that are a joy to ride. The combination of diverse forest types, open meadows, and significant geological formations, culminating in the rewarding views from Catamount Overlook, makes it a top-tier mountain biking destination in the region.

The Elk Falls Pond and West Meadow Loop Trail via Cub Creek Trail offers a dynamic mountain biking adventure through Staunton State Park's diverse landscapes. You'll navigate a mix of terrain, from the "rowdy, rocky, and rooty" challenges of Cub Creek Trail to the "smooth sailing" sections of West Meadow Trail, all while passing through scenic pine forests, alpine meadows, and past the tranquil Elk Falls Pond. This route provides a rewarding experience with varied scenery and technical sections, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a good challenge.

Planning your ride requires attention to seasonal closures; the North Elk Creek Trail, a key connector to Cub Creek, is closed to bikes annually from March 1st to June 15th. The park's trails are well-marked, and Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on the West Meadow Trail, offering some flexibility. Always check current park conditions before you go to ensure the best experience on this difficult 21.7-mile (34.9 km) route.

This difficult mountain biking route covers 21.7 miles (34.9 km) with a substantial 3436 feet (1047 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 52 minutes. It's best suited for intermediate riders looking for a significant workout and diverse terrain. The combination of challenging climbs and fun descents, coupled with opportunities for wildlife viewing and spectacular mountain views, makes this a standout option among popular trails in the Elk Falls area.

The Alderfer Ranch – Sisters Trail Summit loop offers a challenging and scenic mountain biking experience near Evergreen. You'll navigate varied terrain, from dense ponderosa pine forests to open meadows, with rewarding views of Mount Evans from the summit. Expect a mix of mellow riding and technical sections, including steep, loose climbs and rocky switchbacks, making it a difficult 11.0-mile (17.6 km) ride with 1727 feet (526 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in just under two hours.

Planning your visit to Alderfer Ranch mountain biking trails means preparing for a popular park. Weekends can be busy with hikers and other users, so an early start is often best for parking and a quieter ride. While e-bikes (Class 1) are allowed, always carry a map as the trail network is extensive, especially on the Three Sisters side. This route is ideal for experienced riders seeking a good workout and diverse scenery.

This classic Front Range trail system is part of the larger Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, spanning over 1,100 acres. It's known for its variety of trails, catering to different skill levels, though this particular loop leans towards advanced mountain biking. The park's blend of forest cover, rock formations, and open views, including an old farmhouse, makes it a distinctive destination in Evergreen, Colorado.

The Meadow View Trail – Bergen Peak loop from Evergreen offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, transitioning from open meadows to challenging technical climbs. You'll start on the smoother Meadow View Trail, potentially spotting elk, before the route ramps up significantly on the Bergen Peak section. This part of the trail winds through dense forests of ponderosa pine and aspen, leading to the 9,701-foot Bergen Peak summit with its expansive Front Range views.

This difficult 15.3-mile (24.7 km) loop involves a substantial 2516 feet (767 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 34 minutes to complete. Due to its popularity and technical sections, especially on the Bergen Peak climb and subsequent descents, an early start is recommended, particularly on weekends. A dropper seat-post is highly advisable for the continuous technical downhill portions.

Part of Elk Meadow Park, this route is a favorite for its blend of scenic beauty and demanding terrain, making it a significant workout close to Evergreen. The diverse ecosystem supports various wildlife, and the trail is shared by mountain bikers, hikers, and dog walkers. It's a rewarding ride for those seeking a challenging and varied mountain biking adventure.