Photos courtesy of our friends at aspensnowmass.com
As the vibrant green of summer gives way to the golden hues of fall, the Roaring Fork Valley transforms into a mountain biking paradise. The crisp air, stunning autumn colors, and thrilling singletrack descents make this the perfect season to hit the trails. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a casual enthusiast, these trails offer the best of both worlds: breathtaking fall scenery and the adrenaline rush of fast, flowing descents.
Sky Mountain Park, nestled between Aspen and Snowmass Village, offers some of the most scenic and thrilling riding in the valley. The Airline to Cozyline Loop is a must-ride trail during the fall. Starting with a steady climb on Airline, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the valley and the surrounding mountains as you ascend. The trail weaves through golden aspen groves, providing a front-row seat to the changing colors.
Once you reach the top, the descent on Cozyline is pure fun—a fast, flowy singletrack that will have you grinning from ear to ear. The trail twists and turns through aspen and oak forests, with bursts of color around every corner. This loop is about 9 miles long and offers a perfect mix of climbing, views, and descents.
For those seeking a longer ride with stunning fall foliage, the Rim Trail South in Snowmass is a top choice. This trail offers a mix of everything: challenging climbs, rewarding views, and exhilarating descents. The ascent is tough but manageable, and as you climb, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Snowmass Mountain and the surrounding peaks, all framed by golden aspens.
The highlight of the Rim Trail South is the descent—fast, flowy, and full of berms and switchbacks. The trail winds through dense aspen groves, where the golden leaves create a magical tunnel of color. This 7-mile out-and-back trail is a favorite among locals and is even more spectacular when the fall colors are at their peak.
"The roaring fork valley has some of the sickest mountain biking around, doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or pro, there is literally something for everyone."
If you’re looking for a ride that combines technical challenges with breathtaking fall scenery, the Red Table Loop on Basalt Mountain is a must-do. This trail is known for its rocky sections and technical descents, making it a great choice for advanced riders. But it’s not just the terrain that draws bikers here—the fall colors on Basalt Mountain are some of the best in the valley.
The loop takes you through dense aspen forests, where the trail is carpeted in golden leaves. The climb to the top is tough, but the reward is a thrilling descent with fast sections, tight turns, and plenty of opportunities to catch some air. This trail is about 13 miles long and is best ridden in late September to early October when the colors are at their peak.
For a ride that’s close to Aspen and offers a mix of technical sections and flowy descents, the Hummingbird to Iowa Shaft loop in the Hunter Creek area is a great option. This trail system is known for its varied terrain, with everything from smooth singletrack to rocky, technical sections.
The fall colors in Hunter Creek are nothing short of spectacular. The trail winds through aspen groves, and as you descend, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of gold. The Hummingbird to Iowa Shaft loop is about 8 miles long and offers plenty of opportunities for fast descents and technical challenges, making it a favorite for local riders looking to experience the best of fall.
The Government Trail is one of the most iconic mountain bike trails in the Roaring Fork Valley, and fall is the perfect time to ride it. This trail connects Snowmass Village to Aspen, offering a challenging ride with technical sections, rooty climbs, and fast descents. The trail takes you through dense aspen groves, offering stunning views of the valley below.
The Government Trail is known for its varied terrain—one moment you’re navigating technical rock gardens, the next you’re flying down a flowy singletrack. The descent into Aspen is especially fun, with tight switchbacks and fast sections that will leave you breathless. At about 18 miles long, this trail is a full-day adventure and a great way to experience the fall colors in the valley.
Whether you’re drawn to the fast, flowy descents or the stunning fall foliage, the Roaring Fork Valley has something to offer every mountain biker this season. The trails here provide the perfect blend of challenge and beauty, making fall the ideal time to explore the area on two wheels. So gear up, hit the trails, and immerse yourself in the golden splendor of autumn in the Roaring Fork Valley.
