Crested Butte Singletrack Mountain Bike Trip
RIDING TYPE
Advanced
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
July - August
Crested Butte 5-Day Expert Singletrack Tour (11,500 ft)
Embark on an Unforgettable Crested Butte Singletrack Adventure
For the seasoned singletrack aficionado seeking the ultimate challenge, Western Spirit Cycling presents our Crested Butte Singletrack Mountain Bike Trip. Dive into the heart of the Elk Mountains, where Crested Butte, at a whopping 8,885 feet, stands as the birthplace of modern mountain biking and home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Our meticulously crafted 5-day itinerary unlocks an unparalleled network of technical singletrack, featuring classic rides amidst towering peaks and vibrant wildflowers. Prepare for exhilarating climbs and epic descents at altitudes ranging from 9,000 to 11,500 feet. This expert-level mountain bike tour demands significant singletrack experience and peak physical condition, promising unrivaled views and an unforgettable Colorado alpine biking adventure.
Since 1990, Western Spirit Cycling has specialized in complex, remote expeditions. Our unwavering reliability means you can focus solely on conquering Crested Butte’s legendary trails with confidence.
Ultimate Expert Challenge & 11,500 ft Alpine Singletrack
This Guided Crested Butte Singletrack Tour is tailored for Expert riders seeking the ultimate challenge, featuring:
Ultimate Expert-Level Challenge: Ride very difficult singletrack on narrow, steep mountain trails at elevations between 9,000 and 11,500 feet. Expect physically demanding ascents and rewarding descents along steep ridges with exhilarating exposure.
Iconic Crested Butte Trails: Conquer renowned trails like Teocalli Ridge, Snodgrass, Lupine, and Strand Hill, exploring a vast network of the most “buffed” and beautiful singletrack worldwide.
High-Altitude Alpine Immersion: Experience true high-altitude cycling through breathtaking alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, surrounded by the majestic Elk Mountains.
Fully Supported: Seamless support at cozy campsites ensures your multi-day cycling trip is worry-free, despite riding trails with no vehicle support.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Your Crested Butte bike trip kicks off at Mt. Crested Butte. We’ll circumnavigate the peak, enjoying the flow of the Snodgrass Trail, Lupine Trail, and Gunsight Connector.
This section features purpose-built trails crafted by dedicated volunteers.
Our first comfortable camp awaits at Oh Be Joyful Campground.
Today, we start on the scenic Lower Loop, pedaling through town before connecting to Tony’s Trail, the Upper Loop, and Whetstone Vista.
This route leads us into the Brush Creek Valley, offering stunning views of Teocalli Mountain.
A ride through Strand Hill precedes setting up our comfortable camp for the next three nights, at approximately 9,500 feet.
Prepare for an iconic day on Teocalli Ridge, with Teocalli Mountain (13,209 feet) serving as your majestic backdrop.
This ride involves significant climbing alongside West Brush Creek, culminating at around 11,300 feet.
The reward is a truly epic downhill back to camp, a highlight of your guided Crested Butte singletrack tour.
Today’s ride takes us on Strand Bonus to 409 to Point Lookout, offering challenging climbs that are generously rewarded with some of the best panoramic views of the entire valley.
Flow through expansive wildflower meadows on a super fun and fast descent that leads you back to the comforts of camp.
Conclude your Crested Butte mountain biking adventure with a glorious point-to-point ride, including the challenging Deer Creek trail with its steep climbs and twisting switchbacks.
Enjoy incredible views of the Crested Butte ski area and Gothic Mountain before riding into the historic mining town of Gothic.
Complete the glorious circumnavigation of Mount Crested Butte, celebrating an unforgettable bicycle vacation.
-TRIP NOTES
The fine print
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
Road Surface
Primarily singletrack on clay-based soil, with some rocky scree crossings.
Overall Rating
Very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails. High level of skill and fitness required. Expect riding along steep mountain ridges with exposure to falls. Expert
Technical Difficulty
Difficult (many obstacles and tricky sections).
Physical Difficulty
Difficult (due to high altitudes over 10,000 feet, steep climbs, and long unsupported sections).
Altitude
9,000 - 11,500 feet.
Biking Mileage
12-15 miles per day
Hiking Mileage
12-15 miles per day
–Travel Logistics
Getting there.
Mount Crested Butte, CO. Meets 8:30 AM MST at Crested Butte Sports Bike & Ski Shop, 35 Emmons Road, 970-349-7516.
Getting There
~210 mi SW of Denver (4.5hr), 155 mi W of Grand Junction (3hr), 28 mi N of Gunnison via CO-135. Flying into Gunnison (GUC, Alpine Express shuttle) or Montrose (MTJ).
Taxi Service
Alpine Express 970-641-5074; Mountain Express 970-349-5616 (free bus w/ bike).
Lodging Before Your Trip
We recommend staying right in the town of Crested Butte so that you can walk to all of the restaurants and shops.
Christiana Guesthaus: 970-349-5326, 800-824-7899
Nordic Inn: 800-542-7669, 970-349-5542
Elk Mountain Lodge: 970-349-7533, 800-374-6521
The Inn at Crested Butte: 970-349-2111
The Grand Lodge: 970-349-8000, 888-823-4446
This hotel is next door to the bike shop in Mt. Crested Butte.
Alpine Express: 970-641-5074 or 800-822-4844
The Mountain Express: 970-349-5616
Free bus service runs from town to Mt. Crested Butte and can accommodate your bike. Check at your hotel for the schedule.
PACKING
Ndard western spirit dry-bag packing list
- Meals/camp gear provided
- Bring/rent bike & helmet, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cycling & camp clothing, personal items, tipping cash (10-20%)
Bring or rent
Bringing or renting
- Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
- Helmet (gratis w
- Rental bike)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
Cycling clothing
- Cycling shoes
- 3-5 pair cycling shorts
- 3-5 cycling shirts
- Long sleeve cycling shirt
- Long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
- Cycling socks
- Windbreaker
- Tights or leg warmers
- 2 pair cycling gloves
- Rain jacket & rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm layer
- Sunglasses
Camp clothing
- Camp shorts/shirts
- Warm socks
- Long underwear
- 2 pair warm long pants
- Fleece/sweater
- Pile or down jacket
- Warm gloves and hat
- Brimmed hat
- Bathing suit
- Hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Rain gear
Personal
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Towel
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet-wipes
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Optional day bag
- Stuff sacks
- Cash for tipping (10-20% of trip price)
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Favorite beverages
- Books
- Maps
- Portable USB charger
Need more information about our bike trips?
Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.
Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732
Gallery
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