Biking season is back in the ARK, and we couldn’t be more stoked. Not only does our region offer a diverse network of inspiring trails with something for every skill level, but our unreal scenery and fall foliage elevate the experience to something almost otherworldly.
Read on for our top five trails.
Cottonwood Loop
Rating: Advanced
We love this smooth single track with bank turns, righteous flow, and jaw-dropping views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountain peak. After pedaling up Rumba Ridge, you’ll hit a sweet, high-speed descent. Once you reach the waterfall section, the ride gets more technical, probably around a double black diamond, but you can easily walk this portion if needed.
Vitamin B
Rating: Expert
An ARK favorite, Vitamin B is a great trail for experienced riders to test their skills. You’ll savor 6.2 miles of challenging flowy sections and technical moves and features, including ledge drop-offs, mighty granite slabs, and loose rock fields. Relish in the adrenaline as you navigate Vitamin B through rocky outcroppings and thick forests.
Unchained
Rating: Intermediate/Expert
A hand-constructed windy singletrack, Unchained brings the thunder every time. Brace yourself for 3.5 miles of technical climbs, irresistible flow sections, sharp descents, and snug switchbacks. This one’s called Unchained for a reason, so put your abilities to the test and revel in the ride.
Monarch Crest
Rating: Intermediate/Expert
Monarch Crest Trail is among the most sought-after and iconic singletracks around. This high-alpine ride reveals surreal panoramic views throughout. Thrills abound on Monarch Crest, with several downhill options that seem to go on forever. Riders from all over make the pilgrimage for this one.
The Breakfast Meat Loop (Sausage Link and Bacon Bits)
Rating: Intermediate
Comprising twin trails, Bacon Bits and Sausage Link, the Breakfast Meat Loop pairs fun with a challenge to serve up a tasty riding dish. Both Sausage Link and Bacon Bits offer multiple options with several lines on the main trail to match your ride with your experience level.
BONUS RIDE: The Junk Yard at RMOC
Rating: Beginner to Pro
Pop over to RMOC to shred our bike park — the Junk Yard. With four different lines chock full of beginner to pro-level features, you’ll have no trouble finding the right one for you. This place has it all — drop off a school bus, jump a classic car, or ride out onto our singletrack trails, offering mellow downhill lines and a handful of intermediate/advanced rock drop features.
RMOC Guided Mountain Biking Trips
We’re proud to offer professionally guided half and full-day mountain biking trips through breathtaking high mountain forests and desert landscapes. Book one of our mountain biking packages today.
RMOC is an equal opportunity service provider. RMOC operates under special use permits from the San Isabel National Forest. All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.