Summer Mountain Biking at Arapahoe Basin
Whether you’re in Colorado for mountain biking or road biking, Arapahoe Basin has the ride for you. A-Basin’s terrain offers incredible views and even better rides. Earn your turns! We do not offer lift-service for bikes.
.jpg)
Mountain Bike Trail Info
Beavers Loop Trail (NEW! bike-only descent)
- Distance: 3 miles. Connect to Wheels Up for a 5-mile descent.
- Descent: 1,000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate with rock features, optional lines, exposure, narrow trail
- Hiking: Not allowed
- Biking: One-way (downhill)
- Start point: Adjacent the top terminal of The Beavers Lift (about 12,500'). When you get to the summit, hang a right and head past the Snow Plume Refuge building to find the start of the trail.
Do you love the Lenawee Trail off our backside? You'll love The Beavers Loop. This new trail, built in partnership with IMBA Trail Solutions, is a bike-only, directional descent from our summit to mid-mountain, and on to the base area when you connect with Wheels Up. Designed to offer a high-alpine, backcountry-style ride, it is not a DH jump trail. It is also not lift-served, and requires a steep climb to our summit on Argentine North Fork and the Upper Summer Road (climbing singletrack trail to be built summer 2023).
Argentine North Fork Trail (ANFT)
- Distance: 2 miles (one-way)
- Ascent: 700 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate. Moderately steep with tight switchbacks. Some rocks and roots.
- Hiking: Both directions
- Biking: Uphill, only
- Start point: Base area near the aerial adventure park and Molly Hogan Lift
Argentine North Fork is A-Basin’s primary singletrack trail. It begins near Mountain Goat Plaza in the base area and ascends to Black Mountain Lodge at mid-mountain. Hikers and bikers will find wildflowers, scenic vistas and crystal-clear streams along the way. Mountain bikers can descend Wheels Up from mid-mountain for a 4-mile loop or continue climbing to the summit on Upper Summer Road to connect with The Beavers Loop Trail. Please do not descend ANFT.
Wheels Up Trail (bikes, only)
- Distance: 2 miles (one-way)
- Descent: 669 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate. Smooth trail mixed with required rock lines/rock gardens. Not suitable for beginners.
- Hiking: Not allowed
- Biking: Downhill, only
- Start Point: Mid-mountain, adjacent the Black Mountain Express Lift top terminal
Wheels Up is our featured downhill, bike-only flow trail descending from Black Mountain Lodge to the base area. Full of berms, rollers and optional lines, this playground of a trail was built specifically for bikes. Wheels Up is suitable for intermediate riders (all features can be rolled) and extra-fun for advanced mountain bikers. Climb the Argentine North Fork Trail to access it.
Summer Road, Upper & Lower
- Distance: 2.6 miles combined (one-way)
- Ascent: 1,676 feet total
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Very steep in places with loose rocks. Very high elevation. Watch for vehicles.
- Hiking: Both directions
- Biking: Both directions
Summer Road is a steep and rocky service road running from top to bottom. The 1.3-mile Upper Summer Road begins at Black Mountain Lodge and takes you well above treeline. It is currently the only way to access the summit at 12,456 feet. Enjoy stunning views of A-Basin, Loveland Pass, multiple 14’ers and our resident mountain goat herd. We recommend using ANFT and Wheels Up on the lower half of the mountain. Please watch for vehicles!
Pali Road
- Distance: 0.6 miles (one-way)
- Difficulty: Difficult. Very steep.
- Hiking: Both directions
- Biking: Both directions
Pali Road is a very steep service road that takes hikers and mountain bikers from the Upper Summer Road (just above mid-mountain) to the top of Pallavicini Lift. From there, enjoy dramatic views of The Beavers and Pallavicini ski terrain.
Mountain Bike Rentals / Bike Haul / eMTBs ?
We do not offer bike rentals, beginner trails, mountain bike programming or bike haul on our lifts. Bring your bike and earn your turns!
At this time, e-bikes are NOT allowed on our singletrack trails per U.S. Forest Service regulations. They are also not allowed on the Lenawee Trail. You may ride them on the summer road, only. Watch for vehicles.
FREE Mountain Bike Pass
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting new program this year! We kindly request all bikers to obtain our uphill mountain biking pass, which is completely FREE of charge and even includes a complimentary BEER or other non-alcoholic beverage. It's super easy to get your hands on this pass - simply hop online or drop by our friendly guest services.
Here are the steps to get started:
- Sign up for your uphill access pass conveniently online or swing by our guest services.
- Collect your pass in person by stopping by Guest Services, available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Don't forget to wear the armband we provide while biking and ensure you carry your uphill access pass with you at all times.
- Please note that the uphill access pass does not grant access to our lifts.
Free Uphill Mountain Bike Pass
We're excited to have you join us for this fantastic biking experience! If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our friendly staff at guest services.
Mountain Bike Trails Near A-Basin
Lenawee Trail
A-Basin is where you start your climb to access the Lenawee Trail, a famous and scenic high-alpine trail ride off our backside. The 3.3-mile, black-diamond Lenawee Trail descends one ridgeline east of A-Basin’s Montezuma Bowl, ending at County Road 260/Peru Creek Road.
Climb our Argentine North Fork Trail to the Upper Summer Road. The trail to access Lenawee heads east from the summit (to the left of the Lenawee Lift). When you finish your wild ride to the bottom, connect to additional trails and dirt road riding, if so desired. Please note Lenawee Trail is outside of our summer operating boundary, meaning mountain patrol services are not available. Be prepared and ride safe!
Lenawee is steep; it’s technical and it requires a shuttle or a big loop with significant time spent pedaling on roads. Arrange your shuttle to come back up to A-Basin to enjoy a cold beverage on the deck of the 6th Alley Bar & Grill.
Road Biking Near A-Basin
Loveland Pass Road
Arapahoe Basin is located just below scenic Loveland Pass. The category 1 climb up to the pass is a must-do for road cyclists, combining a winding 8-mile climb with an exhilarating downhill on the scenic Continental Divide.
Loveland Pass is open to vehicles throughout the year, including tanker trucks, so please use caution on this roadway. You can get to Loveland Pass from the Summit County bike path system and enjoy lunch on the deck of the 6th Alley Bar & Grill at the Basin on your way back home!
