Biking in Colorado

There’s much more to Colorado than simply hiking, skiing, and mountain climbing.  Even if you’re not the adventurous type, Vail, Colorado has much in store for a fun-filled family vacation that will please the daring and the timid. 

Biking is one of the most popular activities for Vail visitors of all ages, and you don’t even have to haul bikes for the whole family from home.  Inexpensive trail bikes can be rented at the various bike shops in downtown Vail Village for multi-hourly time increments of your choice beginning around $15.00 per bike for two hours of riding.

There are lots of different trails to choose from when riding through Vail.  The first one we took can be traversed by just about anybody.  Set yourself at a leisurely pace and cycle through Vail Village on smooth blacktop trails, around Gore Creek, the Antlers in Vail Resort, as well as other resorts and villa-style condominiums that grace the façade of Vail Village. 

 Eventually, if you’re going too slowly, a professional biker will likely pass you on the two-lane bike trail without much notice.  Most rental bikes come equipped with bells on the handles that, while a little dweeb-ish, come in handy when you want to pass people with a little courtesy.  The professional bikers might call out “on your left” as they pass, but that’s only if they feel up to it. 

The second bike trail we rode was much more advanced, although still fairly easy to traverse.  This trail will take you from a high mountain about 10 miles outside of Vail and weave its way in and out of forests and creeks and around the current highway system on the old Route 6. 

To begin this trail, you’ll want to check in at one of the bike shops in Vail Village and ask for their mountain bike tour.  Your bike rental will include the twenty-minute trip to the near top of the mountain in the bike shop’s van.  The attendant will load your bikes on top of the van for transportation so you don’t wear yourself out riding up the steep mountain pass to get to the top.  It’s much easier riding down – believe me!

Once you get to your arrival, you will be let off at a picturesque mountain lakeside, where the bike shop attendant will take your family picture if you brought your digital camera (no, they don’t fleece you for the photograph like the theme parks do).  If you didn’t bring a map of the trail, your driver will likely provide you with one.  From here on out, you’re on your own.

From here you will bike back down towards Vail Village on a paved bike trail and the old Route 6.  Part of the time you will be riding in parallel with the current I-70 highway system, which is very active with semis and other vehicles.  There’s not much of a separation between the two at some points, so if you’re riding with small children it would be a good idea to keep a close lookout for their safety. 

Eventually, you will reach more flora and forest, where you’ll pass over bridges crossing a beautiful creek, ride the trail next to beautiful mountain meadows resembling a Swiss field from the movie Heidi, and at every turn you’ll encounter a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains, most of which are snow-capped even in the summer. 

As you get closer to Vail Village, you’ll notice where the mountain path becomes one with the Village path previously mentioned.  You know you’re getting close when you see the villa-style homes and the gondola system near Gore Creek appearing in the distance. 

As a courtesy to other bikers on whichever trails you choose, make sure you use your bell when passing, and even call out which direction you’re passing on, especially if you’re passing an older person.  There are many retired individuals touring in Vail during the summer, which is the best time of year for biking, so don’t ride on the tail of their bikes or make them nervous.  Same goes for families with small children, even if they’re in your way.  Usually, there’s enough places to pass you don’t need to get worked up about their presence. 

Biking in Vail is probably one of the most cost-effective activities the whole family can enjoy, and you might find yourself doing it more than once during your visit – it’s that fun!