The best MTB trails around Keystone
4.7
(32)
2,347
riders
112
rides
Mountain biking around Keystone, Colorado, offers a diverse range of trails set within the Rocky Mountains. The region features significant elevation changes, with trails traversing high-altitude terrain, dense forests, and open hillsides. Prominent natural features include Keystone Lake and various river corridors, providing varied backdrops for rides. This mountainous environment provides a network of trails suitable for different skill levels, from gentle paths to challenging downhill routes.
Best mountain bike trails around Keystone
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Girl Scouts to Let It Ride Loop, a 7.5 miles (12.0 km) easy trail that takes about 40 minutes to complete, offering a gentle ride suitable for beginners.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Keystone Gulch to Soda Creek loop, a moderate 17.2 miles (27.7 km) path. This route features challenging climbs and rewarding singletrack descents through varied terrain.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Keystone Lake β Keystone Lake loop from Keystone, a 14.1 miles (22.7 km) trail leading through high-altitude terrain with significant elevation gain, often completed in about 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Keystone is defined by Rocky Mountain scenery, river corridors, and high-altitude terrain. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy paths to advanced technical descents.
- The routes in Keystone are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 35 reviews. More than 2300 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Keystone's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
14
riders
12.0km
00:42
10m
690m
The Girl Scouts to Let It Ride Loop offers a delightful mountain biking experience, winding through a lodgepole forest and open ski trails with picturesque views of Lake Dillon. This easy 7.5-mile (12.0 km) route is characterized by its flowy single-track and the mellow berms of the "Let It Ride" section, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride for all skill levels. With only 21 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, it's a perfect choice for those seeking a relaxed outing rather than a strenuous climb. You can expect to complete this scenic loop in about 42 minutes.
Planning your ride on this Keystone Colorado mountain biking trail requires a lift ticket to access the "Girl Scouts" portion, as it's a downhill-only trail within the bike park. This makes it an excellent option for beginners and families looking for a well-maintained and accessible route without the need for uphill pedaling. The resort setting means amenities are close by, making for a convenient day out on the trails.
What makes this loop stand out is its exceptional accessibility and suitability for beginner mountain bikers, including families. It combines a fun, flowy nature with scenic vistas and just enough manageable technical interest from occasional rooty sections to keep things engaging. As a green-rated run within the Keystone Bike Park, it's a fantastic introduction to mountain biking, offering a rewarding experience without intimidation.
5.0
(1)
81
riders
27.7km
02:51
740m
740m
The Keystone Gulch to Soda Creek loop offers a diverse mountain biking experience, starting with a steady climb through a scenic valley past beaver dams. As you gain elevation, you'll ride through extensive meadows filled with wildflowers and cool forests, eventually reaching exceptional singletrack on the Colorado Trail and Red Trail. The route provides picturesque views of the Keystone Ski Resort and classic Rocky Mountain scenery, making the sustained effort worthwhile for the rewarding descents.
Expect an aerobically challenging ride due to the 2422 feet (738 metres) of elevation gain over 17.2 miles (27.7 km), which typically takes around 2 hours and 51 minutes. The trail is rated moderate, but the continuous uphill sections, especially at altitude, can be a significant grind. The loop begins at the Keystone Gulch Trailhead, and while the technical aspects are generally moderate, a narrow aqueduct section might challenge some riders.
This loop is highly regarded for its blend of demanding climbing and flowing singletrack descents, offering a comprehensive mountain biking adventure. It showcases a variety of natural features, from dense forests and open meadows to views of ski infrastructure and the Keystone Golf Course. The popularity of sections like the Colorado Trail means you'll likely share the path with other outdoor enthusiasts.
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31
riders
19.8km
02:07
520m
530m
The Tenderfoot Mountain and Oro Grande Loop offers a fantastic mountain biking journey through diverse Colorado landscapes. You'll pedal through fragrant sagebrush and dense aspen and lodgepole pine forests, with the highlight being the expansive panoramic views of Lake Dillon, the Tenmile Range, and the Gore Range that unfold as you gain elevation. The trail combines flowy singletrack with sections of old Jeep road, providing a varied and engaging experience for riders.
Planning your ride on this popular loop is straightforward, with trailheads conveniently located near Dillon. Parking is available near the Dillon Water Treatment Plant or off County Landfill Road, though it can get busy on weekends. This moderate 12.3-mile (19.8 km) route, with its 1713 feet (522 metres) of elevation gain, is often one of the first trails to dry out in spring, making it a prime early-season option. Expect to spend around 2 hours and 7 minutes on the saddle.
What makes this trail particularly notable is its south-facing orientation, which allows it to shed snow and become rideable much earlier than many other trails in the region. This makes the Tenderfoot Mountain and Oro Grande Loop a go-to for mountain bikers eager to hit the dirt in the spring. It's a multi-use trail, so you'll share the path with hikers and trail runners, adding to its community feel and popularity.
2
riders
14.3km
01:08
210m
210m
Ride the moderate Snake River Trail Loop in Keystone, Colorado, covering 8.9 miles with 695 feet of elevation gain through Dillon Nature Pre
50
riders
22.7km
02:31
730m
730m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Tips from the Community
The Dillon Nature Preserve is 175 acres of protected land along the eastern shore of Dillon Reservoir. The trails through the reserve are peaceful and offer panoramic views of the Tenmile and Gore Ranges.
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The Tenderfoot trail system offers a great ride for mountain bikers, with shared access for hikers and runners. This spot has some of the best views along the trail of Tenderfoot Mountain area, overlooking Lake Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne.
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The Snake River Trail is a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that follows the Snake River. It follows the river with the same name and gives you great views of Hells Canyon Wilderness.
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Great view over Keystone. The trails to get you up are challenging, but they are worth the effort for the great vistas.
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Keystone Lake offers both summer and winter activities. In the winter you can ice skate, and in the summers you can kayak or rent a peddle boat. In the winters you can use one of the fire pits they have located on the shore and they even light up a tree out on the ice.
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Keystone Lake lies nestled against Hwy 6 in Dillon, Colorado. The lake is the site of ice skating and ice fishing in the winters and swimming, kayaking, and boating in the warmer months. The paved Snake River Trail runs right next to the water.
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The Tenderfoot trail system is open to hikers, bikers, and trail runners. As you climb higher on the mountain, you start to branch into OHV trail terrain; this spot on the path is before leaving the foot/bike travel trail and offers some of the best views from the Tenderfoot Mountain area overlooking Lake Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne.
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Keystone Lake lies nestled against Hwy 6 in Dillon, Colorado. The lake is the sight of ice skating and ice fishing in the winters and swimming, kayaking, and boating in the warmer months. There is a short trail that circles the lake, and the paved Snake River Trail runs right next to the water as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of mountain bike trails can I find around Keystone?
Keystone offers a diverse range of mountain bike trails suitable for all skill levels. You'll find everything from beginner-friendly paths like the Girl Scouts to Let It Ride Loop to challenging downhill routes within the Keystone Bike Park, which offers lift-serviced terrain. The area also features extensive singletrack, paved recreation paths, and trails with significant elevation changes through forests and open hillsides.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Keystone?
Yes, Keystone has several options for beginners. The Girl Scouts to Let It Ride Loop is an easy 7.5-mile trail, perfect for those new to mountain biking. Additionally, the Keystone Bike Park offers beginner-friendly 'green runs,' and the paved Summit County Recreation Path provides a less technical, scenic riding experience.
What are some challenging mountain bike trails for advanced riders in Keystone?
For advanced riders seeking a challenge, Keystone offers trails with technical features and significant elevation. The Keystone Lake β Keystone Lake loop from Keystone is a difficult 14.1-mile trail with considerable elevation gain. Within the Keystone Bike Park, you can find challenging double black diamond routes like 'Eye of the Tiger' and 'Sanitarium' which feature rocky descents, drops, and technical sections.
Can I find family-friendly mountain bike trails in Keystone?
Absolutely. For families, the paved Summit County Recreation Path is an excellent choice, connecting Keystone to neighboring towns with beautiful views. The Soda Park Loop is another good option for beginners and families transitioning from paved paths, offering a 10.7-mile loop with singletracks and open hillsides.
What kind of natural features and views can I expect on Keystone's mountain bike trails?
Keystone's trails offer breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery. You'll encounter spectacular mountain vistas, especially from trails like the Tenderfoot system, which overlooks Lake Dillon. Many routes follow river corridors, such as the Snake River Trail, and you can enjoy views of Keystone Lake. The high-altitude terrain also means significant elevation changes and, in summer, fields of wildflowers.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions near the mountain bike trails?
Yes, the area around Keystone is rich with natural landmarks. You can find impressive summits like Mount Sniktau and Grays Peak. There are also beautiful lakes such as Herman Lake and the expansive Dillon Dam and Reservoir, which often have scenic bike paths nearby.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Keystone?
The mountain bike trails around Keystone are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 35 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, from challenging climbs to rewarding singletrack descents, and the stunning Rocky Mountain scenery that accompanies many routes.
How many mountain bike routes are available in the Keystone area?
There are nearly 100 mountain bike routes available around Keystone, offering a wide variety of experiences. This includes 4 easy routes, 49 moderate routes, and 42 difficult routes, ensuring options for every skill level.
Are there any loop trails for mountain biking in Keystone?
Yes, Keystone features several excellent loop trails. The Keystone Gulch to Soda Creek loop is a popular moderate 17.2-mile option. Another great choice is the Tenderfoot Mountain and Oro Grande Loop, offering moderate terrain and scenic views.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Keystone?
The best time for mountain biking in Keystone is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when the trails are clear of snow. This period allows riders to enjoy the full network, including high-altitude trails and the Keystone Bike Park. Summer also brings vibrant wildflowers to the mountain slopes.
Are there any mountain bike trails that follow river corridors in Keystone?
Yes, the Snake River Trail Loop is a notable example, following the Snake River and offering scenic views along the water. This trail provides a pleasant riding experience through a natural river corridor.
Does Keystone offer lift-serviced mountain biking?
Yes, the Keystone Bike Park is a major draw for downhill mountain biking, offering lift-serviced terrain. This allows riders to maximize their time on the downhill-only trails, which range from beginner-friendly to highly technical.
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