The Best Mountain Biking in Colorado

Tipperary Creek Trail: Considered by many to be Colorado's very best mountain-biking trail, this 30-mile ride from Fraser to Winter Park runs through dense forest and wildflower-covered meadows, offering views of rugged snowcapped peaks. It's also strenuous, rising from an 8,600-foot elevation to more than 10,000 feet.

Crested Butte: Crested Butte vies with Marin County, California, as the birthplace of mountain biking. Check out the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame for a primer on the sport's history; then serious bikers should try Trail 401, a strenuous single-track loop that combines scenic beauty with steep grades and rough terrain.