Trail Notes: Best Mountain Bike Rides

Could this be the best mountain bike ride in the entire U.S.? In this episode, we break down the Little Scraggy Loop - a Colorado classic that blends smooth flow, punchy climbs, and just the right amount of technical rock features to keep things interesting from start to finish. Set in the scenic Pike National Forest, this ride delivers a perfect balance of fun and challenge, with stunning views and a trail system that feels purpose-built for mountain bikers.We cover what makes this ride so special, who it’s best suited for, what to expect on the trail, and why it consistently lands on “must ride” lists. Whether you’re planning a trip or just looking for your next bucket list trail, this one deserves a serious look.https://bestmountainbikerides.com/mountain-bike-rides/little-scraggy-loop/

A perfect introduction to Dupont State Forest, this 18-mile loop links together some of the area’s best trails with a mix of fast flow, scenic gravel connectors, and fun, approachable tech. Expect iconic sections, beautiful forest riding, and a route that showcases why Dupont is one of the top mountain bike destinations in the Southeast.Ride details: https://bestmountainbikerides.com/mountain-bike-rides/dupont-sampler-18-miler/

The Whole Enchilada is widely considered one of the best mountain bike rides in Moab, Utah — and in this episode of Trail Notes, I break down what makes this legendary route such a must-do experience.Spanning from the high alpine terrain of the La Sal Mountains down to the desert near the Colorado River, the Whole Enchilada delivers massive elevation loss, constantly changing landscapes, and a mix of flowy singletrack and technical rock riding. I cover the different trail sections, shuttle logistics, seasonal access, difficulty, and who this ride is really best suited for.If you're planning a mountain bike trip to Moab and want honest, experience-based insight into this iconic ride, this episode gives you the full picture.Full ride guide and details: https://bestmountainbikerides.com/mountain-bike-rides/the-whole-enchilada/

The Doctor Park Loop is widely considered one of the most fun mountain bike rides in Crested Butte, Colorado — and in this episode of Trail Notes, I break down why this trail has earned such a strong reputation among riders.Known for its long climb followed by a fast, flowing descent through beautiful Colorado forest, Doctor Park delivers classic singletrack with a great mix of speed, natural terrain, and technical features that keep the ride engaging from start to finish. I cover trail difficulty, ride logistics, who this trail is best suited for, and what to expect if you're planning to add Doctor Park to your Crested Butte riding itinerary.Full ride guide and details:https://bestmountainbikerides.com/mountain-bike-rides/doctor-park-loop/

The Hangover Trail in Sedona, Arizona is often described as one of the most dangerous mountain bike rides in the world — and in this episode of Trail Notes, I break down what it’s really like to ride it.Hangover is famous for its exposed slickrock ledges, technical climbs, and massive red rock views that make it one of the most unique trails in Sedona. I cover the terrain, difficulty, who this ride is best suited for, and what riders should realistically expect before attempting it.If you're planning a mountain bike trip to Sedona and wondering whether Hangover Trail belongs on your ride list, this episode gives you an honest look at one of the most iconic and intimidating rides in the area.Full ride guide and details:https://bestmountainbikerides.com/mountain-bike-rides/hangover-at-sedona/

The Monarch Crest Trail is widely considered one of the best mountain bike rides near Salida, Colorado — and in this episode of Trail Notes, I break down what makes it such an iconic high-alpine experience.Riding along the Continental Divide at over 11,000 feet, the Monarch Crest delivers massive views, sustained climbing at elevation, and long, rewarding descents like Silver Creek and Fooses Creek. I cover trail difficulty, shuttle logistics, fitness expectations, seasonal timing, and who this ride is truly best suited for.If you're planning a Salida mountain bike trip and want honest insight into whether the Monarch Crest belongs on your itinerary, this episode gives you the full picture.Full ride guide and details:https://bestmountainbikerides.com/mountain-bike-rides/monarch-crest-trail-salida/

The 401 Trail is often considered the best ride in Crested Butte, Colorado — and in this episode of Trail Notes, I break down exactly why.From the steady climb up Gothic Road to the high-alpine singletrack lined with wildflowers, the 401 delivers classic Colorado scenery and a long, rewarding descent that makes the effort worthwhile. I cover trail difficulty, elevation, who this ride is best suited for, seasonal timing, parking logistics, and what to realistically expect from one of the most iconic mountain bike rides in the country.Full ride guide and details:The 401 Trail is often considered the best ride in Crested Butte, Colorado — and in this episode of Trail Notes, I break down exactly why.From the steady climb up Gothic Road to the high-alpine singletrack lined with wildflowers, the 401 delivers classic Colorado scenery and a long, rewarding descent that makes the effort worthwhile. I cover trail difficulty, elevation, who this ride is best suited for, seasonal timing, parking logistics, and what to realistically expect from one of the most iconic mountain bike rides in the country.Full ride guide and details:https://bestmountainbikerides.com/mountain-bike-rides/trail-401-loop/

After spending a full month mountain biking in Sedona, AZ, this episode breaks down the best mountain bike rides in the area — not just the famous ones, but the trails that truly stand out after repeated laps and real-world riding.I cover Bell Rock Vista, the Sedona Beginner Loop, Courthouse Loop, Slim Shady, Twin Buttes Loop, and the iconic Hangover Trail, along with who each ride is best suited for. I also share practical insights on dispersed camping, traffic and trailhead parking, whether you really need a car, the best months to ride, and what living and riding in Sedona is actually like beyond a quick weekend trip.If you're planning a Sedona mountain bike trip and want honest, experience-based guidance, this episode gives you the full picture.Full ride guides, maps, and town details: https://bestmountainbikerides.com/town/sedona-az/

A year-end Trail Notes recap of my favorite mountain bike rides and towns from 2025, based on months spent riding, traveling, and living on the road.This episode looks back at standout destinations like Moab, Fruita, Salida, Gunnison, Twin Lakes, and Crested Butte — each offering a different style of riding, from slickrock and desert flow to high-alpine singletrack. Rather than ranking trails by hype, this recap focuses on what actually made these places special to ride in real conditions, across multiple days and seasons.If you’re planning future mountain bike trips or looking for proven riding destinations, this episode pulls together the biggest takeaways from a full year of riding across the western U.S.Full trail guides, town pages, and ride details: https://bestmountainbikerides.com/

A Trail Notes overview of mountain biking in Brevard, North Carolina — a town I’ve called home for nearly 20 years and one of the deepest, most diverse riding destinations in the U.S.Brevard sits at the gateway to DuPont State Recreational Forest and Pisgah National Forest, offering everything from smooth, flowy singletrack to rugged, technical backcountry riding. Highlights include the iconic Ridgeline Trail, along with classic routes like Black Mountain Loop, Farlow Gap, and John Rock.Most trails have recovered from Hurricane Helene, with only a few still under repair. Camping options exist but dispersed camping is limited, and rangers actively enforce the 14-day stay limit in Pisgah National Forest.Full trail guides, maps, and local riding details:https://bestmountainbikerides.com/town/brevard-nc/

A short Trail Notes overview of mountain biking in Fruita, Colorado — one of the most approachable desert riding destinations in the U.S. Flow trails, easy logistics, and why Fruita is often a better option than Moab for many riders.More details, maps, and ride guides:https://bestmountainbikerides.com/town/fruita-co/

Canyon, Texas sits just outside Palo Duro Canyon State Park and offers some of the most unexpected mountain biking scenery in the state.In this short Trail Notes episode, I cover what the riding around Palo Duro Canyon actually feels like, who it’s best suited for, and what to know before you ride — including terrain, difficulty, and conditions.This audio overview is part of BestMountainBikeRides.com, where you’ll find detailed town and ride breakdowns, maps, and local tips.