Where to ride for free near Purgatory
Skip the lift and follow these free mountain biking trails
Southwest Colorado and the Purgatory area are home to some of the best biking in the country, and some of the most unique mountain biking in the world.
Purgatory is home to the Purgatory Bike Park, with a high-speed six-seater chairlift that ferries bikers and their bikes to the top of the mountain, opening up more than a dozen carefully constructed downhill mountain bike trails. Lift tickets are $49 in advance, $59 day-of, with half-day and some evening options.
Looking for great free mountain biking near Purgatory? You’re in luck–there are hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails, dirt roads, and multiple-use paths. These trails take riders along gurgling streams, through ethereal aspen forests, and into a truly unique setting–the high alpine of the San Juan Mountains.
Ready to learn about some free mountain biking near Purgatory? Read on to find out more.
Hermosa Creek Trail
Distance: 20 miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Description: This trail offers beautiful scenery, including meadows, forests, and a creek. It's a long and challenging ride that rewards with stunning views and varied terrain.
Engineer Mountain Trail
Distance: 6 miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Description: A shorter but still challenging trail that features incredible alpine scenery. The trail starts near Coal Bank Pass and offers a thrilling ride down to the bottom.
Pass Creek Trail
Distance: 4 miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Description: A steep and technical trail that rewards with great views and a fun descent. It connects with other trails like the Engineer Mountain Trail.
Cascade Creek Trail
Distance: 9 miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Description: This trail provides a scenic ride along Cascade Creek with several waterfall views along the way. It’s less technical but offers a beautiful backcountry experience.
Colorado Trail (segments 25 and 26)
Distance: Segment 25 is about 20 miles, and Segment 26 is around 10 miles.
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Description: These segments of the famous Colorado Trail offer high-altitude riding with spectacular views, alpine meadows, and challenging terrain.
Jones/Dutch Creek Loop
Distance: 13.4 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Description: A loop trail that offers a mix of singletrack and old jeep roads. It’s known for its beautiful views and varied terrain.
7. White Creek Trail
Distance: About 8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Intermediate
Description: This trail offers a scenic ride with moderate climbs and descents, featuring beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
8. Kendall Mountain
Distance: Approximately 10 miles round trip
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Description: This trail climbs up Kendall Mountain, offering challenging switchbacks and rewarding riders with panoramic views of Silverton and the San Juan Mountains.
9. Cement Creek Trail
Distance: About 7 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Description: A scenic trail that follows Cement Creek, offering a mix of singletrack and doubletrack sections with moderate climbs and descents.
10. Stony Pass
Distance: Varies (The pass itself is about 16 miles from Silverton)
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Description: A high-altitude route that offers stunning views and a challenging ride. It can be combined with other trails for a longer adventure.
These trails provide a mix of technical challenges, beautiful scenery, and exhilarating descents, making the area around Purgatory a great destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. Always check trail conditions and access restrictions before heading out, and make sure to be prepared for high-altitude riding.
Where to rent bikes near Purgatory
Rent the latest high-end mountain bikes in Purgatory at Brimstone Bikes. Staffed by pros with decades of local riding experience, Brimstone has rentals, sales, sound advice, and everything you need for a day of mountain biking near Purgatory. Contact them today.