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 a...

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-bik...

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 mi...

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 ter...

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 ri...

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 Cr...

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 suit...

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...

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...

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 Ri...

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 BestMountainBikeRide...