As a newbie to Mountain Biking & with so many trail options available in Grand County, it can be overwhelming to find a trail that will help you build your confidence & skill on the trail. We took the guess work out of it, and picked our top 3 beginner Mountain Bike Trails in Winter Park.
Stop by Epic Mountain Sports for maps, trail advice and Winter Park's Best Bike Rentals.
Fraser River Trail
- Location: Winter Park - Fraser
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 5.5 miles
Get there: You're on it - no really from Epic all you need to do is step out the front door! In town the trail is just the sidewalk as you head out of town stay on our side of the street and look for Beaver Village Lodge. At the lodge the trail picks up and becomes a wide paved trail, stay on this all the way up to Winter Park Resort.
The family friendly Fraser River Trail is the perfect choice for a relaxing & beautiful ride for riders of all levels. The paved trail runs from Winter Park resort to the town of Winter Park and continues on all the way to the town of Granby. The section we're going to tell you about is the 2 mile stretch from the Resort to town. This trail has only a mild uphill grade as you ride towards the resort but you're rewarded with a fun coast back down the trail to town. Finish with a margarita at the Ditch restaurant, located directly above our shop.
Givelo Northwest Passage
- Location: Fraser
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: About 5 Miles
Get There: From Epic head towards the town of Fraser at the stoplight next to Safeway turn when you come to the tubing hills turn left. At the stop sign turn right onto CR 73, continue until you see the High Stampede Rodeo Arena park here and jump on the Givelo Trail.
This is the perfect "get your feet wet" trail to start cross country riding, it's also a great trail for kids to join. A primarily flat trail with virtually no climbs and only minor obstacles (a few tree roots and rutted out spots) allow for a beautiful "intro to mountain biking" experience! From the rodeo grounds start out on the Givelo Trail, you will cross CR 50S and then continue on Givelo. The Givelo trail ends at Northwest Passage where you will take a right and ride on through a beautiful pine forest. When you hit CR 50 at the end of the Northwest Passage trail it's time to turn around and head back the way you came.
Get There: From Epic head towards the town of Fraser at the stoplight next to Safeway turn when you come to the tubing hills turn left. At the stop sign turn right onto CR 73, continue until you see the High Stampede Rodeo Arena park here and jump on the Givelo Trail.
Creekside/ Flume Loop
- Location: Fraser
- Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
- Miles: 5.3
Get There: From Epic take Hwy 40 (main street) to the stoplight at the Safeway shopping center in Fraser and turn left. After you cross over the railroad tracks turn right. When you come to the stop sign on CR 73 turn left, continue on the road for about 2 miles. When you see signage for St. Louis Creek Campground turn left into that parking lot, access the trail from the parking lot.
Creekside Flume is a great loop for more beginner - intermediate mountain bike riding that offers great views of creeks and beaver ponds. Creekside starts as a 2 track that turns into single track. The single track section of the trail involves more technical riding as you navigate loose gravel, large rocks & quick turns. When you reach FS 159 veer left and look for the Flume trail...this is the fun part. The Flume trail descends at a moderate grade that will have you smiling as you twist through wooded forest & open meadows. A scenic overlook near the end of the trail provides excellent views of Byers Peak & St. Louis Creek. When you've had your fill of beauty continue onto the Chainsaw trail then turn left to take a bridge across the creek. One more left after the bridge then follow the road back to St. Louis Creek Campground where you started.
