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Steamboat Magazine

Spring on Wheels

04/05/2014 11:01AM ● By Christina Freeman

Moots employee Nate Bradley pedals up a hill on Routt County Road 33. Photo courtesy Moots

Biking

Mountain passes, rolling hills, low traffic and big views make Steamboat Springs an undiscovered gem for road riding. Steamboat isn’t locked into a box canyon or divided by a major highway, and has a lower starting elevation of about 6,700 feet, letting you ride all day. 

River Road (RCR 14): Ride along the Yampa River and take in views of the Ski Area.

Twentymile Road: Bike miles of rolling ranchland in this out- and-back that can be linked with other roads for longer loops. 

Elk River Road (RCR 129): Pedal along the meandering river, past historic ranches and into Clark or further.

Family Ride

Take the kids on the 7.5-mile Yampa River Core Trail, which links the mountain area to West Steamboat. The trail passes by Rotary Park (an ADA-accessible park with boardwalks, fishing platforms, interpretive signage and picnic spots), ponds, public art, the Yampa River Botanic Park, Howelsen Hill Sports Complex, kayaking playholes and downtown shops and dining.

Mountain Biking

The first singletrack trails to open include the Mad Creek Trail and the Hot Springs Trail, both accessed from Elk River Road (RCR 129). Check with local bike shops to be sure trails are dry.

Tricks and Jumps

Work on your moves at the 950-foot BMX track downtown at the base of Howelsen Hill, the pump track in Ski Time Square and the Bear River Bike Park, along the Yampa River at the west end of town. All are free and open to the public. www.steamboatbiketown.com