Overview
Beaver Creek offers a network of great intermediate, family and cross-country mountain biking trails when it is not operating as a ski resort. The trails vary from wide open service roads with moderate grades to steeper single track with some sections of expert level riding. There are no extreme downhill trails, but some of the single track runs offer plenty of excitement. Often wildlife such as deer, fox and porcupine can be found along the trails, especially in late afternoon. Fall is a great time to ride as the lower mountain is covered in beautiful aspen forests.Trail maps are available at the resort, or you can use Latitude 40's Vail and Eagle Valley Map, or Trails Illustrated #121. Both are available in local outdoor shops for around $10.
Lift serviced riding is available on the Centennial Express out of Beaver Creek's main village starting Memorial Day weekend. Typical lift schedule is weekends only from Memorial Day Weekend until Mid-June, then daily until Labor Day. After Labor Day weekend only lift service runs until around the first weekend of October. Hours of operation are 9.30am until 4pm.
Cross-country riding is allowed anytime. Basically as long as the snow is melted you can ride regardless of lift operation. The resort lies in Colorado's White River National Forest.
Getting There
Access to Beaver Creek is provided via I-70 at exit 167: Avon. From the exit follow Avon Road through several roundabouts to US Highway 6. You can either drive up to the village from this point or continue west on US 6 for 1.5 miles to a traffic light and shuttled parking.Red Tape
Beaver Creek is a gated resort, however, in the summer village parking is free and there are usually no issues getting to park there unless there is a festival.For lift serviced riding a lift ticket is required that includes a bike haul. Prices vary from year to year, but they are posting their current rate for a full day unlimited riding with bike haul on their website as $25 for adults and children at $18.
Hand brakes are required on Beaver Creek Mountain. Please walk your bike when in the village. There is a 20MPH speed limit on the mountain.
Beaver Creek Mountain is a multi-use area and hikers and equestrian riders may be encountered. Always yield to other users. Maintenance and contruction vehicles may also be encountered on the service roads.
Sample of Trails
Cross Country TrailsCinch: 4 1/4 miles one way - 2100 vertical feet
Mainly used by cross country riders as an ascent trail, this trail rises from the main village to the top of the Centennial Express. It is wide and well graded and makes for an excellent work out. Finishes at Spruce Saddle (10,200')
Village to PHQ Hill Climb: 7 1/4 miles one way - 3340 vertical feet
Starting at the base of the Centennial Express, follow the Cinch trail to Spruce Saddle at the top of the lift. Zig Zag and additional 3 miles and 1240' to Patrol Headquarters. Bring plenty of water for this one, the elevation at the end of the trail is 11,440' above sea level.
Singletrack
Rose Pedal: 2 miles - Intermediate
A good intermediate single track that is not too technical. Begins at Spruce Saddle at the top of the Centennial Express and winds a descent path through the pine trees and ski runs of the Rose Bowl. Rejoins Cinch where you can continue your descent to the main village.
Corkscrew: 5 miles - Advanced/Expert
This is Beaver Creek's premier single track run and the most difficult mountain biking trail on the mountain. Most accomplished downhill riders will wonder what all the fuss is about, but for intermediate riders the tight switchbacks and steep grades will present quite a challenge.
Allie's Way: 1 mile - Intermediate
Starting just below Allie's Cabin along the Cinch road is a great low-intermediate single track that cuts across the mountain to Red Tail Camp. This trail is great for creating loops on the mountain and is not technical. A great way to get your feet wet in the world of singletrack without much commitment.
Grand Tours
Village to Village
For those looking for a great all day cross country tour, try your hands at the Village to Village trail. The trail works best by starting at the shuttle lot, biking to the village up the paved bike path and continuing on the road to the start of the lower Beaver Lake Trail. Continue up the service road for 1 1/4 miles to the turn for the Village to Village trail. You will pass through pine and aspen forests then multi-million dollar mansions as you pass through Bachelor Gulch Village towards the slopes of Arrowhead. Here you will finish on a nicely graded service road descent to Arrowhead Village. Bike along US 6 back to the parking area. Along the way there are benches and overlook decks that make for a perfect break or picnic spot while you enjoy the views!
Variations are available to increase the climbing, such as taking Beano's Hill Climb or Daybreak Ridge to Primrose to the top of Arrowhead.
Additional Information
Bikes can be rented at Beaver Creek Mountain at the base of the Centennial Chair or from Venture Sports in Avon, CO (888) 825-VAIL.Lodging is available in Avon or at Beaver Creek, summer rates are more reasonable than those during ski season.
Local bike shops in Eagle Vail, Minturn and Edwards can help you out with any gear or repair needs.
Beaver Creek's elevation ranges from 7400' (Arrowhead Village) to 11,440' (Patrol Headquarters). Come prepared for high altitude! Bring plenty of water and sunscreen and don't overdo it your first day if coming from lower elevations. The trails may not be steep or techincal, but they are strenuous due to the altitude.
External Links
Resort Main Page: Beaver CreekRentals: Venture Sports
Nearest Bike Shop: Pedal Power
When to Ride
Most of Beaver Creek Mountain is north facing and can take a while to melt out in the Spring. Usually by Memorial Day Weekend the lifts are fired up for summer and the trails are starting to melt.The best times to ride are summer and fall, especially fall if you like the beauty of the Aspen leaves when they turn gold. Typically that will last for a week or two around mid September. It seems that the first snows fall in October, but don't stick around too long, by November the resort is firing up the snowmaking guns and ski season is starting.
I would say that in general riding season is June 1 to Oct 1, but can stretch in either direction depending on snow conditions. As I live at the bottom of the resort, I will keep track of conditions in the "Current Conditions" sections.