Ride in the Rockies on roadways, canyons, & high country mountain trails year-round
Some of the best and most unique road and mountain bike adventures await you in Mesa Verde Country®.
From paved roadways to numerous canyon and mountain trails, you will cycle among Ancestral Puebloan sites or climb the challenging high country of the San Juan Mountains.
Rides are possible at all levels, and range from easy jaunts to backcountry adventures. Spring, summer, and fall are great times to ride, but even mid-winter-trips are possible in the canyons. Bicycle rentals, equipment, and repair are available in the area. Additional information on bicycle routes is also available at the San Juan Ranger district in Dolores and retail outlets throughout the area.
As you cycle through Mesa Verde Country®, please remember these precautions and bicycling ethics:
- Ride bikes only on the road and designated routes to prevent damage to the ecosystem and lower elevation crptogamic soils.
- Do not disturb wildlife or livestock.
- Respect public and private property including trail signs, no trespassing signs, and fences.
- As you pass through gates, leave them as you find them either open or closed.
- Do not litter, pack out what you pack in.
- All archaeological and historic sites and artifacts are protected by Federal law. Please do not disturb sites.
- Use appropriate safety equipment (helmet).
- Carry adequate drinking water; 2 quarts minimum on longer rides.
- Because there are many side routes and trails in these areas, the map and route suggestions provided here should be used with USGS topo maps, compass, and odometer.
- Do not travel alone, and leave word of your destination and time when you expect to return.
- Carry tools, tire repair kit, and pump. There is very little vehicular traffic on some routes, so a breakdown would mean a long walk.
Riding through golden aspens on a crisp fall day is just one of the many outdoor adventures available while biking in Mesa Verde Country®! Biking is available year round, even during our mild, sunny winters.
Biking maps showing biking trails and descriptions in Mesa Verde Country® are available as a single download (9.7 MB .pdf) or in sections, as described below:
Biking maps and trails, Part 1 (4MB .pdf):
- Railroad Loop - East of Mancos
- Dolores River Canyon - North of Dove Creek
- Phil's World - East of Cortez
Part 1 includes Map A and Map B
Biking maps and trails, Part 2 (2.3MB .pdf):
- Aspen Loop/Windy Gap - North of Mancos
- Chicken Creek/ Rim Trail Loop - North of Mancos
- Calico/Priest Gulch Loop - Dolores River Valley
- Stoner Mesa Trail Loop - West Fork of the Dolores
- Goble Loop Trail - West Fork of the Dolores
- Boggy Draw Trail - North of Dolores
- Bean Canyon Loop - North of Dolores
- Maverick's Loop - North of Dolores
- Italian Canyon Loop - North of Dolores
Part 3 includes Map C