Biking

Our national forests offer mountain bikers miles of roads and trails on which to ride. There are wide, quiet roads for beginners to get acquainted with their bikes and there are challenging, arduous trails that will test the advanced rider.

If you plan to strike out on your own to explore with your bike, it would be wise to buy a National Forest map. Please respect the rights of private landowners and always ask permission before you ride on their land. Also, be aware of the wilderness boundaries when you are riding on the trails. Bicycles are not allowed in the wilderness areas.

Remember to wear protective gear when riding your mountain bike: helmet, gloves and sturdy shoes. Also plan on taking food, water, sunscreen and a basic tool kit on all of your outings. Always maintain control of your bicycle and be ready to stop. Watch for traffic on forest roads. Be aware of hikers and livestock along trails. As a courtesy, please step your bicycle off the downhill side of the trail and allow livestock to pass. Some stock may be afraid of your bicycle, so stay in plain view and speak softly.

Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors on your national forests. View the wildlife and the scenery. Keep in mind that the forests and meadows are fragile lands, so please practice low impact, tread lightly techniques.

E-Biking

Emerging technologies such as e-bikes are changing the way people enjoy their visits to national forests and grasslands. Today, more than 60,000 miles of trails and thousands of miles of roads on national forests and grasslands are currently open to e-bike use. As use trends change with time and new technologies, the way we manage lands to ensure their long-term health and resilience must change as well. This is why we have clarified our policy on e-bikes and are encouraging local Forest Service decision makers to expand access to recreation opportunities on our forests and grasslands in ways that meet user needs while continuing to protect forest resources.

• Where are e-bikes currently allowed on national forests and grasslands?
  • Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are allowed on motorized trails and roads on national forests and grasslands. Additionally, several year-round resorts operating under a special use permit have established e-bike use within their permit boundary.
    • Local Forest Service officials may consider new opportunities for e-bike use on non-motorized trails and in non-motorized areas by utilizing a designation process in accordance with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR Part 212, Subpart B). Designations involve appropriate environmental analysis, public involvement, and local decision-making.
  • Did the Forest Service change its policy related to e-bikes?
    • The Forest Service finalized its directives that clarify how e-bikes are managed on national forests and grasslands. The directives clarify the definition of an e-bike and identifies e-bikes under three classes of motor vehicles. They also provide needed guidance to field units under existing Travel Management Rule definitions, and reinforce criteria needed to designate roads, trails and areas for e-bikes use. Before a decision to expand use of e-bike on specific national forests and grasslands, the unit must first conduct the appropriate environmental analysis and public engagement, just like any other project that alters the use of the land.
  • How will expanding e-bike use on national forests and grasslands improve access for more Americans?
    • The Forest Service has a long tradition of multiple uses and supporting access to the public land the agency manages. Simply put, e-bikes allow more people to enjoy their national forests and grasslands. The technology has the potential to include older Americans and attract more diverse users to explore their public land in a socially and ecologically responsible way.

Mountain Biking

Whether you are looking for an easy afternoon ride or a challenging chain-breaking opportunity, tour national forests are the go-to place for mountain biking. Just remember, many of these trails are used by hikers and horseback riders so please make sure to think of your safety and the safety of others as you travel.

Wear protective gear when riding your mountain bike: helmet, gloves and sturdy shoes. Also plan on taking food, water, sunscreen and a basic tool kit on all of your outings. 

Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors on your national forests. View the wildlife and the scenery. Keep in mind that the forests and meadows are fragile lands, so please practice low impact, tread lightly techniques.

There are many, many miles of trails and roads accessible by mountain bike on our national forests. Many single- track backcountry trails offer riders of all levels of experience a wide variety of riding terrain. Pedal along our many numbered roads and trails, except in wilderness areas or other trails as posted. 

• If you plan to strike out on your own to explore with your bike, it would be wise to buy a National Forest map. Please respect the rights of private landowners and always ask permission before you ride on their land. Also, be aware of the wilderness boundaries when you are riding on the trails. Bicycles are not allowed in the wilderness areas.
• Always maintain control of your bicycle and be ready to stop. Watch for traffic on forest roads. Be aware of hikers and livestock along trails. As a courtesy, please step your bicycle off the downhill side of the trail and allow livestock to pass. Some stock may be afraid of your bicycle, so stay in plain view and speak softly.
• Some roads could be closed temporarily or permanently to protect against further damage to wetland and aquatic resources and halt damage to soil, water and vegetation resources. The intent of road closures is to balance popular public use with the sustainability of natural resources.
  • Closed roads will be posted. Not all bicycle trails are open to off-highway vehicle use. Go to your forest or grassland website for a map of bike trails.
  • Wilderness areas are off-limits to all vehicles, including bicycles.
  • Comply with signs and barriers and leave gates as you found them.
  • Some trails cross private property and are subject to deed restrictions, which prohibit vehicular travel of any kind.
  • Respect public and private property by practicing minimum impact cycling.
• Protect the environment
  • Stay on trails and roads designated for use. Cutting switchbacks, creating hill climbs and riding in undesignated areas cause erosion, loss of wildlife habitat and other natural resource damage. Repairs cost tax dollars and citations cost you dollars.
  • Minimize erosion by staying on trails and not cutting switchbacks.
  • Avoid wet, muddy areas as they are more susceptible to erosion. Meadows, lake shores, stream banks and vegetation are easily damaged.
  • Do not ride on snow-covered roads
  • Do not disturb wildlife or livestock.
  • Teach new riders trail etiquette—lead by example.
  • Don’t litter. Pack out more than your share.
• Ride safely, stay in control
  • The forest is for everyone. Be considerate of hikers and equestrians.
  • Always wear a protective helmet and other gear.
  • Ride single file in the middle of the trail to avoid widening the trail.
  • Yield right-of-way to other trail users. Horses spook when they see an unfamiliar object, especially one that moves quickly and quietly.
  • Slow down and use caution when passing others. If necessary, dismount your vehicle or bicycle on the downhill side and wait for horses and hikers to pass.
  • Control your speed at all times and approach turns in anticipation of someone around the bend. Reckless riding and high downhill speeds are not appropriate.
• Be prepared
  • Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
  • Don’t ride alone. Tell someone where you plan to ride and then stick to your plans.
  • Don’t take unnecessary chances—help for emergencies may be miles away.
  • Make sure you have a first aid kit and other safety gear with you when riding in the forest.

Road Cycling

Cycling is a great way to travel through National Forest System lands. Our national forests offer remote, winding roads and mountain pass, ideal for slowly absorbing the beauty of southwestern Colorado as you pedal your road or mountain bike

Other info

• Bicycling is permitted on many forest roads in the US Forest Service, but there are restrictions. 

   

• Permitted areas
  • Roads: Bicycles are generally allowed on open forest roads, unless posted as closed
  • Trails: Bicycles are allowed on many trails, but not all
  • Horse trails: Bicycles are generally allowed on horse trails
• Restrictions
  • Wilderness areas: Bicycles are not allowed in Wilderness Areas, even if they are located within a forest
  • Hiking-only trails: Bicycles are not allowed on trails designated for hiking only
  • Private property: Some trails cross private property and are subject to deed restrictions
  • Electric bikes: Electric bikes (e-bikes) are considered motor vehicles and may not be allowed on all forest roads and trails
• Tips
  • Check the forest or grassland website for a map of bike trails
  • Comply with signs and barriers
  • Leave gates as you found them
  • Avoid riding trails during wet weather
  • Be careful and alert for traffic, including logging trucks

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