If you love biking, then you’re in luck because Steamboat Springs, CO is recognized as a GOLD level bicycle community by the League of American Bicyclists. What does that mean? Well, it means that Steamboat Springs is celebrated for its bike trails, bike lanes, organized rides, share the road campaigns, Bike to Work Day events, and all sorts of other initiatives that prioritize biking for transportation and recreation. That’s right — you’re planning a trip to “Bike Town USA!”

To help you get the most out of your visit to Steamboat, we put together a short-list of our many bike-friendly day trips that have it all — the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Colorado!

Flash of Gold Trail

About the Trail

Flash of Gold trail is a 10.5-mile mountain bike-required journey featuring gorgeous views of wildflowers, ferns, and aspens — all of your favorites when it comes to western American wildlife. If you go at the right time of year, you’ll also see the red and gold autumn leaves. You can expect more hikers than mountain bikers, but in general, Flash of Gold is only moderately trafficked with a well-controlled gradient. There are multiple sets of challenging switchbacks and a 1,250-ft. elevation gain.

How to get there

To get to the Flash of Gold trailhead, you’ll want to exit downtown Steamboat Springs on RCR 36. Then, take Colorado Road 38 for Buffalo Pass. After six miles, the trailhead on the opposite side of Dry Lake Campground. You’ve arrived!

Yampa Valley Core Trail

About the Trail

This 7.5-mile paved trail runs directly through the heart of Steamboat Springs alongside the Yampa River. It’s a reasonably straightforward path from one side of town with plenty of parks and attractions to stop at along the way. It’s the perfect day trip for bikers of all ages and experience levels!

One pit stop along the Yampa Valley Core Trail is the Yampa River Botanic Park, a sanctuary of gardens, ponds, sculpted art, beautiful flowers, and native trees. Back on the trail, you’ll bike over quaint wooden bridges and streams filled with rainbow trout. You’ll have access to fishing spots, river tubing, picnic spots, scenic overlooks, and more. Additionally, you’ll be able to reach the Bud Werner Memorial Library and plenty of delicious restaurants (view a dining directory!).

How to get there

Parking for the Yampa Valley Core Trail is near Little Toots Park on 12th street by the ballpark at Howelsen Parkway, Pamela Lane, and Tree Haus Road. The trail itself runs parallel to US 40 off of Lincoln Avenue.

Emerald Mountain Loop

About the Trail

Want to try something a little longer that you can still get done in one day? The Emerald Mountain Loop is a clockwise looping journey of 27.9 miles that takes about 2-3 hours to complete. It’s moderately difficult and ascends 2120 ft. with a maximum elevation of 7765 ft. The terrain is mostly smooth, although there are some rocks along the way and a couple more challenging sections. You can expect to encounter hikers, bikers, equestrians, and dogs, so be cautious coming around blind corners or when descending steeply.

How to get there

You’ll want to go west on 13th Street and get onto CR 33 (Twentymile Road) from downtown Steamboat Springs. Go left on CR 43 and follow the dirt road back around Emerald Mountain. Eventually, bear right into CR 41 and descent toward Hilton Gulch Schoolhouse. Turn left and continue till you merge with CR 35. Turn left on CF 14 (River Road) leading back toward town.

As we said, Steamboat Springs is your very own Bike Town USA — the perfect place for adults and kids to go rolling down dirt roads, gravel roads, and pavement. If you’re planning your next bike trip, stay with Nomadness Rentals. You’ll be conveniently situated nearby all the best trails, nature destinations, and of course, downtown Steamboat itself!