The Monarch Crest Trail is widely considered one of the best mountain bike rides near Salida, Colorado — and in this episode of Trail Notes, I break down what makes it such an iconic high-alpine experience.

Riding along the Continental Divide at over 11,000 feet, the Monarch Crest delivers massive views, sustained climbing at elevation, and long, rewarding descents like Silver Creek and Fooses Creek. I cover trail difficulty, shuttle logistics, fitness expectations, seasonal timing, and who this ride is truly best suited for.

If you're planning a Salida mountain bike trip and want honest insight into whether the Monarch Crest belongs on your itinerary, this episode gives you the full picture.

Full ride guide and details:

https://bestmountainbikerides.com/mountain-bike-rides/monarch-crest-trail-salida/

The 401 Trail is often considered the best ride in Crested Butte, Colorado — and in this episode of Trail Notes, I break down exactly why.

From the steady climb up Gothic Road to the high-alpine singletrack lined with wildflowers, the 401 delivers classic Colorado scenery and a long, rewarding descent that makes the effort worthwhile. I cover trail difficulty, elevation, who this ride is best suited for, seasonal timing, parking logistics, and what to realistically expect from one of the most iconic mountain bike rides in the country.

Full ride guide and details:

The 401 Trail is often considered the best ride in Crested Butte, Colorado — and in this episode of Trail Notes, I break down exactly why.

From the steady climb up Gothic Road to the high-alpine singletrack lined with wildflowers, the 401 delivers classic Colorado scenery and a long, rewarding descent that makes the effort worthwhile. I cover trail difficulty, elevation, who this ride is best suited for, seasonal timing, parking logistics, and what to realistically expect from one of the most iconic mountain bike rides in the country.

Full ride guide and details:

https://bestmountainbikerides.com/mountain-bike-rides/trail-401-loop/

After spending a full month mountain biking in Sedona, AZ, this episode breaks down the best mountain bike rides in the area — not just the famous ones, but the trails that truly stand out after repeated laps and real-world riding.

A year-end Trail Notes recap of my favorite mountain bike rides and towns from 2025, based on months spent riding, traveling, and living on the road.

This episode looks back at standout destinations like Moab, Fruita, Salida, Gunnison, Twin Lakes, and Crested Butte — each offering a different style of riding, from slickrock and desert flow to high-alpine singletrack. Rather than ranking trails by hype, this recap focuses on what actually made these places special to ride in real conditions, across multiple days and seasons.

If you’re planning future mountain bike trips or looking for proven riding destinations, this episode pulls together the biggest takeaways from a full year of riding across the western U.S.

Full trail guides, town pages, and ride details: https://bestmountainbikerides.com/

A Trail Notes overview of mountain biking in Brevard, North Carolina — a town I’ve called home for nearly 20 years and one of the deepest, most diverse riding destinations in the U.S.

Brevard sits at the gateway to DuPont State Recreational Forest and Pisgah National Forest, offering everything from smooth, flowy singletrack to rugged, technical backcountry riding. Highlights include the iconic Ridgeline Trail, along with classic routes like Black Mountain Loop, Farlow Gap, and John Rock.

Most trails have recovered from Hurricane Helene, with only a few still under repair. Camping options exist but dispersed camping is limited, and rangers actively enforce the 14-day stay limit in Pisgah National Forest.

Full trail guides, maps, and local riding details:

https://bestmountainbikerides.com/town/brevard-nc/

A short Trail Notes overview of mountain biking in Fruita, Colorado — one of the most approachable desert riding destinations in the U.S. Flow trails, easy logistics, and why Fruita is often a better option than Moab for many riders.

More details, maps, and ride guides:

https://bestmountainbikerides.com/town/fruita-co/

Canyon, Texas sits just outside Palo Duro Canyon State Park and offers some of the most unexpected mountain biking scenery in the state.

In this short Trail Notes episode, I cover what the riding around Palo Duro Canyon actually feels like, who it’s best suited for, and what to know before you ride — including terrain, difficulty, and conditions.

This audio overview is part of BestMountainBikeRides.com, where you’ll find detailed town and ride breakdowns, maps, and local tips.