Mesa Verde Country, Colorado: The Southwest’s Next Great Mountain Biking Destination by 30Seconds Travel

Mountain biking enthusiasts seeking the next great destination for their sport need look no further than Mesa Verde Country in Southwest Colorado. From single tracks to challenging climbs in the San Juan Mountains, Mesa Verde Country offers more than 600 miles of trails that traverse slick rock, old-growth forest and even ancient ruins.

Spring, summer and fall are the best times to ride, but winter fat tire biking makes Mesa Verde Country a year-round mountain biking destination. The higher elevations of the mesas and mountain trails offer incredible views, as well as relief from mid-summer heat for those who choose to come during warm weather months.

• Favorite trails include Sand Canyon Trail in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument – possibly the only place in the world that riders can tackle single track and slick rock while riding past ancient cliff dwellings! 

• Phil’s World Trail System boasts 60 miles of mind-blowing trails, and is located just 6 miles from Cortez. It has the perfect mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails and is quickly becoming one of Colorado’s most popular mountain biking spots (but without the crowds!).

• Boggy Draw is another favorite that’s located near Dolores. The Boggy Draw Loop is fairly mellow and 9 miles long – perfect for family riding.

• To work up a real sweat, check out the 13-mile Bean Canyon Loop.

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