RIDING TYPE | ◆︎◆︎ Expert

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | July – August

Embark on an Unforgettable Crested Butte Singletrack Adventure

For the seasoned singletrack aficionado seeking the ultimate challenge, Western Spirit Cycling presents our Crested Butte Singletrack Mountain Bike Trip. Dive into the heart of the Elk Mountains, where Crested Butte, at a whopping 8,885 feet, stands as the birthplace of modern mountain biking and home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Our meticulously crafted 5-day itinerary unlocks an unparalleled network of technical singletrack, featuring classic rides amidst towering peaks and vibrant wildflowers. Prepare for exhilarating climbs and epic descents at altitudes ranging from 9,000 to 11,500 feet. This expert-level mountain bike tour demands significant singletrack experience and peak physical condition, promising unrivaled views and an unforgettable Colorado alpine biking adventure.

Since 1990, Western Spirit Cycling has specialized in complex, remote expeditions. Our unwavering reliability means you can focus solely on conquering Crested Butte's legendary trails with confidence.

Ultimate Expert Challenge & 11,500 ft Alpine Singletrack

This Guided Crested Butte Singletrack Tour is tailored for Expert riders seeking the ultimate challenge, featuring:

  • Ultimate Expert-Level Challenge: Ride very difficult singletrack on narrow, steep mountain trails at elevations between 9,000 and 11,500 feet. Expect physically demanding ascents and rewarding descents along steep ridges with exhilarating exposure.
  • Iconic Crested Butte Trails: Conquer renowned trails like Teocalli Ridge, Snodgrass, Lupine, and Strand Hill, exploring a vast network of the most "buffed" and beautiful singletrack worldwide.
  • High-Altitude Alpine Immersion: Experience true high-altitude cycling through breathtaking alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, surrounded by the majestic Elk Mountains.
  • Fully Supported: Seamless support at cozy campsites ensures your multi-day cycling trip is worry-free, despite riding trails with no vehicle support.

Planning Your Crested Butte Expedition: Essential Details

This Crested Butte singletrack bike trip is rated Expert due to very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails. It demands a high level of skill and fitness. Expect challenging terrain with exposure to falls along steep mountain ridges. While medical help is distant and no vehicle support is available on singletrack, our expert guides are highly trained to manage backcountry situations and ensure safety. Please contact Western Spirit to confirm if this trip is suitable for your experience level. Itineraries are subject to change due to conditions.

Trip Overview: What to Expect from This Expert Challenge

  • Riding Difficulty: Very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails. High level of skill and fitness required. Expect riding along steep mountain ridges with exposure to falls.
  • Road Surface: Primarily singletrack on clay-based soil, with some rocky scree crossings.
  • Overall Rating: Expert
  • Technical Difficulty: Difficult (many obstacles and tricky sections).
  • Physical Difficulty: Difficult (due to high altitudes over 10,000 feet, steep climbs, and long unsupported sections).
  • Altitude Range: 9,000 - 11,500 feet.
  • Support: No vehicle support during singletrack sections.
  • Total Mileage: 12-15 miles per day

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Mount Crested Butte, CO
This trip will meet at 8:30 AM MST at Crested Butte Sports Bike & Ski Shop, 35 Emmons Road, Evergreen Condo Building, Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado, 970-349-7516. You will need to spend the night before in Crested Butte.

ENDING TIME

We will return to the bike shop in Mt. Crested Butte between 2:00-3:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO MT. CRESTED BUTTE, CO

Driving
Crested Butte is about 210 miles southwest of Denver, (about a 4.5 hour drive), 155 miles west of Grand Junction (about a 3 hour drive) and 28 miles north of Gunnison, (a half hour drive) on Colorado Rte. #135. There is parking available while you are on the trip.

In the summer months a few alternate routes exist into Crested Butte. Kebler Pass Road opens around Memorial Day. It’s a good gravel road that connects Crested Butte to Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Delta and Grand Junction.

Cottonwood Pass Road offers a fair weather route into the Crested Butte area from the East. Cottonwood begins as Colorado Rte #306 in Buena Vista, heading West off State Hwy. #24. On the East side of Cottonwood Pass, the road has been paved. West of the pass the road can get washboardy and dusty, but the views, as you descend in to Taylor Park make the drive worth while.

Flying into Gunnison, CO
Airport Code: GUC
Gunnison is 28 miles south of Crested Butte. Alpine Express runs shuttles to Crested Butte by reservation only. Call 800-822-4844, www.alpineexpressshuttle.com

Flying into Montrose, CO
Airport Code: MTJ
Montrose is 92 miles from Crested Butte. Alpine Express runs shuttles to Crested Butte by reservation only. Call 800-822-4844.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

We recommend staying right in the town of Crested Butte so that you can walk to all of the restaurants and shops.

Christiana Guesthaus: 970-349-5326, 800-824-7899

Nordic Inn: 800-542-7669, 970-349-5542

Elk Mountain Lodge: 970-349-7533, 800-374-6521

The Inn at Crested Butte: 970-349-2111

The Grand Lodge: 970-349-8000, 888-823-4446
This hotel is next door to the bike shop in Mt. Crested Butte.

TAXI SERVICE

Alpine Express: 970-641-5074 or 800-822-4844

The Mountain Express: 970-349-5616
Free bus service runs from town to Mt. Crested Butte and can accommodate your bike. Check at your hotel for the schedule.

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem. We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: When you arrive for your tour, you will be given a dry bag in which to pack your gear for the trip. Smaller bags may fit, but very large duffels will not.

To pack efficiently in a dry bag, we highly recommend you compartmentalize your clothing and gear into separate bags. Stuff sacks, reusable grocery bags,
etc. in different colors work great for this (example: cycling gear in blue stuff sack, camp clothes in red stuff sack, etc.).

Your dry bag will ride on the Western Spirit support vehicle and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

  • Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be
    away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
  • A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This daypack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ dry bags to pack your gear
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Q: Given the sustained high altitude (9,000 to 11,500 feet) and demanding climbs, are there recommended acclimatization practices? 

  • A: If your able to arrive a day or 2 earlier, it will help with acclimatization, it is not required or guaranteed this course of action will work. Prepare by hydrating, water and electrolytes coming into this trip will help with acclimatization.

Q: Is there a specific protocol or time limit for the climbs on Teocalli Ridge and Deer Creek, or is the pace set by the group and support guide?

  • A: Negative. 2 guides will ride with the group daily, 1 in front and the other bringing up the rear. Via the daily map talks there will be mandatory regroup spots, lunch spot etc. The lead guide will set the pace stopping at these regroup spots to bring everyone back together.
Print This

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping and FAQ page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

Crested Butte Singletrack Mountain Bike Trip

PRICE | $1,645 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

Gallery

See what some of our guest are saying:

This was a great trip with awesome guides. The best food! Overall Excellent. - John S

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

>>> Read More

Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

>>> Read More

BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

=========   More Trips Like This  =========