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How to Ride a Mountain Bike Park: 9 Tips for First Timers

ByBecky Timbers
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Trail sign at top of Mammoth Mountain Bike Park. Signs say "Skid Marks" "Toll Road" and "Expert Only"

I remember the first time I rode at a mountain bike park (Mammoth Mountain!). I was terrified. I had no idea how to load my bike onto the lift and I was seriously doubting whether I was ‘good enough’ to make it down from the top alive.

Spoiler alert: I’m still alive.

But these concerns are valid. Even though I consider myself a bike park veteran today, I still get a little jumpy every time I visit a new bike park. Each destination has their own lift system to figure out, assortment of trails, features, and terrain to navigate, and scary death traps to avoid (hello 30-foot gap jumps).

But trust me, the initial uncertainty and fear is worth it. Bike parks are a blast!!!

If you’re new to park riding, not to worry. These tips will help you feel more comfortable on your first day at the lifts.

01

Do a little recon — every bike park is different

Just like no two trail networks are the same, mountain bike parks vary a lot. Some are freeride playgrounds packed with massive jumps and man-made features. Others are more old-school, with rooty tech, rock slabs, and the occasional “how-is-this-a-blue” descent. And some cater mostly to families and beginners with mellow flow trails and skills parks.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed when you first show up, do a little homework before you go. Browse the park’s website or Instagram to get a feel for the vibe. Even better, search for POV videos on YouTube — they’re one of the best ways to preview trail difficulty, speed, and style. A little research goes a long way toward showing up confident and ready to get rolling.

Two mountain bikers riding down flowy section of singletrack at Mammoth Bike Park in California with Sierra Mountains in distance
Mammoth Bike Park
Mountain biker riding bike of dirt jump at Kanuga Bike Park in North Carolina
Kanuga Bike Park
02

Understand the trail signs

Bike park trail signs might look like ski resort markings, but don’t assume a green trail at Whistler is the same as a green trail at your local trail system.

Most bike parks use this general system:

🟢 Green = beginner
🔵 Blue = intermediate
⚫ Black = advanced
🔺 Double black = expert / don’t say we didn’t warn you

But here’s the thing: a blue flow trail can feel totally different than a blue tech trail.

Some parks also use symbols to indicate jumps, drops, or mandatory features, so keep an eye out. If you’re not sure, ask a liftie or grab a printed map of the park — it should have a legend showing you what the trail symbols mean.

Screenshot of graphic showing how mountain bike trails are rated from beginner to proline and designated either freeride or technical
This is how Whistler Bike Park assigns ratings to their trails

Pro tip: A blue at one park might ride like a black somewhere else (ahem, Whistler…). Start small and work your way up. There’s no shame in sticking to greens if you’re warming up or still learning.

03

Ride the right bike (and gear up properly)

You can ride a bike park on your regular trail bike, but depending on the terrain, it might not be the most fun — or forgiving — choice. Bike parks are designed for downhill riding, which means long travel (think 150mm rear travel or more), beefy tires, and big rotors are your friends.

If you don’t have a full-suspension enduro or downhill bike, consider renting one. Most parks have rental fleets. Your wrists, back, and brakes will thank you.

As for gear, at the very least you’ll want a good helmet (ideally a full-face), knee pads, and gloves. I also like to wear goggles because there’s less chance of them slipping and they prevent dust and dirt from flying into my eyes. For a full list of what to wear at the bike park, check out my post on mountain bike protective gear.

Mountain biker riding bike off rock ledge onto wooden ramp at Spider Mountain Bike Park in Texas
Bring (or rent) a bike that can handle bigger features and rougher trails
04

Do a bike check before you hit the lifts

If you’re bringing your own bike to the bike park, a thorough pre-ride check is non-negotiable. Bike parks are tough on bikes — it’s not the place to skimp on maintenance. You want to avoid mechanical issues mid-run or worse, crashes caused by faulty gear.

Here’s a quick checklist to run through before you roll:

  • Tires: Check for proper pressure (usually a bit lower than cross-country to improve grip) and inspect for cuts or wear.
  • Brakes: Make sure they feel firm and responsive. If they’re spongy, it might be time for a brake bleed.
  • Suspension: Check air pressure, settings, and that nothing’s leaking or stuck.
  • Bolts: Do a quick scan to ensure the bolts on your stem, seat post, pedals, and shock mounts are tight.
  • Drivetrain: Shift through the gears to make sure everything’s smooth — no skipping or grinding.
  • Chain: Check for wear as well as proper tension and lubrication.
  • Wheels: Spin them to check for wobbles or loose spokes.

If you notice anything wrong with your bike do not ride. It’s better to be safe than sorry and spend a few hours getting it fixed and tuned up at a bike shop than spending a few hours in the ER.

Legs of mountain biker standing behind bike with close up of broken rear shock
I didn’t check my suspension bolts and ended up cracking the cap of my rear shock after going off a drop. Do a bike check!
05

Learn how to load your bike

I know, not super specific advice, but the truth is, every bike park has its own lift setup. Some use chairlifts with platform-style racks, others have gondolas where your bike rides inside, and a few resorts get creative with tractor-pulled trailers or shuttle trucks. No two are quite the same, and loading up for the first time can feel weirdly high-stakes.

Here are a few tips to make it easier:

  • Watch a few riders ahead of you. As you’re waiting in line, pay attention to how people are getting their bikes on. You might even discover the lifties do it for you.
  • Practice, if there’s a station. Many parks (especially beginner-friendly ones) have a practice rack near the base. It’s a great way to test how your bike fits into the carrier without the pressure of moving chairs and fellow riders watching you.
  • As for help. Seriously, there’s zero shame in it. It’s way less embarrassing (and much safer) to get a hand from the lift crew than to end up clinging to your bike while the lifty slams the emergency stop.

Here are a few different types of lifts you might encounter:

06

Brush up on the rules – and respect them

Bike parks aren’t a free-for-all. There are rules and they exist for a reason: to keep everyone safe and make sure the trails stay rideable.

Some of the big ones to know:

🚫 Don’t stop in blind spots. Pull off to the side, especially before jumps or corners.

🚧 Don’t cut corners. It trashes the trail.

📍 Follow signage. If it says “Experts Only,” believe it.

⬆️ Obey the flow. Most bike park trails are one-way. Don’t ride uphill.

🔒 Respect closures. Trail crew works hard. Don’t be that rider.

🛑 Don’t skid everywhere. Control your speed with good braking, not tire-skidding.

🪖 Wear a helmet. Ideally a full-face. At minimum, one that fits well and is rated for impact.

Mountain biker riding off small drop at bike park in California
07

Pre-Ride, Re-Ride, Freeride

There’s a saying at bike parks: “Pre-ride, Re-ride, Freeride.” It’s simple, smart, and a good way to avoid turning your first lap into a yard sale.

  • Pre-ride the trail slowly. Get a feel for the flow, check for surprises, and take mental notes of any features you want to roll or session later.
  • Re-ride it with more confidence. Now that you know what’s coming, you can start dialing in your lines and building speed.
  • Freeride when you’re ready. Boost that jump, rail those corners, and have some fun! Within your comfort zone…

Even the pros use this strategy — it’s how progression happens and helps keep riders safe on the trails.

Mountain biker riding bike on elevated wall ride painted like the Texas flag
I passed this wall ride on the first run, but hit it on my ‘re-ride’
08

Take breaks — and know when to call it quits

It’s easy to get caught up in the adrenaline and keep riding lap after lap, but fatigue is a sneaky danger at a bike park. I know when I’m tired, my focus slips and my riding can get sloppy. That’s when mistakes happen.

Listen to your body. Take regular breaks to hydrate, eat, and rest. If you’re feeling sore, shaky, or just done for the day, call it quits. You’ll have plenty more rides ahead, and it’s better to play safe than be sorry.

Woman sitting on chairlift with mountain bike at Spider Mountain Bike Park in Texas
Be sure to take lots of breaks!
09

Have fun!

Bike parks are made for fun. Don’t worry about how fast you are, how much air you’re getting, or whether you’re “good enough.” Ride at your own pace, session what looks fun, and celebrate the small wins. That’s what it’s all about 🙂

Female mountain biker riding on curvy elevated wall ride at Mammoth Mountain Bike Park
DO have fun!

Bike Park FAQs

I highly recommend it. Bike parks are fast, rough, and full of features that can launch you in unexpected directions. A full-face helmet adds extra protection for your face and jaw. You’ll see most riders wearing one. If you’re renting a bike, see if they offer helmet rentals too.

You can, but it might not be the most fun — or forgiving — choice, especially on rough terrain. If the park has mellow green and blue flow trails, you’ll probably be fine. But for anything techy, rooty, or fast, a full-suspension bike will make the experience smoother and safer.

Yes, especially if your regular mountain bike isn’t built for downhill. Rental bikes are usually beefier, better suited for bike park terrain, and professionally maintained. Plus, it’s a great way to try a new style of riding without committing to buying a bigger bike.

Then don’t! Seriously, no one is judging. It took me years to start doing jumps. Most parks have multiple lines or ride-around options so you can skip features that aren’t in your comfort zone. You do you. Focus on flow and fun, not airtime.

Start small. Even 3–5 laps can be a full day if you’re new to downhill riding. It’s more physically demanding than it looks. Take breaks, hydrate, and stop while you’re still feeling good.

At minimum: helmet, gloves, water, snacks, multitool, and knee pads. Toss in sunscreen and a lightweight pack or hip bag if you’re riding without a locker or easy access to your car.

Some parks allow walk-ups, others recommend (or require) reserving in advance, especially on weekends or holidays. Check the park’s website ahead of time so you’re not stuck watching bikes go up without you.

Totally normal. Even seasoned riders get a little jittery before their first lap at a new park. I do! Stick to the greens, follow the “Pre-Ride, Re-Ride, Freeride” rule, and take your time. I find that confidence builds with every lap.

Do you have tips for questions about how to ride a mountain bike park? What was your first experience like? What have you learned? Leave a comment below!

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Becky is the creator and founder of the bike blog Two Wheeled Wanderer. She's been riding bikes and traveling the world since she was a kid and likes nothing more than enjoying some flowy singletrack or embarking on a multi-day bikepacking adventure. When she's not blogging, Becky is a Level 1 PMBIA-certified mountain bike coach and coaches with Ladies AllRide.

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