A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Crested Butte Bike Park

How Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park works

If it’s your first time visiting Crested Butte Bike Park, don’t worry, it’s easy to figure out once you get there. But here are a few things to expect so you feel a little more prepared:aa

🎟️ Lift tickets & passes

Crested Butte Bike Park lift tickets can be purchased for a single day or as part of a multi-day pass if you’re planning a longer visit. Prices vary depending on the season and your age, but expect to pay around $60–$70 for an adult day ticket (I think I paid $68 last time I visited). If you’ll be riding other Epic Pass resorts consider the Epic Pass or Epic Day Pass, which includes access to Crested Butte in summer.

Tickets can be bought online in advance (recommended for the best price) or at the base area ticket window when you get there.

🚠 Getting to the top: The Red Lady Express

All of Crested Butte Bike Park’s lift-accessed trails start from the top of the Red Lady Express chairlift (the Silver Queen Express also runs during the summer, but it’s just for scenic rides and hikers).

The Red Lady Express is a high-speed quad fitted with self-load bike trays that hold up to three bikes. If you’re not sure how to load your bike or you’re feeling nervous because it’s your first time (totally normal!) the lifties are more than happy to help.

The Red Lady Express runs daily during the summer season, with hours typically from 9am to 5pm, but check the current schedule before you go.

🗺️ Trail layout

At the top of the Red Lady Express, there is a large trail map to help you figure out which trails to ride. Crested Butte has trails for all levels from the meandering Hotdogger to the pro-only Psycho Rocks. My favorite trail to start the day off with is Luge.

It’s also worth noting that some of the trails require some intention to reach. Teaser is super fun, but you’ll need to pedal a bit (nothing crazy) to get there.

Also, something weird about Crested Butte Bike Park is that there are several trails on the backside of the mountain — Crusader, Meander, Woods, and Prospector — that don’t lead back to the base of the Red Lady Express. Instead, they drop you onto Gothic Road and from there, you’ll need to make your way back down to the village via pavement. But the good news is that it’s mostly downhill.

⏰ Hours & season

The Bike Park typically operates from late June through early September, weather permitting. Lift hours usually run from around 9am to 5pm, giving you plenty of daylight to get in as many runs as you can.

It’s best to check the official Crested Butte Mountain Resort website before your visit for the most up-to-date hours and seasonal opening dates, as they can change based on weather and maintenance. Early and late in the season, shorter hours or limited lift service may apply.

🚲 Rentals & gear

If you’re not bringing your own bike, Crested Butte Bike Park has several rental shops right at the base offering a range of mountain bikes from beginner hardtails to full-suspension mountain bikes and even e-bikes.

Helmets are included with rentals and you can also rent protective gear like knee and elbow pads. It’s a good idea to reserve your gear in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. There are also a few shops in the village that sell gloves, goggles, and other gear if you forgot something or want to upgrade your kit.

Choosing Your First Trails

There are over 30 miles of trail spread out across the Crested Butte bike park. There’s stuff for every rider, however, I will say that full-on DH mountain bikers and those looking for big jumps and features might find the terrain at CB a tad ‘easy’ compared to other bike parks.

If it’s your first time here, these are my recommendations for your first runs:

🟢 Hotdogger > Downtime

This is the beginner flow run at Crested Butte. Is mellow, bermy, beautiful, and a great warm up.

🔵 Luge > Lower Awakening > Downtime > Sharp Shooter

Luge takes things up a notch (but not too much) with bigger berms, some small tabletops, and a faster pace. It’s one of CB’s most popular runs, so you’ll probably be doing it a few times. Sharp Shooter is a fun finish with a few more kickers and surprises.

🔵 Luge > 5 Way > Painter Boy > Teaser > Painter Boy > Columbine

It’s worth doing this lap so you ‘get off the beaten path’ of the main downhill trails starting from the lift. There is a little bit of pedaling to be had (gah! I know…) but Teaser is super fun and beautiful— it runs through aspen groves, which are absolutely magnificent in the fall.