A Beginner’s Guide to Planning Two-Wheel Adventures in the Vail Valley

While most of our visitors arrive on four wheels, there are few better ways to delight your senses and explore the landscape here than cycling or biking. The Vail Valley has every kind of biking terrain you can imagine, from mountainside trails that’ll take you up to our world-class ski resort trails to the pristine riverside path that hugs the Eagle River right in The Inn’s backyard. In this blog, we will explore some of the best ways to see the Vail Valley on two wheels: motorcycling, mountain biking, and e-biking. 

Mountain Biking

The Valley’s extensive trail systems bring bikers and hikers to explore its beautiful terrain from a few thousand feet high. We’ve gathered a few of the locals’ favorites in these rides:

Where to Ride:

• Lee’s Way Down (black diamond): An amazing flow trail with beautiful big berms, well-formed table tops, a proper gap jump, a step up, and a small step down. 
• Our Backyard (green): A popular trail in Avon, this is a great ride for beginners or riders with kids. 
• Creamery Gulch (blue): A 172ft climb, this ride can be taken in both directions and is in Edwards’ backyard.
• Berry Creek Trail (blue): Edwards’s most popular trail, this trail trecks 2,848 ft with a fun downhill and gorgeous mountain views. 

*Local Tip: Download the Trailforks app to track your ride and get trail reports from recent riders. 

E-Biking

If a speedier adventure is what you’re looking for, an e-bike ride is your go-to way to explore The Valley. Through a partnership with Shift Bike, Eagle County has integrated ebikes into the Valley making it easy to hop on a rental bike and explore the area on two wheels at varying speeds that fit your sightseeing goals.

Where to Ride

• Berry Creek Loop
• Village to Village Trail
• Radio Flyer

To see a map of the 152 trails you can e-bike in the Vail Valley, visit Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance.

*Local Tip: Shift Bike’s Edwards bikes are located right on the Edwards Riverwalk. 

While the first 30-minute ride on the Shift e-bike share program is free, the program also offers monthly, seasonal, and pay-as-you -go rentals. For the pay-as-you-go model, riders pay $3 to unlock the bike and $0.40 per minute after the first 30 free minutes.

If you are interested in renting, The Inn at Riverwalk guests receive 20% off a rental ride at The Kind Bikes and Skis. 

Motorcycling

It’s hard to highlight ways to explore on two wheels without calling out the Scenic Byways that call Motorcyclists and long-distance road bikers from across the country to the Valley. Here are two must-ride routes that showcase the best of what this region has to offer:

Top of the Rockies: Just south of the Vail Valley, this route takes riders to the literal top of the Rockies. As part of the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways system, it features dramatic elevation changes, sweeping vistas, and some of the highest paved roads in North America. 

Independence Pass: This route is not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking an adventure, it’s an absolute must. Connecting Aspen to Twin Lakes, Independence Pass climbs to over 12,000 feet, offering jaw-dropping views and hairpin turns that will test your riding skills. The pass is typically open from late May through October, depending on weather conditions, and it’s a journey that promises both challenge and reward. From the lush aspen forests to the stark beauty of alpine tundra, Independence Pass delivers an unforgettable ride through some of Colorado’s most stunning landscapes.

Vail Pass: The drive into the Vail Valley through Vail Pass is a spectacular ride in and of itself. Take a bike ride along Interstate 70 over Vail Pass to enjoy stunning views, surrounded by awe-inspiring cliffs and towering peaks.

Where to Stay

When it comes to where to stay when you are exploring the Vail Valley, you want to choose a stay that is central to the trails of the valley, rental shops, and dining to refuel. 

Located in the town of Edwards, The Inn at Riverwalk has everything you’ll need and not even know you’ll want. The Inn has a complimentary Gear Garage accessible to Inn guests. The Gear Garage rotates its activities and resources seasonally, and the summers include bikes and lawn games. Inn stays range from double queen, and king rooms, to two-bedroom condo stays with a river view. 

After a day exploring the trails and sights of The Valley, you’ll enjoy a dip in the outdoor hot tub. Every room is stocked with high-quality amenities and pillow-top mattresses. Inn guests love that they receive exclusive local discounts at Edwards partners like a free craft cocktail with any purchase at Mountain Fish House and 20% off rentals at The Kind Bikes & Skis. Start planning your stay at The Inn at Riverwalk. 

You can start your trip on wheels by checking out one of The Inn’s Specialized hybrid bikes from their on-site Gear Garage.

Other Ways to Explore

There is much to do and see in the Vail Valley. For the foodies, fine dining, local breweries, and wineries are scattered throughout the valley. You can make your way through the valley stopping at happy hours and outdoor patios. If you are more interested in experiencing local events, there are many to choose from. The Villar in nearby Beaver Creek Village hosts performances from touring musicians and dancers, and the Gerald R Ford Amp brings big-name artists all year long. 

If you are just excited to dive into the area, we recommend checking out local events in the Valley. See our event calendar or subscribe to our monthly email newsletter for travel tips and activities to add to your itinerary. 

Need more trip inspiration? Check out our other blogs for more on the best ways to experience Edwards and the Vail Valley.