Upper Loop Trail For Mountain Biking

On the eastside of Crested Butte, the Upper Loop runs along the shoulder of Mount Crested Butte for about 3 miles. This scenic route offers views of Mount Crested Butte above and of town as you roll through dense aspen forests and meadows. There are several access points in the north, middle and south.

To reach mountain biking at the northern terminus from Crested Butte, head north on either SR135 or the Rec Path heading up towards the town of Mount Crested Butte. Before reaching the ski area, look for Hunter Hill Road on the right. Turn right heading southeast on Hunter Hill Road for about 1 mile. At the first hard switchback in the paved road to the left, there is a small parking area and the northern Upper Loop Trailhead.

To reach the mid-access point from Crested Butte, head east on Elk Avenue. The road turns from pavement to dirt. Continue on the dirt as the road winds about for about 0.75 miles. On the left, there is a gate and signed trailhead for Tonys Trail. Turn left and head up Tonys Trail for 0.5 miles to the Upper Loop mid-point.

To reach the southern trailhead from Crested Butte, head south on SR135 for 1.25 miles to Brush Creek Road / Skyland. Turn left heading east on Brush Creek Road for about 0.75 miles. Just after the pavement ends, there is a trailhead on the left for Whetstone Vista Trail. You can turn left onto this trail and it will take you to the Upper Loop. Alternately, you can continue riding east on Brush Creek Road for another 0.5 miles, and near the top of the rise, there is a trailhead for Upper Upper Loop on the left. This route climbs steeply with several switchbacks and eventually leads to the Upper Loop Trail.

Overall, Upper Loop Trail is the 47th most popular mountain bike trail of all 178 mountain biking rides in Colorado. Several of the better mountain bike trails are nearby Upper Loop Trail including Deer Creek Trail, 401 Trail, Teocalli Ridge Trail, East Brush Creek / Trail 400, 409 Trail / Walrod Gulch and Timberline Trail.