FAT BIKING

A large system of groomed winter trails makes the Gunnison Valley the nexus of Colorado fat biking. These special bikes have extra-wide, low-pressure tires that allow them to float over snow and ice. Deep snow and cold temperatures in Colorado’s high country combine to create a stable snow surface perfect for fat bikes to float over.

This guide to Gunnison Valley fat biking includes:

Maps of fat biking trails
Where to ride in Crested Butte
Where to ride in Gunnison
History of fat biking
Fat biking trail etiquette

Keep reading to learn more about this unique sport!

Fat biking in Gunnison

Hartman Rocks is hands-down the best place to ride near Gunnison, and might even be the best spot in the whole county for winter riding.

Gunnison Trails grooms more than 12 miles of singletrack trails specifically for fat bikes at Hartman’s. View their winter grooming report to check on trail conditions. Groomed singletrack trails can be accessed from either the Gold Basin Road (County Road 38) trailhead or the McCabe’s Lane trailhead.

Gunnison Nordic grooms the roads at Hartman Rocks primarily for cross-country skiing.

Gunnison fat biking at Hartman Rocks from above

Gunnison fat biking trail map

Explore routes at Hartman Rocks and beyond for your next fat bike ride in Gunnison.

Gunnison on Trailforks.com

Fat biking trails in Crested Butte

Crested Butte Nordic Center’s trail system and Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) are the best places for a consistent snow surface. The Nordic Center requires you to have a trail pass (either a season pass or day pass), and fat bikes are limited to the trails on the east side of their grooming area. This is the best option for beginners since it’s mostly flat and the trails are groomed almost every day.

Fat biking at Crested Butte Mountain Resort requires an uphill pass. Biking on the resort is only allowed before and after lift operating hours. Although the climbs are steep in places, the snow is well-packed, making for a consistent riding surface. Consult the uphill guide on the ski area’s website for maps and other information.

The Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA) also grooms several trails around Crested Butte for fat biking. View their grooming report to see which trails are currently groomed.

Crested Butte fat biking trail map

Find your next ride in Crested Butte on the fat biking trail map below.

Crested Butte on Trailforks.com

Every drainage around Crested Butte has a road that is not maintained or plowed in winter. These roads have long been popular with cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and other backcountry users, so please be courteous and share these places with other users. Avalanche danger is a factor in these areas, so it is important to read the avalanche report from the Crested Butte Avalanche Center the day you plan to go out. Never venture into avalanche terrain without the proper education and equipment. Check out these roads for fat biking around Crested Butte:

Slate River Road
Brush Creek Road
Washington Gulch Road
Gothic/Schofield Pass Road
Kebler Pass Road
Splains Gulch Road
Cement Creek Road

History of Colorado Fat Biking

The sport took root in Crested Butte and Gunnison

With deep mountain biking roots, it’s no surprise that the Gunnison Valley is one of the places where the sport of fat biking was pioneered in the late 2000s. This video features staff from local nonprofits Gunnison Trails and the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association whose hard work and dedication have made the Gunnison Valley one of the best places to ride fat bikes in the world.

FAT BIKE TRAIL ETIQUETTE

Help maintain access for fat biking by following these guidelines:

Respect trail closures and paid trail systems. Buy a pass and only ride where you are allowed.
- Fat biking is prohibited on many CB Nordic trails.
If a trail is groomed for cross-country skiing, don’t ride in the classic tracks. These are the two parallel lines on the side of the trail.
Always ride a minimum tire width of 3.5 inches and maximum tire pressure of 10 PSI.
Ride single file, especially on groomed trails.
If your bike leaves a rut more than one inch deep, turn around and come back another day. Try to ride in the mornings while the track is still firm from cold overnight temperatures. Avoid riding on warm, sunny afternoons and powder days. Warm or powdery conditions cause fat bikes to leave large ruts.
Yield to snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Be courteous and communicate when passing snowmobiles.