Escape the crowded resort trails and discover Moffat County, Colorado—an expansive, rugged paradise for cyclists who crave open spaces, untamed landscapes, and the freedom of the road less traveled. From flowy singletrack and high-desert peaks to epic gravel grinds spanning hundreds of miles, Moffat County is northwest Colorado’s ultimate hidden gem for biking adventures.

Whether you are packing a mountain bike, a gravel rig, or a touring bicycle, here is what awaits you across our massive backyard:

🏔️ Mountain Biking: High Desert & Forest Singletrack

Moffat County’s unique topography delivers a diverse mix of arid, pinon-juniper singletrack and lush alpine trails.

• Cedar Mountain Special Recreation Management Area: Located just minutes north of Craig, Cedar Mountain stands 1,000 feet above the Yampa Valley, offering panoramic views of Black Mountain and the distant ski slopes of Steamboat Springs. This network is the local hotspot for mountain biking, featuring a variety of purpose-built trails. Take the beginner-friendly Acupuncture Trail for a smooth warm-up, tackle the intermediate loops of the Stearns Trail, or test your tech skills on the descending switchbacks of AED and Sidewinder.

• The Yampa Valley Trail: For an epic, multi-sport, backcountry expedition, this rugged two-track and singletrack route stretches up to 100 miles one-way. Boasting elevations ranging from 5,000 to over 7,200 feet, it is best suited for intermediate-to-advanced riders looking for true solitude.

• Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest (Elkhead Area): Head north of Craig into the timber for a cooler, alpine experience. The North Fork Trail stretches across miles of pristine forest along Elkhead Creek and can be combined with the Sawmill Creek and Bears Ears trails to create an incredible, challenging 13-mile loop with views of the iconic Bears Ears Peak.

🚲 Gravel & Bikepacking: The Frontier Grid

Gravel biking is one of the fastest-growing cycling disciplines, and Moffat County is its natural home. With hundreds of miles of well-maintained county dirt roads, remote BLM routes, and virtually zero vehicle traffic, it is a premier destination for gravel enthusiasts and self-supported bikepackers.

• Yampa Bench Road (Dinosaur National Monument): Carved into the dramatic canyon walls high above the Yampa River, this unpaved road offers jaw-dropping desert scenery. It is a rugged, remote, and difficult 18-mile (one-way) trek with loose surfaces and steep grades, passing incredible viewpoints and historic homesteads.

• Vermillion Bluffs & Sevenmile Ridge: Perfect for intermediate-to-advanced riders, this 67-mile one-way route snakes through the hauntingly beautiful high-desert bluffs in the northern part of the county. It features solid dirt roads, expansive big-sky views, and a high likelihood of spotting wild horses or elk.

• Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge: For an easier, more rolling gravel cruise, the roads through Browns Park offer 7 to 21 miles of gentle riding along the Green River, surrounded by deep Western history and incredible bird-watching opportunities.

🎒 Family & Casual Riding

You don’t have to be a hardcore endurance athlete to enjoy riding in Moffat County.

• Loudy-Simpson Park: Located right in Craig along the scenic Yampa River, this park offers short, flat, and breezy trails that are absolutely perfect for families, beginners, or a relaxing post-dinner spin.

• Elkhead Reservoir State Park: Just northeast of Craig, the roads and bladed tracks around the reservoir offer a fun, rolling 10-mile loop with beautiful waterfront views—ideal for a morning ride followed by a midday swim or paddle.

📋 Tips for Riding the Frontier

Because Moffat County is wonderfully remote, a little preparation goes a long way:

• Water & Provisions: Outside of the town of Craig, services are sparse. Always pack more water, hydration tabs, and snacks than you think you need.

• Tubeless Tires: The high desert is beautiful, but it is also home to prickly pear cactus and goatheads. Running a tubeless tire setup with plenty of fresh sealant is highly recommended.

• Seasonality: The best riding window spans from April/May through October. Summer days can get hot in the canyons, making early morning rides optimal.

Gear up, leave the crowds behind, and come map your own path in Moffat County!