Unveiling the Thrills of Keystone Bike Park: A Cyclist's Paradise

Getting to Keystone Bike Park: The Starting Line

Nestled just six miles east of Dillon, Colorado, via U.S. Highway 6, Keystone Bike Park offers a variety of experiences that cater to adrenaline junkies and biking enthusiasts. Denver is your closest major city, and a quick cruise through Interstate 70 will take you to Dillon, exit 205.For those in need of a trail map, one can easily be accessed online at Keystone Mountain Bike Map.

Trail Overview: Choose Your Adventure

Keystone Bike Park is no novice playground. With 20 miles of a meticulously constructed network of trails, the park's reputation for complexity and diversity stands unchallenged.

• Green Trails: Long, root-infested paths, perfect for those who love technical challenges.
• Blue Trails: Steep, rocky, and rooty, providing a gnarly but manageable experience.
• Black Trails: Dominated by expert riders on high-end downhill bikes, these trails offer no mercy.

A single descent down the mountain may vary between 30 and 60 minutes, giving you enough time to relish the ride and appreciate the thoughtfully crafted terrain features.

Amenities: Beyond the Ride

• Lifts: A day pass for the lift costs around $25, a fair price for the luxury of multiple downhill runs.
• Rental Shop: Offers a variety of bike sizes, though full DH bikes may be limited.
• Restrooms and Restaurant: Located at both the top and bottom of the gondola run, so you can refuel and get back to the action.

Rider Experience: Tales from the Trails

Many first-timers note the surprising complexity of the so-called 'easier' trails. Keystone's green trails, while less steep, are filled with roots and rocks that make them a challenge to navigate. The blue and black trails kick it up a notch with steeper descents, rocky terrain, and sudden features like tabletops followed by tight berms.Braking bumps are a common issue, credited to a limited maintenance crew. Despite this, the trailbuilders have received praise for their creative utilization of the terrain, which includes innovative features like gap jumps, tables, and ladder drops.

Cautionary Notes: Rider Beware

Keystone Bike Park is notorious for destroying bikes and components. So, if you're planning to conquer the black or double-black trails, make sure your gear is up to the challenge. Full-face helmets and additional protective gear like knee and elbow guards are highly recommended, especially if you intend to ride at high speeds.

Final Thoughts: Will You Take the Plunge?

Keystone Bike Park is not for the faint-hearted. It's a place where trails can be as ruthless as they are thrilling. Whether you're looking for old-school, rocky, and rooty DH tracks or sections that allow for some new-school flow, this park has you covered.So, pack your gear and your guts, and prepare for an exhilarating experience that will not only test your skills but also leave you yearning for more. After all, at Keystone, there’s something for everyone—if you're up for the challenge.