Silverthorne: Mountain Bike Ride Salt Lick Trails

If you’re considering a day on two wheels in Colorado, the Salt Lick Trails near Silverthorne offer a compelling mix of scenic beauty, intermediate terrain, and a touch of local flavor. This guided tour promises a fun and manageable ride for a range of skill levels, especially if you enjoy rolling terrain, forest vistas, and a little camaraderie. We haven’t personally pedaled these trails, but based on detailed descriptions and honest reviews, this experience strikes us as a well-balanced outing that combines adventure with relaxation.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the shuttle laps make it accessible—even for those who might shy away from long climbs. Second, the inclusion of a brewery stop adds a welcome pause to soak in the local vibe after riding through quiet forests and panoramic views. That said, one potential consideration is that some climbs may be involved depending on how many laps you choose, so a basic level of fitness helps. This tour seems like a great pick for outdoor lovers, mixed skill groups, or anyone wanting a taste of Colorado’s mountain biking culture without the pressure of a full-day race.

Key Points

• Suitable for intermediate riders with varying terrain designed to challenge yet not overwhelm.
• Includes multiple shuttle laps for maximum riding time with minimal uphill effort.
• Scenic routes through dense forests offer views of Lake Dillon and the Continental Divide.
• Guides prioritize safety and enjoyment, making it accessible for a wide range of skill levels.
• Post-ride brewery stop provides a relaxed end to your adventure.
• Private group experience ensures personalized attention and flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Salt Lick Trails: What You Can Expect

Getting Started in Silverthorne

The day kicks off at the Colorado Adventure Guides bike shop in Silverthorne, ideally by 8:30 am. If you’re bringing your own bike, you’ll meet directly at the shop on Ryan Gulch Road. Otherwise, the guides will meet you at a local rental shop, where they’ll help you get fitted with a suitable mountain bike—an important step to ensure comfort and safety. The convenience of this setup means you’re ready to hit the trail with minimal fuss, and the guides’ experience ensures you’re well-equipped to ride.

The Trail System and Terrain

Salt Lick Trails form part of the Red Mountain Open Space, a relatively low-key but scenic stretch of Colorado forest. The terrain is primarily rolling, with some gentle climbs and fun descents, making it ideal for intermediate riders. The trails wind through dense lodgepole pine and aspen forests, providing a lush canopy that cools the air and offers shelter from the sun—a real boon in summer.

Imagine pedaling through quiet woods, with occasional glimpses of Lake Dillon gleaming in the distance. The views of the Continental Divide are a subtle but impressive backdrop, adding a sense of grandeur without overwhelming the ride. The forested environment also means you’ll encounter a mixture of shaded sections and open stretches, keeping the ride lively and visually appealing.

The Itinerary and Experience

The tour includes multiple laps, with shuttle assistance that takes you back to the top after each run. This setup maximizes riding time and minimizes uphill fatigue. The shuttles are a major perk, especially since some laps may include brief climbs, but the shuttle means you can focus on enjoying the descents.

While some riders may find the climbs manageable, it’s worth noting that depending on how many laps you opt for, a moderate level of fitness helps. The guides are attentive to safety and will adjust to the group’s pace, making sure everyone feels comfortable. As one participant noted, “The guides really prioritize safety and making sure everyone has a good time,” which is a reassuring point for less experienced cyclists.

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End of Ride and Brewery Stop

After your laps, the shuttle returns you to Silverthorne, where the adventure concludes close to a local brewery. This is an ideal spot to relax, swap stories, and enjoy a cold drink—an authentic Colorado touch that caps off a day of outdoor activity. This brewery stop adds a social element and lets you savor the mountain town atmosphere after your ride.

The Guides and Their Service

Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company have over 20 years of experience leading outdoor adventures across numerous activities, including mountain biking. Their guides are seasoned professionals who focus on safety and creating an enjoyable experience for everyone. Their familiarity with the trails and local environment ensures a smooth, well-organized day.

The tour is offered as a private group experience, which means your small party gets personalized attention and flexibility. You’ll ride with guides who are fluent in English and eager to help you get the most out of your time on the trails.

Value and Pricing

At $193 per person for about four hours of guided riding, this tour offers a good value considering the inclusion of shuttle laps, guiding, and the brewery stop. It’s particularly suitable for those who want a relaxed yet active outing in Colorado without the commitment of a full day or a more advanced course. The convenience of shuttle laps means you get maximum riding for your money, with less concern about climbing or route-finding.

Compared to other outdoor experiences in Silverthorne, this mountain bike tour offers a balance of scenic beauty, skill-appropriate terrain, and social relaxation. For riders at the intermediate level or above, it’s a chance to enjoy Colorado’s forests and views in a friendly environment.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience suits adventurous travelers who appreciate scenic rides, groups with mixed skill levels, and anyone looking to combine outdoor activity with social moments. It’s also ideal if you prefer guided tours that prioritize safety and comfort, rather than technical, high-stakes riding.

If you’re visiting Silverthorne and want a manageable, scenic, and fun mountain biking experience that ends with a local brewery visit, this tour ticks all those boxes.

This Salt Lick Trails mountain bike tour offers a sensible, enjoyable way to experience Colorado’s natural beauty without needing to be an expert cyclist. The shuttle laps make it accessible for a wide range of skill levels, and the scenic route through forest and mountain views is undeniably attractive. The guides’ emphasis on safety and fun makes it a relaxed outing, perfect for families, mixed groups, or folks just looking to try mountain biking without the stress of a full-day commitment.

The inclusion of the brewery stop adds a local flavor and a chance to unwind, making it more than just a bike ride—it’s a well-rounded Colorado experience. The private group setting ensures you won’t feel rushed, and the flexible booking options help keep your plans adaptable.

Overall, if you’re seeking a moderate-paced, scenic, and social mountain biking adventure near Silverthorne, this tour is a solid choice. It offers good value, expert guidance, and a relaxed atmosphere—all in a setting that showcases Colorado’s stunning forests and views of Lake Dillon and the Continental Divide.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
While it’s primarily designed for intermediate riders, the shuttle laps and guided pace make it manageable for those with some experience or a good level of fitness. Beginners comfortable on rolling terrain might also enjoy it, but total novices might prefer a more beginner-specific ride.

What if I don’t have my own bike?
If you don’t bring your own, the guides will meet you at a local rental shop where they will help you select and fit a mountain bike. This ensures you’re comfortable and safe during your ride.

How long is the ride?
The tour lasts about four hours, including guiding, shuttle laps, and the brewery stop at the end. Actual riding time involves multiple laps with shuttle assistance.

Are the trails suitable for all skill levels?
The trails are described as suitable for intermediate riders, with some variation in terrain. The guides tailor the experience to your group’s comfort level, making it friendly for most participants with some mountain biking experience.

Is there a safety briefing?
Yes, before heading out, your guides will give a briefing to review the plan and safety procedures, ensuring everyone is prepared.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility to adapt your travel plans.

If you’re eager to explore Colorado’s forests via mountain bike, this guided Salt Lick Trails ride offers a balanced, scenic, and social adventure—well worth considering for your Silverthorne itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby