Howelsen Trail Complex

The Howelsen Trail Complex is located on Howelsen Hill, one of the first ski areas in Colorado and featuring a world-class ski jumping area in the winter. Trails intersect all over the Howelsen Trail, making for a multitude of combinations and allowing riders to crank as long as they like.

The Howelsen Trail Complex trails feature a mix of intermediate and advanced level riding, including one rock downhill. The trails wind through forest on a combination of fire roads and singletrack on their way up Emerald Mountain. A trail map of the area does come in handy due to its complexity.

The Howelsen Trail Complex is multi-use so riders may encounter hikers, trail runners and other users and should follow right of way protocol when meeting other groups. The Howelsen Trail Complex is high elevation and can experience sudden weather shifts, so riders should bring appropriate warm layers in anticipation of this. In addition, riders should be prepared with a stocked repair kit, first aid kit and extra food and water. A map is a handy piece of equipment on the Howelsen Trail Complex. Pick one up in Steamboat Springs.

From Steamboat Springs, take Lincoln Ave/Highway 40 to 13th St. Take a left on 13th and take the first left after the railroad tracks. Follow this road to Fairview Drive. Take a left onto Fairview. Follow Fairview to Routt Street. Take a left on Routt. Routt becomes Blackmer. Park at Blackmer Drive trailhead and ride up fire road.