Winter Park and the Fraser Valley have won national recognition for their expansive trail system and established race program. Many off-road bike trails connect to the 600 miles of backcountry roads and trails in the adjacent national forest. The King of the Rockies Off-Road Stage Race and Festival, held each year in August, is one of the top professional mountain-bike races in America; part of it is run on the 30-mile Tipperary Creek Trail, among Colorado's best mountain-bike trails.

For advice, information, and maps, talk to the knowledgeable folks at Winter Park Sports Shop in Kings Crossing Shopping Center, at the intersection of Winter Park Drive and Kings Crossing Road (tel. 800/222-7547 or 970/726-5554; www.winterparkbike.com). In business since 1946, the shop is open daily year-round, providing mountain sales, repairs, and rentals (starting at $15 per half day, $20 per day). Ask for a copy of the free trail map, also available from the Winter Park/Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce.