Trestle Bike Park Review – Colorado’s Premier MTB Playground

Safety & Gear Reminder

• Before dropping in at Trestle, safety should be your top priority. The park’s diverse terrain requires the right protective gear to keep you riding all day.
• Helmet: A full-face helmet is highly recommended, especially for black and double-black trails.
• Pads & Armor: Knee and elbow pads are essential. For high-speed or technical runs, consider back armor and a chest protector.
• Gloves & Eyewear: Padded gloves improve grip and protect against crashes, while goggles or sunglasses shield against dust and debris.
• Bike Check: Inspect suspension, brakes, tire pressure, and drivetrain before each ride to ensure peak performance and safety.

Is Trestle Bike Park Worth It?

Trestle is one of the best lift-access parks in North America, offering something for everyone—from flow-loving beginners to hardcore DH shredders.

Who Will Love Trestle?

✅ Riders who want a mix of flow and tech
✅ Progression-focused riders looking to level up jumps & drops
✅ Those who appreciate well-built bike park features

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

❌ Riders seeking non-stop steep descents (Consider Angel Fire or Whistler)
❌ Those who dislike braking bumps or traverses
❌ Anyone looking for a big nightlife scene

Overall Rating:

Trails: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)
Affordability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Nightlife: ⭐⭐ (2/10)
Lodging: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Camping: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)
Off-Mountain Activities: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)

Trestle Bike Park is an absolute must-ride for anyone who loves big jumps, machine-built flow, and rugged tech descents. While it doesn’t have the endless vertical of Whistler, it more than makes up for it with well-maintained trails, solid infrastructure, and an incredible progression-friendly atmosphere.
If you’re an MTB rider looking for an unforgettable bike park experience in Colorado, Trestle should be at the top of your list. ️

Trestle Bike Park, located in Winter Park, Colorado, is one of the top lift-access MTB destinations in North America. With over 40 miles of trails and three dedicated lifts, the park offers a world-class mix of flow trails, technical descents, and massive jump lines.

Why Trestle Stands Out:

Diverse Terrain: From beginner-friendly greens to pro-level freeride lines.
Extensive Lift Network: Minimizes pedaling and maximizes downhill laps.
Well-Built Features: Machine-groomed jump lines, well-maintained berms, and challenging tech sections.
Ideal for Progression: A range of trails to help riders level up their skills.

Trail Variety and Terrain:

Trestle offers a broad mix of trails catering to all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting or looking for pro-line features, there’s something here for you.

• Beginner-Friendly Trails (Green)For new riders or warm-up laps, World’s Fair and Roly-Poly offer smooth, flowing terrain with gentle descents and minimal technical features.
• Intermediate Flow & Tech Trails (Blue)Boulevard – A smooth blue flow trail with berms, tabletops, and step-ups.
• Shy Anne – A fun mix of fast flow and moderate tech, great for progression.
• Advanced & Pro-Level Terrain (Black & Double-Black)For experienced riders, these trails deliver gnarly rock gardens, drops, and high-speed features:
• Trestle DH – Fast, rough, and technical, a true test of skill.
• Cruel & Unusual – Rock slabs, rooty chutes, and steep descents.
• Dirty Dozen – A relentless mix of drops, jumps, and tech.
• Signature Trail: 36th ChamberA legendary jump line featuring massive senders, sculpted tables, and high-speed berms. Due to high elevation, wind conditions can make it challenging. Best ridden in the morning when winds are low.

Lift Access & Trail System

Trestle has three lifts that service different sections of the park:
Gondola Lift – The main lift from the base, providing access to most trails.
Eskimo Express – A secondary lift leading to flowy and technical trails.
Olympia Lift – Takes you to the highest point, giving access to Trestle DH and 36th Chamber.

Trail Navigation Tips:

Plan routes carefully to avoid unnecessary traverses.
Some blue trails have flat connector sections – pedal efficiently to maintain speed.
Jump lines can get crowded – early or late laps help avoid congestion.

Park Conditions & Trail Maintenance

Trestle does an excellent job keeping trails in top shape, but conditions vary depending on weather and rider traffic.

Common Trail Conditions:

• Morning: Smoothest runs, freshly groomed trails.
• Midday: Braking bumps and rutted berms develop on high-traffic runs.
• Late Afternoon: Dry, loose, and more challenging conditions.

Weather Factors:

• Wind: Can affect jump trails, especially at higher elevations.
• Rain: Improves traction but can make wooden features slippery.
• Dust & Loose Rock: Common in late summer; softer tires help with grip.

Bike Recommendations & Rentals

Trestle’s terrain varies widely, so picking the right bike is crucial.
Best Bike for Trestle:

Downhill Bike (200mm travel): Perfect for aggressive descents, high-speed tech, and sending big jump lines.
Enduro Bike (160-180mm travel): More versatile; great if you want to mix tech and flow trails.

Rentals & Bike Shop Services

Trestle offers a large rental fleet, including DH, enduro, and e-bikes. Booking in advance is highly recommended during peak season.

Food, Lodging & Local Scene

Winter Park has solid food options, comfortable lodging, and a laid-back après-ride scene.

Best Places to Eat

• Goody’s Mountain Creperie – Excellent breakfast and coffee.
• Casa Mexico – Solid Mexican food at a reasonable price.
• Durbar Nepalese & Indian Bistro – A hidden gem for authentic Indian cuisine.

Lodging Options

• Resort Hotels: More expensive but offer convenience and quick lift access.
• Airbnbs & Condos: Ideal for groups or budget-conscious riders.
• Camping (Idlewild Campground): A great option just minutes from the park.

Nightlife & Off-Mountain Activities

• Winter Park’s nightlife is low-key compared to places like Whistler.