Meet Purgatory’s bike park! With about 20 trails ranging from mellow and flowy to steep and technical, there’s something for everyone!
Biking at a Ski Resort?
Yep! It’s a real thing, and it’s really fun. Bikers ride the lift up the mountain (just like in winter) and cruise down through the trees and across open flower-filled meadows. Just like with our ski runs, our bike park offers varying terrain for every skill level.
Here’s a quick overview of how to enjoy our bike park with more details included below!
Step 1. Get a ticket. We’ve got summer season passes as well as full-day, afternoon only, and single ride options.
Step 2. Make sure you’ve got a bike. You’ll definitely want to have a mountain bike (not a road bike). Don’t worry, we’ve got rentals!
Step 3. Prep your day pack with some water, snacks and layers, and dress comfortably.
Step 4. Take your bike and your ticket to the lift. Our bike park is served from lift 1, the very same one you ride up in the winter to come down your favorite ski slopes! Don’t worry, the lifties will help you load/unload the bike.
Step 5. Use the lift ride to browse the trail map and pick a trail that fits your skill level. (Psst. download the app and have the maps right at your fingertips.)
Step 6. Have fun and be safe!
1. Tickets
We have a number of ticket options to fit your interest and timing needs. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets online in advance to reserve your spot!
– Season pass – A summer Mountain Bike Power Pass gets you maximum access to our bike park as well as unlimited uplifts at Pajarito Mountain, Lee Canyon, Brian Head Resort and Spider Mountain.
– Full-day ticket – Already know you love biking and want to make the most of your visit to Purgatory? Grab a full-day ticket and shred it up! Our bike park is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Be sure to stay fueled up. We offer online food ordering, so your lunch will be ready right when you are!
– Half-day ticket – Not sure if you love biking and you just want to try it out? Or are you passing through and hoping to enjoy all of our summer activity offerings? Take a lesson in the morning before jumping on the trails for a half-day afternoon session (starting at 1:30 p.m.), or grab an day ticket, enjoy our 6 summer activities in the morning, a delicious lunch, then finish off your day with a few laps on the bike park.
– Single ride – Short on time or mostly just interested in cruising around the backside on our cross country trails? Pick up a single ride ticket and don’t get lost back there!
2. Rentals
Whether you’re trying out biking for the first time, or you’ve got all the gear but want to feel out something different, borrowing a rental is a great option! Visit Cycle Works Bike Shop on the 2nd floor at Village Center and they’ll help you get set up!
3. What to Bring
Make sure to wear clothing you feel comfortable riding in:
- Pants are not recommended, but if you do choose to wear pants, we suggest rolling them up at the cuff (it keeps them from getting caught in the gears).
- Bring a light jacket or long sleeve layer. It can be surprisingly cool at the top of the mountain and in the shade. Plus, the weather can change fast in the mountains. You never know when you might get rained on.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands and to help you grip the bars over bumps.
- Use closed-toe shoes that have good traction with your pedals. Pedals with cages are not recommended because they can be challenging step out of if you need to put a foot down quickly. (If you have clipless mountain bike shoes and pedals, make sure you feel comfortable clipping in and out before using them.)
- Cycling helmets are required for riding the Purgatory Bike Park. There are two types of cycling helmets: standard and full-face. Standard helmets are great for first-timers on beginner trails. We recommend full-face helmets for intermediate and advanced trails.
- In high altitudes, it’s easy to become dehydrated more quickly than you’re used to. Make sure to drink at least one 8 ounce bottle of water per hour riding. Also, bring along bars and snacks to replenish your energy throughout the day. Food, drinks, and portable snacks are also available in the Village Market & Deli at the purgatory base area.
- You are a few thousand feet closer to the sun at altitude, so you’ll definitely want sunglasses and sunscreen.
Stop by Purgatory Sports if you forgot any of your gear! We’ve got clothing, helmets, gloves and anything else you may need to have a great time out there on the trail!
4. Loading Your Bike
Loading your bike is quick and simple. We have two types of bike racks on our lifts, a tray rack and a hook rack. Both are easy to use, and with the help of a lifty, you and your bike will be cruising up the mountain in no time.
5. Types of Trails
Downhill (DH)
Our downhill trails are characterized by steeper, more technical descents. But don’t worry, beginners. Our Shangri-La downhill was built with you in mind. Get a taste for riding down without any scary surprises. Build up your confidence before stepping it up to some of the more technical trails.
Cross Country (XC)
Our cross country trails invite you to take a moment and enjoy the scenery. Explore the backside of the mountain on these slower, smoother trails. With some climbing worked in, these will definitely offer a work out.
Skills Park
Our skills park is the summertime equivalent of a winter terrain park. It’s got a variety of biking features likes jumps, berms and other types of obstacles. This can be a fun way to work on certain skills and improve your riding (especially with some guidance). It can also be easily skipped if you prefer to stick to the smoother rides.
Trail Ratings
Our bike trail rating system is just like our ski rating system!
Green – Beginner
Blue – Intermediate
Black – Advanced
Red/Black – Expert
Check out the trail report to see what’s open.
6. Trail Safety and the Mountain Biker’s Responsibility Code
Mountain biking involves risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. Know the code! It’s your responsibility.
Always:
- Stay in Control. You’re responsible for avoiding objects and people.
- Know your limits. Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.
- Protect yourself. Use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equipment.
- Inspect and maintain equipment. Know your components and their operation prior to riding.
- Be lift smart. Know how to load, ride and unload lifts safely. Ask if you need help.
- Inspect the trails and features. Conditions change constantly; plan and adjust your riding accordingly.
- Obey signs and warnings. Stay on marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated.
- Be visible. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, feature, landing or are not visible.
- Look and yield to others. Look both ways and yield when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yield to those ahead.
- Cooperate. If involved in or witness to an incident, identify yourself to staff.
Now, have fun out there!