Emerald Mountain Epic
Steamboat Springs' backcountry mountain bike race is 90% singletrack across 52 miles, a true test above the Yampa Valley.
The vibe
Singletrack-heavy backcountry epic
Most 50-mile mountain bike races mix in some doubletrack or gravel connector to keep the pace manageable. Emerald Mountain Epic doesn’t bother — 90% of its 52 miles is singletrack, which turns what could be a manageable distance into a full-day commitment above the Yampa Valley.
The trail network above Steamboat has built a reputation among Colorado mountain bikers for exactly this kind of flowing, technical terrain, and the race takes full advantage of it. Expect your bike-handling skills to matter as much as your engine by the final climbs.
Steamboat in August is in its best form — warm days, cool evenings, and a town that knows how to treat mountain bikers well once they’re off the trail.