Bucket List Worthy: All 4 of Colorado’s IMBA Epic Rides

Hit all 4 of Colorado's IMBA Epics on one epic trip!

Greg Heil

Images

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First Descent Photographer

by Tom M.

Licence Free

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Epic Antora View Photographer

by Greg Heil

Licence Free

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Sweet Singletrack Photographer

by Greg Heil

Licence Free

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Ouray Airtime Photographer

by Marcel Slootheer

Licence Free

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Riding Beneath Ouray Photographer

by Marcel Slootheer

Licence Free

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Old School Cribbing Photographer

by Greg Heil

Licence Free

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by Greg Heil

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View from the top of Kennebec Pass. Photo: Greg Heil.

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Monarch Crest Trail. Rider: Greg Heil

by Greg Heil

Licence Free

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Greg Heil on the Kennebec Pass section

by Marcel Slootheer

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Greg Heil on the Kennebec Pass section

by Marcel Slootheer

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Greg Heil on the Kennebec Pass section

by Marcel Slootheer

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Description

For years, IMBA’s list of “Epic” rides has inspired mountain bikers from around the world to pack their bags and travel to a far-flung locale to pedal a long, gnarly, challenging backcountry trail that was almost guaranteed to change your life. IMBA describes their epics as "immersive rides that are technically and physically challenging, beautiful to behold and worthy of celebration.” These trails are so worthy of celebration that many mountain bikers have set a lifelong goal of completing all of the rides on IMBA’s list of Epics.

That goal could prove challenging, as the list continues to change over time. New trails are added almost every year due to the crowd-sourced nomination process, and occasionally old trails are removed. But the trails that remain are always worthy of exploration!

While many states—or even countries—can only claim to have a single Epic Ride, Colorado is home to an impressive four designated Epics. In this guidebook, we’ve rounded up all four Epics to form the perfect itinerary for your next Colorado getaway!

Source:
IMBA.com

Adventures

Monarch Crest

This epic trail provides high alpine ridge top riding at treeline with views for hundreds of miles in all directions, finishing with a ripping descent down the mountain.