Mountain Biking Boy Scout Trail: Lookout Mountain’s Top Ride

Stepping onto the Boy Scout Trail from Lookout Mountain Road in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, riders are immediately greeted with a rugged challenge that separates the casual from the committed. The first mile from Doc Holliday trailhead is a gritty, four-wheel-drive-track battle through rutted terrain that demands both patience and power. The steep ascent pushes the legs and lungs, but the gritty effort is a gateway to something far more rewarding.

At the one-mile mark, the trail breaks open into a quiet meadow where the imposing silhouette of Mount Sopris greets you with calm majesty. Here, the trail fans left, easing into a more single-track rhythm that feels like the trail is inviting riders into its folds. Rolling through pine-studded hills and earthy switchbacks, this section is a perfect blend of technical lines and flow, demanding skill but rewarding focus.

This trail’s crown jewel is the meeting point with Boy Scout trail itself, a fork where riders must choose their path carefully; a left keeps you on the true route, while a right takes you to the shadowy Hubbard’s Cave. From here, the trail dives downhill—an invigorating release of adrenaline where technical sections test bike handling, and the forest canopy shifts with every turn, teasing riders with beams of sunlight and cool shade.

Despite the physical demands, this ride remains friendly to hikers and runners, who will find the varied terrain both stimulating and scenic. For mountain bikers, the mix of rugged off-road segments and flowing singletrack makes it the top trail in Glenwood Springs for adrenaline-charged exploration.

Riding from start to finish takes you roughly 2.75 miles with a modest 72 feet of elevation gain—a deceptively tough climb followed by a smooth, technical descent. The route concludes near 9th and Palmer, just a short urban hop back to the trailhead.

Planning your trip here means preparing for the early rough terrain, carrying enough water, and wearing shoes or cleats that cope with rocky surfaces. In warm months, keep an eye out for sudden weather shifts; afternoon storms are common in Colorado’s mountain climate.

Beyond the ride, the trail connects you to Glenwood’s broader trail network, offering opportunities to extend your outing or explore on foot. Whether you're here for the physical challenge, the chance to connect with nature, or the simple joy of a great ride, Boy Scout Trail on Lookout Mountain offers a raw, honest mountain biking experience that leaves no rider unmoved.