The 10 Best MTB Shuttle Routes in the Western US

Ah, the mountain bike shuttle. While I’m not scared to climb for hours and earn my turns, I can never pass up an opportunity to snag a ride to the top of the mountain and bomb back down!

Of course, most shuttle runs still require a good bit of climbing, but getting the bulk of it taken care of via a motor and some gasoline is becoming an increasingly popular option at MTB destinations around the world. In fact, shuttle routes have become so popular that many riders consider an epic shuttle to be a prerequisite for all true mountain bike destinations. I say, the more the merrier!

With so many excellent shuttle routes cropping up, it’s tough to choose the best ones. But the Singletracks staff got together, and here are our top 10 picks in the Western United States. With these choices we tried to focus on routes that are serviced by a commercial shuttle option, in order to make it as easy as possible to show up, plunk down your cash, and shred.

One thing’s for sure: you’ll have a blast on all of these rides!

1. The Whole Enchilada, Moab, Utah

With over 7,000 feet of net descending from the high point to the low point, and passing through almost every climate zone imaginable, the Whole Enchilada is the king of shuttle routes. Riders flock from all over the world to experience this mountain biking masterpiece, and to try their luck on Moab‘s technical obstacles.

There’s a host of companies shuttling riders up the Whole Enchilada, including Whole Enchilada Shuttle Co. and Coyote Shuttles.

2. The Monarch Crest, Salida, Colorado

This epic route spends about 10 miles traversing the Continental Divide, poking above treeline in a few spots before bombing down the mountainside, all the way back to the valley floor. If you want to, feel free to vary from the classic route by taking one of the other extremely-fun descent options.

High Valley Bike Shuttle will make your Monarch Crest dreams come true.

3. Downieville Downhill, California

The Downieville Downhill is a classic shuttle that’s been around for decades. It’s so popular that a race and a festival have grown around this isolated California mountain town, and its iconic trail.

While Downieville does sport one or two short climbs, it’s one of the fastest, most descending-oriented shuttle run on this list. Grab a ride at Yuba Expeditions and be prepared to shred!

4. Teton Pass, Wilson, Wyoming

Never mind the addictive mix of smooth and rugged terrain, steep pitches, jumps, drops, and breakneck speeds–the best and most unique characteristic of Teton Pass riding is the ease of shuttle access to a singletrack buffet within such a short stretch of road. From the summit to Wilson, Wyoming is a 10-minute, 5.5-mile drive descending over 2,000 feet to the Jackson basin along Highway 22.

From the top of the pass, traverse south to ride Black Canyon and Lithium. Just a stone’s throw east of the summit, pick up Fuzzy Bunny which feeds into lower pass trails also accessible off the highway: Jimmy’s Mom, Candyland, Parallel, and Power Line Jumps. And don’t pass on a rip down Phillips Ridge or Phillips Canyon, also accessed from–you guessed it–Highway 22.

Don’t have a shuttle? Stick a thumb out from the Stagecoach Bar. Hitchhiking was legalized here due to the popularity of biking and backcountry skiing on the Teton Pass.

-Chris Daniels

5. Wasatch Crest, Park City, Utah

The Wasatch Crest is an epic shuttle that begins off of Guardsman’s Pass above Park City. And there are two options: go along the crest and then descend toward Park City (about 3,000 feet of descent from high point to low point), or descend down the other side of the mountain range, all the way down to Salt Lake City (about 5,000 feet of descent from high point to low point). Just make sure that you know where your car is located, and that the trail you’re taking is sending you the correct direction. 🙂 Big Rack Shuttle can take care of your transportation needs.

6. Alpine Trail, Oakridge, Oregon

The Alpine Trail is a ripping descent down some of the finest singletrack that Oregon has to offer! Marvel at the massive trees as you zip beneath them and gawk at the views of the valley below, but keep your eyes on the trail because the sheer speed and exposure can quickly catch you by surprise! Grab your shuttle at Oregon Adventures and check this place out for yourself.

7. South Boundary Trail, Taos, New Mexico

Taos is home to a wonderful blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo Culture… and some outstanding mountain biking, especially on the South Boundary Trail.  Although a shuttle, the 23-mile route still includes a touch over 2,000 feet of climbing.  If all that climbing and XC riding is not to your liking, just ask Jeff from Really Fun Adventures to drop you off at Garcia Park rather than the far end.  You’ll still get gorgeous bench cut through the aspens, but the worst of the climbing is eliminated and you’ll be fresh for the final plummet, which is fast and furious.

-John Fisch

8. Helena, Montana

Ok, I may be cheating here, as I’m listing an entire region as a shuttle. That isn’t technically true, but what is true is that all summer long Helena, Montana offers free shuttles to many of their most popular trails, including the Continental Divide Trail at MacDonald Pass, Helena Ridge Trail, and more. Yes, I said free vertical, as in no pedaling and no paying.

Be sure to check the shuttle schedule for the next ride, and if you want an unlimited amount of shuttling for three days straight, be sure to show up for Helena’s Shuttle Fest.

9. Mount Lowe, Los Angeles, California

There are a variety of route options descending from the Mount Wilson/Mount Lowe area all the way down to the city below, but one of the best that I found was the Mount Lowe Railway. Actually, I began on the railway and chose a variety of singletrack variants that spurred off the old narrow gauge route, providing a rip-roaring descent all the way down to an amazing burger restaurant at the bottom of the mountain. Check out my article for more info, and hit up Mt. Wilson MTB Adventure for shuttle service.

10. McKenzie River Trail, Eugene, Oregon

Unlike all of the other shuttle routes on this list, the McKenzie River Trail doesn’t feature any major descents. I’d define the MRT as a cross country point-to-point shuttle, as it only drops about 1,500 feet from high point to low point.. That’s not to say that it isn’t technical in spots: some of the sharp volcanic rock can be extremely challenging and is just begging to tear skin from flesh if you fall on it.

However, this route is really about the experience and not the adrenaline-filled descending: you’ll ride past massive thundering waterfalls, crystal clear pools of water, and beneath towering virgin timber. Check out Cog Wild for a shuttle if you’re coming from Bend, or Horse Creek Lodge if you find yourself in the immediate MRT vicinity.

Your Turn: What’s your favorite MTB shuttle of all time? Share it with us in the comments below!