Top New Colorado 5-Star Outdoor Destination 2026
Weekly Register-Call
Awarded to Virginia Canyon Mountain Park for its exceptional trail design, environmental stewardship, and contribution to Idaho Springs' outdoor economy.
Weekly Register-Call Presents
Colorado's Top New 5-Star Outdoor Destination 2026
Virginia Canyon Mountain Park
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Recognition
Colorado's 5-Star Outdoor Destination 2026
Virginia Canyon Mountain Park earned Colorado's top outdoor distinction in its inaugural season — recognized by the Weekly Register-Call and its editorial review panel.
Editors' Choice — Best New Mountain Bike Park
Weekly Register-Call Outdoor Desk
The WRC editorial board selected VCMP as the region's most significant new trail system based on design quality, safety, and community impact.
5-Star Trail Experience
WRC Trail Review Panel
Our review panel rode all seven named trails over two seasons and awarded the full five-star rating — the first Clear Creek County trail system to earn this distinction.
Weekly Register-Call Community Award
Weekly Register-Call
Recognized for bringing riders, locals, and Colorado Parks & Wildlife together to build a trail system that serves the entire Idaho Springs community.
VCMP Trail Guide
Seven Trails. Every Skill Level.
Virginia Canyon Mountain Park offers named trails from beginner flow to expert technical — all with sunrise-to-sunset access, no lift ticket required.
AdvancedDrop Shaft
The signature descent at VCMP — steep, technical, and relentless. Drop Shaft earns its name with a series of punchy drops through aspen groves and exposed granite that reward commitment and precise line choice.
Sunrise to Sunset
IntermediateRosa Gulch
A flowing cross-country loop through the lower gulch corridor. Rosa Gulch links meadow switchbacks with a shaded creek-side climb — the ideal intro to VCMP for riders transitioning from Front Range trails.
Sunrise to Sunset
ExpertGauntlet Gold
Named for the gold rush era mines visible along its ridgeline route, Gauntlet Gold is VCMP's most demanding experience — a sustained technical ridge traverse with exposure and consequence.
Sunrise to Sunset
AdvancedTectonic
Rocky, chunky, and satisfying — Tectonic weaves through volcanic uplift formations that define Virginia Canyon's geology. A local favorite for riders who want sustained technical challenge without extreme exposure.
Sunrise to Sunset
ExpertFire in the Hole
A mining town tribute trail — narrow, fast, and unforgiving through historic blast zones above Idaho Springs. Fire in the Hole demands full commitment and offers one of the most memorable trail experiences in Colorado.
Sunrise to Sunset
IntermediateMyer's Flyer
The crowd-pleaser at VCMP. Myer's Flyer delivers wide berms, rhythm sections, and steady flow from ridgetop to valley floor. Accessible enough for motivated beginners, fun enough for experts on a rest day.
Sunrise to Sunset
AdvancedPanic Switch
A late-season favorite when lower trails dry out, Panic Switch climbs through open ponderosa before releasing into a steep, natural-surface descent with optional line variations at every key feature.
Sunrise to Sunset
Clear Creek Adventures
Beyond the Bike
Idaho Springs and Clear Creek Canyon offer world-class rafting, ziplines, via ferrata climbing, hiking, and Colorado's most storied mining history.
Clear Creek Rafting
Class III–IV whitewater runs through Clear Creek Canyon — one of Colorado's most accessible river experiences, 30 minutes from Denver.
Book Rafting
Idaho Springs Zipline
Fly over historic Idaho Springs and Clear Creek Canyon on a dual-cable zipline with views stretching to the Continental Divide.
Book Zipline
Via Ferrata
Scale the canyon walls on a fixed-iron climbing route above Idaho Springs. Gear rental available. No rock climbing experience required.
Book Via Ferrata
Canyon Hiking
Miles of maintained hiking trails connect Idaho Springs to historic mine sites, alpine meadows, and Clear Creek's dramatic canyon walls.
Trail Maps
Mountain Biking — VCMP
Virginia Canyon Mountain Park — seven named trails, all skill levels, sunrise to sunset access. Colorado's newest 5-star bike park.
Explore Trails
Historic Idaho Springs
Walk the original silver mining district — Argo Gold Mine & Mill, Edgar Experimental Mine, historic downtown, and the famous Beau Jo's pizza.
Plan Your VisitEat & Drink Local
Idaho Springs After the Ride
From award-winning craft beer to Colorado-style mountain pizza — Idaho Springs keeps riders well-fed and well-watered.
Pizza · Post-Ride Classic
Beau Jo's Idaho Springs
The original Beau Jo's — Colorado-style mountain pizza since 1973. The calzone crust is sacred. Arrive hungry.
Visit Website →
Brewery · Taproom
Westbound & Down Brewing
Award-winning craft brewery steps from the trailhead. Cold pints, elevated pub food, and a patio facing Clear Creek.
Visit Website →
Deli · Pre-Ride Fuel
Two Brothers Deli
Local staple for loaded sandwiches and breakfast burritos. The go-to pre-ride fuel stop in Idaho Springs since 1992.
Visit Website →
Brewery · Pub
Tommyknocker Brewery
Historic downtown brewery in a converted Victorian building. Seasonal taps and hearty pub grub — perfect post-ride recovery.
Visit Website →
Coffee · Café
Java Lava Coffee
The morning ritual for Idaho Springs riders — specialty espresso, fresh pastries, and a bulletin board that covers every local trail condition.
Visit Website →
Restaurant · Event Space
Mighty Argo Cabin
Elevated dining in a restored historic cabin above the Argo Gold Mine site. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Visit Website →Community Events
Ride & Meet
Group rides, social events, and community gatherings for outdoor-minded people in Clear Creek County and beyond.
Singles Ride Night
Every Friday at 6pm
VCMP Lower Trailhead, Idaho Springs
Group ride for solo riders looking to connect on the trails. No pairing — just great rides with new people. All skill levels on Myer's Flyer or Rosa Gulch based on sign-up.
Trail to Tap
Second Saturday of the month
VCMP to Westbound & Down Brewing
Guided group ride followed by first-round drinks at Westbound & Down. Intermediate pace. 10–12 miles. Helmets required. Discount pint for participants.
Raft & Social
Saturdays in July & August
Clear Creek Rafting Co. + Downtown Idaho Springs
Morning raft trip on Clear Creek followed by a group lunch in downtown Idaho Springs. Organized through VCMP community partners. No biking — just water and good company.
Sunset Social
Last Sunday of the month
VCMP Ridgeline Overlook
Easy group ride to the canyon overlook for a late-afternoon social. BYO snacks and drinks. Guided at sunset pace. Open to all abilities. Dogs on leash welcome.
WRC Outdoor Pass
Everything Idaho Springs, $5/month
Full access to the Weekly Register-Call outdoor supplement — trail conditions, exclusive articles, event invites, and the local knowledge that keeps you riding.
- Trail conditions & closures — updated weekly
- Exclusive long-form WRC outdoor articles
- Priority invites to VCMP events & social rides
- Full Idaho Springs local guide access
- Weekly outdoor newsletter delivered Friday
From the WRC Outdoor Desk
Latest from Idaho Springs
Feature
Inside Colorado's Newest Bike Park
Virginia Canyon Mountain Park opened with seven trails and a vision to transform Idaho Springs into Colorado's most compelling outdoor destination. We rode every line.
Patrick Henry Sweeney8 min read
Community
From Mining Town to Adventure Hub
Idaho Springs spent 150 years defined by silver and gold extraction. The next chapter is being written by mountain bikers, rafters, and outdoor entrepreneurs.
WRC Editorial Desk6 min read
Economy
The Rise of Idaho Springs Outdoor Tourism
New trail systems, expanded rafting operations, and a brewery scene have pushed Idaho Springs visitor numbers to a record high. Local businesses weigh in.
WRC Business Desk5 min read
Guide
Clear Creek Weekend Adventure Guide
Ride Saturday, raft Sunday, eat well both days — the complete two-day itinerary for Idaho Springs and Clear Creek Canyon, updated for the 2026 season.
Trail Desk7 min read
Partners & Sponsors
Built with the Community
Virginia Canyon Mountain Park is made possible through partnerships with advocacy groups, city government, state agencies, and industry partners.
COMBA
Colorado Mountain Bike Association
Trek Trails
Trail Advocacy Partner
City of Idaho Springs
Municipal Partner
Mighty Argo
Historic Site Partner
Shimano Trail Born
Equipment Sponsor
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Land Management
GOCO
Great Outdoors Colorado Funder