E-bikes on White River National Forest trails
Mountains & Western Slope, Colorado · Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, Garfield and others · Managed by USDA Forest Service - White River National Forest
🟡 Only on routes open to motor vehicles
Last checked:
Which classes: Any class, but only on roads/trails open to motorized use
The rules
On the White River NF, all e-bike classes count as motor vehicles, so they can only use roads and trails open to motorized use, during the motorized season. Non-motorized trails are closed to e-bikes even if regular mountain bikes are allowed. Some ski resorts under Forest Service permit allow e-bikes inside their permit areas.
What the official source says:
Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are all considered to be motorized vehicles by the Forest Service.
Source: USDA Forest Service - White River National Forest
📞 Call ahead: 970-945-2521 (rules and closures change)
Gear for this ride
- Thule EasyFold XT 2 hitch rackFolding 2-bike hitch rack rated for 65 lb per bike — enough for most e-bikes. Check your bike's weight first.
- Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini U-lockKryptonite's top-rated U-lock, Sold Secure Gold, for trailheads and town stops.
- Dynaplug Racer Pro tire plug kitFixes tubeless punctures on the trail with preloaded plugs.
- Topeak Mini Morph pumpFrame-mounted mini pump that fits both Presta and Schrader valves.
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Colorado's e-bike classes
Colorado has three e-bike classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist to 20 mph), Class 2 (motor helps with or without pedaling, cuts out at 20 mph) and Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28 mph, with a speedometer). Colorado e-bike laws →
Not sure which class you have? E-bike classes explained →
Did this rule change, or is something here wrong? Tell us and we'll re-check it against the official source.
Nearby trails
- Rio Grande Trail (Glenwood Springs to Aspen) 🟢 Class 1 & 2 onlyRoaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA); Pitkin County Open Space & Trails (Basalt-Aspen)
- Colorado Trail 🟡 Motorized routes onlyUSDA Forest Service (multiple national forests) with the Colorado Trail Foundation
- 18 Road Trails / North Fruita Desert (BLM) ❔ Call firstBureau of Land Management - Grand Junction Field Office