Mountain Biking the Beck Lake Trails

Written By: Katelyn Parker

Mountain biking has been a Cody recreation since long before “flow trails” and bike specific trails came to the area in recent years. It is one of Cody’s greater assets. Cody is surrounded by public lands which provide opportunities of riding right from your front door. 

The new Beck Lake trail system is an excellent example of the new trails that climb and descend without straining the bike or its rider. Not to say that the trails do not provide more experienced riders with challenges; ranging from short punchy climbs and technical downhill; including rock gardens and features like gaps and tabletops. The trails are well marked and graded from easy to difficult, allowing the user to pick a ride that will not extend the experience of the rider. 

Each intersection has a designated number which corresponds to a map at each trail junction. By picking the trails within the abilities of those riding, whether new to the spot, or old hands, you can put together a ride that will allow a workout or just a pleasant afternoon enjoying the country at the edge of town. 

If you live here or just moved to the area, Beck Lake is a great place to go for a great workout, doing laps of different duration and technical challenge. The trails are never crowded and allow slower riders to enjoy the trails at a leisurely pace with most faster riders passing with courtesy and patience. It is quite open with visibility, allowing knowledge of approaching cyclist in plenty of time to make safe decisions. 

Also, there is the paved course that follows the lakes edges which makes a two-mile loop which can be used by road and gravel bikers that prefer a more stable riding surface. If you are visiting from an area where you don’t have cows sharing your recreational parks, you should be aware that they are kind and considerate creatures that reflect the attitude of those sharing the country with them. Happy riding and peddle on!