Known as one of the birthplaces of mountain biking, it comes as no surprise that Crested Butte, Colorado, is one of the best places to bike in the U.S. Tucked in the heart of the Elk Mountain Range of the Rocky Mountains, this off-the-beaten-path locale has a storied history of bicycling.

Long before it became a destination for recreation biking, the town’s unpaved roads and massive potholes led to bicycles being the easiest way to get around. Even after its first street was paved in 1976, the biking-for-transportation culture persisted — today you’ll still find Crested Butte’s streets lined with “townies,” single speed cruiser bikes used for everything from getting groceries to stopping by the post office to commuting to a rec-league softball game.

Still, Crested Butte’s off-road trail network is where its draw truly comes to life. Designated as the wildflower capital of Colorado, all it takes is one ride down any number of trails surrounding Crested Butte to understand why its beauty captivates locals and tourists alike, year after year.