BIKING

in the distance and, almost directly behind us, the Indian Peaks.

The quality riding is a welcome surprise. I’ve long recommended Devil’s Thumb to visitors for its environmental awareness and lack of pretense, unusual for a luxury destination resort. And a resort this is: Devil’s Thumb Ranch features two lodges, both of the “parkitechture” style of national park lodges, log cabins, fly-fishing, ziplining, horseback riding, three restaurants offering locally-sourced products (the Wagyu beef couldn’t get more local; it’s raised on the ranch), an 18,000-square foot spa, Colorado’s largest privately-owned solar array, a geothermal heating system and multiple beautiful event sites. And, it turns out, sweet mountain biking.

Although the womenspecific clinic happens just once a year (there are also women-specific clinics for fly-fishing and Nordic skiing), guests can explore the mountain bike trails on their own or hire a guide through the onsite activity center. Whichever route you choose, keep in mind Ruzickova’s advice as you explore this singletrack playground: look ahead, stack your elbows and lean. And one more thing: have fun.