The Best Bike Towns for Music Lovers: Summer Adventures in Rhythm and Ride

Summer is the perfect time to hit the trails and there’s no better way to enjoy a day of biking than by complementing it with live music. If you’re a biker who loves the sound of music echoing through the mountains, here are some of the best towns that blend these seamlessly. Whether it’s bluegrass under towering peaks or an afternoon ride to a free concert in town, here’s a list of our favorite bike towns where the trails and the music go hand in hand.

Telluride, CO: A Bluegrass Lover’s Paradise

Telluride is a town that gets it, mountain biking and bluegrass go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you're lucky enough to visit in June, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is a must. This iconic event draws some of the best in the bluegrass world, like Sam Bush and Béla Fleck, and takes place with the dramatic San Juan Mountains as a backdrop. Whether you’re riding the trails by day or jamming by night, the entire town is alive with music, especially with the free "Sunset Concerts" atop Mountain Village.

Biking Highlights: Telluride is a mountain biking haven, with a variety of trails that will take you through aspen groves, alpine meadows, and stunning vistas. The Telluride Bike Park offers lift-served downhill for the adrenaline junkies, while trails like the Galloping Goose Trail are perfect for a more laid-back ride. Plus, there’s the Imogene Pass, a high-altitude route that rewards you with breathtaking views.

Why You'll Love It: This town seamlessly blends music and outdoor adventure. You can stroll into town for a concert or even hop on the gondola for a late-night jam session. The music and the people, everyone from locals to festival-goers, create an atmosphere that makes this one of the best places to visit in summer.

Nestled in the scenic Teton Valley, Driggs (and the nearby Grand Targhee Resort) is a hidden gem for both bikers and music lovers. The Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival in August is a laid-back yet top-tier event, featuring bands like The Infamous Stringdusters and Greensky Bluegrass, who grace the stage. What makes it extra special is the intimate feel of the festival. Small crowds, impromptu jam sessions and the incredible setting at 7,800 feet.

Biking Highlights: Driggs offers some of the best mountain biking in the area, with Grand Targhee’s Bike Park boasting over 70 miles of trails. From steep downhill runs to scenic cross-country loops, there’s something for every rider. The Targhee Resort also offers lift-served trails, so you can enjoy a day of gravity-fueled fun.

Why You'll Love It: Imagine a morning mountain bike ride, followed by an afternoon of bluegrass in the crisp mountain air and then winding down at the Trap Bar with some fiddles and mandolins ringing out in the background. The whole town comes alive with music and it’s impossible not to feel connected to the community.

Known as one of the original mountain biking meccas, Crested Butte is an outdoor lover’s dream, and it has a music scene that rivals its trail system. The Crested Butte Music Festival runs from June to August, featuring everything from classical to jazz, with highlights like Opera in the Park, where you can enjoy incredible performances under the stars. Add in some free concerts at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, and you've got an unforgettable combination of outdoor recreation and cultural enrichment.

Biking Highlights: Crested Butte is legendary for its trails, from the Snodgrass Mountain Trail (which offers breathtaking wildflower views) to the technical terrain of Teocalli Ridge. Whether you’re into downhill or cross-country, this town has it all, including the famous Crested Butte to Aspen Trail, a 27-mile backcountry route that’s nothing short of epic.

Why You'll Love It: Whether you’re attending an opera performance or a casual jam session, you’ll find yourself immersed in the town’s community.

Moab is known for its iconic mountain biking trails, but it also delivers on the music front with the Moab Music Festival each August. This event brings together classical, jazz, and bluegrass music against the backdrop of Moab’s otherworldly red rock landscapes. The concerts take place in venues like Canyonlands National Park, offering an unforgettable combination of music and natural beauty. For a more relaxed experience, Moab’s Free Concert Series keeps the fun going with live music every Friday evening.

Biking Highlights: If you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, Moab’s Slickrock Trail is a bucket-list ride. Its 12-mile trail over red sandstone offers jaw-dropping views and technical challenges. The Mag 7 Trails and Porcupine Rim are also favorites, with amazing vistas of the surrounding desert and the Colorado River.

Why You'll Love It: After a day of riding, you can kick back at a free concert and take in some live music under the stars. The stunning desert landscape only adds to the magic, making Moab a must-visit for any adventure-seeking music lover.

Big Sky, Montana, is known for its ski slopes in the winter, but in summer, the town transforms into an outdoor music and adventure hub. The Music in the Mountains series runs from late June to early September, featuring free Thursday night concerts in the heart of the town. With acts ranging from blues and bluegrass to indie rock, the series has become a local favorite. What’s more, it’s a great place to see live music in a casual, community-centered setting.

Biking Highlights: Big Sky is a mountain biking mecca, with over 40 miles of trails at the Big Sky Resort. From smooth flow trails like Mountain to Meadow to expert downhill routes like Otter Slide, there’s something for every skill level. Plus, the views of Lone Peak are hard to beat.

Why You'll Love It: Many concert-goers bike to the venue, making it easy to transition from an afternoon ride to an evening of great tunes. Whether you’re on a flow trail in the morning or grooving to a jam band at night, Big Sky offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and live music.

These towns offer the best of both worlds: incredible biking and a fun music scene. Whether you’re hitting the trails during the day or soaking in a concert under the stars, each of these places serves up a perfect mix of outdoor fun and community spirit. So, pack your bike, grab your go-to trail snacks, and head to one of these bike towns for an unforgettable summer of riding and rocking out.