Ride Like a Local: Mountain Biking at Giants Ridge

If you’re planning a mountain biking trip to Minnesota’s Iron Range, Giants Ridge deserves a spot on your list.

Known for its lift-served gravity trails, expansive cross-country network, and a mix of flow, jumps, technical riding, and scenic views, Giants Ridge offers something few Midwest bike destinations can match: the ability to spend an entire weekend exploring completely different riding experiences without leaving the trail system.

The resort features 10 gravity trails and more than 9 miles of cross-country singletrack served by its high-speed quad chairlift that zips riders from the base to the summit in less than 5 minutes. Gravity lift service operates on weekends and holidays beginning at 10am, giving riders plenty of opportunities to maximize downhill laps while spending less time climbing.

To help you make the most of your visit, we caught up with Ride the Range Ambassador Wyatt Petrack, who has spent the last seven years riding Giants Ridge’s trails.

We asked Wyatt to share the trails, experiences, and insider tips he’d recommend to anyone planning their first visit.

New to Lift-Served Riding? Start with a Lesson

If it’s your first time visiting a lift-served bike park, Giants Ridge is one of the best places in the Midwest to learn.

The resort offers private and semi-private mountain bike lessons taught by professional, certified instructors, making it an ideal first stop for riders looking to build confidence before heading out on the trails.

Semi-private lessons allow up to three riders to learn together, and children as young as six years old can participate, making them a great option for families or groups.

Whether you’re completely new to mountain biking or simply looking to improve your skills, starting with professional instruction can help you ride more confidently while getting the most out of your visit.

Wyatt’s Trail Recommendations

Best Trail for Beginners – Tadpole

New to Giants Ridge? Tadpole is Wyatt’s recommendation for riders looking to build confidence and experience the trail network without feeling overwhelmed.

The trail provides a fun introduction to the terrain and flow that make Giants Ridge a favorite among visiting riders.

Best Family-Friendly Ride – Kitty Cat

Families and newer riders looking for an approachable experience should check out Kitty Cat.

The trail offers a welcoming introduction to the bike park while still delivering the fun and flow that make riding at Giants Ridge memorable.

Best Descent – Sector 12

When asked about his favorite downhill run, Wyatt points directly to Sector 12.

The trail combines speed, flow, and features that keep riders coming back for another lap. Better yet, the ending section remains one of his favorite stretches anywhere in the system.

“The end of Sector 12 always puts a smile on my face.”

Best Flow Trail – Featherlys

Flow trail fans won’t want to miss Featherlys.

With smooth transitions, rhythm-packed turns, and plenty of opportunities to carry speed, it’s one of the best examples of the flow-focused riding that has helped put Giants Ridge on the Midwest mountain biking map.

Best Jump Line – Return to Send’er

For riders looking to get airborne, Wyatt recommends Return to Send’er.

In fact, the opening day of Return to Send’er remains one of his favorite memories from riding Giants Ridge.

The trail has become a favorite for riders looking to progress their jumping skills while still having fun lap after lap.

Best Technical Challenge – Granite Gorge

If technical riding is more your style, add Granite Gorge to your must-ride list.

Rock features, line choice, and precision riding make this trail one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences at Giants Ridge.

Most Underrated Trail Network – The South Trails

While the gravity trails often get most of the attention, Wyatt believes one of the most overlooked experiences at Giants Ridge is the South XC Trails network, including the huge rock roll on Ajax.

Visitors focused solely on downhill riding may miss some of the area’s best scenery, variety, and mileage.

If your schedule allows, save time to explore beyond the chairlift-served terrain.

Best View – Techonite

For riders looking for a memorable photo opportunity or simply a place to appreciate the landscape, Wyatt recommends making your way to Techonite.

The views provide a reminder that riding the Iron Range isn’t just about great trails. It’s also about experiencing a unique landscape shaped by Minnesota’s mining heritage.

A Perfect Day at Giants Ridge

Wyatt’s ideal summer riding day is simple:

• Start the morning with gravity laps served by the high-speed quad chairlift.
• Refuel with lunch at Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews, conveniently located just steps from the chairlift.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the cross-country trail network and South Trails.
• Finish the day unwinding at the Pool & Sauna Haus.

After a full day on the bike, there’s no better way to recover than at the Pool & Sauna Haus.

Open seven days a week until 8 p.m., the Pool & Sauna Haus offers riders a chance to relax in the pool, hot tub, or sauna before heading home or settling in for another day on the trails. It’s a resort amenity that sets Giants Ridge apart from many other mountain biking destinations and provides the perfect ending to an unforgettable day on the bike.

Make It a Weekend

If you have two days to ride the Iron Range, Wyatt recommends pairing Giants Ridge with Redhead Mountain Bike Park.

“Redhead isn’t too far from Giants Ridge, and the trails are very unique. They’re extremely well maintained, and new trails are being added all the time.”

For more trail-specific recommendations, read the Ride Like a Local guide to Redhead.

Together, the two destinations create a weekend that combines lift-served gravity riding, technical terrain, flow trails, and one-of-a-kind mining landscapes.

Where to Stay

For the most convenient experience, consider staying on-site at The Lodge at Giants Ridge or The Villas at Giants Ridge, both of which provide easy access to the bike park, trail network, dining, golf, and other resort amenities.

Wyatt also recommends nearby camping options for riders looking to stay close to the trails and spend more time outdoors, including Fisherman’s Point Campground and Vermilion Trail Campground.

With lodging options ranging from resort accommodations to lakeside camping, it’s easy to build an entire mountain bike weekend around Giants Ridge.

Before You Go

A few final tips from Wyatt:

• Bring knee pads and a full-face helmet if you plan to ride the gravity trails. Giants Ridge’s rental shop has both available if needed.
• Make time to experience both the gravity trails and the South Trails network.
• If you’re new to lift-served riding, consider booking a private or semi-private lesson with one of Giants Ridge’s certified instructors.
• Plan time to relax at the Pool & Sauna Haus before calling it a day.
• Grab lunch or dinner at Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews.
  If your schedule allows, extend your stay with a round of golf or another day exploring the Iron Range.

Whether you’re chasing jump lines, technical features, fast flow trails, or a full weekend of mountain bike adventure, Giants Ridge delivers one of the most complete riding experiences in the Midwest.

And according to the locals who ride here most, it’s only getting better.