Dishman Hills Natural Area
Trail Guide
moderate

Dishman Hills Natural Area

Dishman / Spokane Valley
8 miles
4.3/5
8 mi
Distance
1-2 hours
Duration
loop
Route Type
4.3/5
Rating
Dishman Hills: Spokane's Scenic Singletrack Escape
Dishman Hills Natural Area offers a quieter, more contemplative mountain biking experience just 15 minutes from downtown Spokane. The preserve's 530+ acres feature smooth dirt singletrack winding through moss-covered granite outcrops, ponderosa pines, and seasonal wildflower meadows. The trails are less technical than Beacon Hill or Riverside, making it ideal for intermediate riders looking for a scenic workout. The Glenrose area and the Ennis Road loops offer flowing climbs and rolling descents with views across the Spokane Valley.
Distance
8 miles
Difficulty
moderate
Surface
Dirt Trail
Route Type
loop
Location
Dishman Hills Trailhead, Spokane, WA
Neighborhood
Dishman / Spokane Valley
Dishman Hills is managed as a natural area, so trail etiquette and preservation are paramount. The trails here are shared with hikers and equestrians, so keep speeds reasonable and always yield. The riding is best in spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the wildflowers are out. The Big Rock and Ponderosa loops form the core of the riding, with the Glenrose addition adding more climbing and mileage. It's the perfect spot for a mid-week escape when you want nature without the drive to Mount Spokane.

Trail Tags

nature-areascenicsingletrackintermediatewildflowers
Why Riders Love Dishman Hills

Highlight 1

Moss-covered granite outcrops and ponderosa forest

Highlight 2

Smooth, flowy singletrack perfect for intermediate riders

Highlight 3

Seasonal wildflower displays in spring

Highlight 4

Quiet, less-crowded alternative to Beacon Hill

Highlight 5

Multiple loop options from 2-8 miles
Dishman Hills Trail Features
Granite Rock Formations
Wildflower Meadows
Free Parking
Dog Friendly (leashed)
Multiple Trailheads
Seasonal Creek
Best Times to Ride

Early Morning (7–10 AM)

The best time to ride in Aspen. Trails are fresh, temperatures are cooler at altitude, and you'll beat the afternoon crowds on popular routes like Maroon Bells.

Late Morning (10 AM–Noon)

Great for longer rides when fully acclimatized. Aim to be off exposed ridgelines by early afternoon as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.

Avoid Afternoons in Summer

Aspen summers bring rapid afternoon thunderstorms, especially above treeline. Start early and plan to return before 2–3 PM. Always bring a rain layer.

Gear Up Before You Ride

Before hitting Dishman Hills Natural Area, make sure you're fully prepared for high-altitude mountain biking. Check out our local Aspen bike shops for gear, mountain bike rentals, spare tubes, or a quick tune-up.

Aspen Cycling

Aspen's premier mountain bike shop, conveniently located near popular trailheads

Ute Mountaineer

Perfect for last-minute gear, trail maps, or a quick bike check before your ride

Safety Tips for Mountain Biking in Aspen, CO
  • •Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted mountain bike helmet — Aspen trails are technical
  • •Acclimatize first: Aspen sits at 8,000 ft — give yourself 1-2 days to acclimatize before hard rides, especially if flying in
  • •Watch for thunderstorms: Afternoon summer storms build fast in the Rockies — start early and be off exposed terrain by 2 PM
  • •Bring water & snacks: High altitude increases dehydration. Bring more water than you think you need plus energy snacks
  • •Know wildlife etiquette: Aspen has bears, moose, and elk. Make noise on blind corners and know how to react to wildlife
Trail Location
Marker
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap

Dishman Hills Trailhead, Spokane, WA

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Current Weather
50°F
Clear Sky
8 mph
Wind
0 mm
Precipitation
Ride Conditions: Good

Decent riding conditions today.

Live data via Open-Meteo · Austin, TX

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