The best MTB trails around Enchastrayes

The Enchastrayes area, nestled in the Ubaye Valley, offers an extensive network of over 100 mountain bike trails. These trails span approximately 340 kilometers, catering to various styles including cross-country, enduro, and downhill riding.

The summer months are ideal for mountain biking in Enchastrayes. The region benefits from a cool and pleasant climate, making it perfect for exploring the extensive forests and high-altitude trails. While some trails might be accessible in late spring or early autumn, summer offers the most reliable conditions.

Yes, there are trails suitable for beginners and families. Out of over 100 routes, 10 are classified as easy. The lower Ubaye Valley, stretching from Barcelonnette towards Lac de Serre-Ponçon, features more accessible, rolling tracks that are well-suited for those newer to the sport or riding with family. For a moderate option, consider the Barcelonnette – Barcelonnette loop from Faucon-de-Barcelonnette - Plan la Croix / l'Argile, which explores local valley terrain.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Enchastrayes offers 47 difficult trails. The upper sections of the Ubaye Valley, particularly from Col de Larche to Barcelonnette, feature steeper and more technical terrain. The View of Fort de Tournoux – Col de Vars loop from Faucon-de-Barcelonnette - Plan la Croix / l'Argile is a difficult 53 km trail leading through mountainous terrain and past historical landmarks.

Yes, the region boasts dedicated bike parks. Pra Loup, a nearby resort, offers six downhill trails ranging from green to black. Additionally, Sauze d'Oulx, part of the broader Alpi Bike Resort, provides a bike park with 12 runs, predominantly red-graded, alongside some black runs for expert riders. The Alpi Bike Resort itself features over 50 freeride routes.

The trails around Enchastrayes offer spectacular scenery, including views of iconic peaks like the Chapeau de Gendarme and the Pain de Sucre. You'll ride through extensive forests, alongside the pristine Ubaye river, and past majestic ridges. Notable mountain passes in the vicinity include Cayolle Pass, Moutière Pass, and Col de la Bonette. You might also encounter viewpoints like the View of Lake Allos from Mont Pelat.

Yes, many routes in the area are loops. For example, the Alpes de haute provence – Col des Alaris loop from Barcelonnette is a moderate 21.2 km path featuring varied ascents and descents. Another option is the Bonnet Vert – Faucon-de-Barcelonnette loop from Barcelonnette, a moderate 14.7 km route.

The mountain biking experience around Enchastrayes is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, ranging from technical singletrack to flowy traverses, and the stunning Alpine scenery with views of snow-capped peaks and the Ubaye river.

While many trails are concentrated around Barcelonnette and the wider Ubaye Valley, Enchastrayes serves as an excellent base. You can find local routes that connect to the broader network. For instance, the Faucon-de-Barcelonnette – Barcelonnette loop from Jausiers is a difficult 34.2 km route that starts from a nearby village and explores the surrounding area.

Generally, no specific permits are required for mountain biking on the marked trails in the Ubaye Valley. However, it's always advisable to check local regulations, especially if you plan to venture into protected natural areas or specific bike parks, as they might have their own rules or fees.

Parking is typically available in and around the main villages and trailheads in the Ubaye Valley, including Enchastrayes, Barcelonnette, and other hamlets like Le Sauze. Look for designated parking areas near popular starting points for trails or in village centers. Specific parking information for individual routes can often be found on their respective komoot tour pages.