If you`ve lived in Boulder County for more than a year or two, you know that spring hasn`t necessarily sprung until after the last Bolder Boulder runner crosses the finish line. April and May can offer their share of wintry temperatures and aren`t above dumping two feet of snow some years.

But the trend is definitely toward summer, so it`s OK to get psyched about mountain biking.

Between Boulder County, the city of Boulder and scattered open spaces owned by surrounding municipalities, the area offers miles and miles of trails where anyone from novices to seasoned pros can have memorable biking experiences.

But researching a trail before you ride is is essential. Understanding the type of terrain, distance and what provisions to bring will not only save you from being unprepared but also will help keep you safe.

“For beginner mountain bikers of all ages I would recommend the front range trails including Marshal Mesa/Dowdy Draw system in South Boulder,” says Matt Tomasko, executive director of Singletrack Mountain Bike Adventures of Boulder.

And every user should be mindful that their presence on the land has impacts, says Jason Vogel, president of the Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

“We`re focusing on creating a social community in support of open sapce; riding our bikes, building trails, reclaiming unsustainable trails and working as a positive force in the community on trail access issues,” he says. “We encourage people to be active stewards of the environment and of the trails that we all love to use.”

Here, in honor of spring, are 10 great places to log some miles in the saddle (listed by management agency):

Boulder Open Space

and Mountain Parks

For detailed maps and directions to trailheads, go to bouldercolorado.gov and search for “open space.”

Eagle Trail at Boulder Valley Ranch Easy to moderate. A great ride for beginners who just want a scenic, mostly mellow ride. The trail is on gravel service and farm-access roads and also connects to the Foothills Trailhead and Sage Trail. There is a gradual climb followed by a single steep push — if you can stay aboard, you`re a monster — from valley to mesa.

Doudy Draw Trailhead Moderate. Just 3 miles long, this is an basic trail that weaves through evergreen forests, hills and meadows. If you want more distance, it connects to Community Ditch Trail, Flatirons Vista Trail and Prairie Vista Trail.

East Boulder Trail/White Rocks Moderate. With three sections totaling 9 miles, these trails work from easy to moderate ability on gravel, dirt and singletrack trails. The trail curves around Teller Farm and Teller Lake, White Rocks Nature Preserve (no dogs allowed) and Gunbarrel Farm. You`ll get great views of the Flatirons, Indian Peaks and Longs Peak.

Community Ditch Trail/Marshall Mesa Easy. This popular 4-mile trail (it can definitely be crowded in warm weather) traverses grasslands and mesas with awesome views of the Flatirons and sandstone cliffs. Community Ditch trail connects to Marshall Mesa Trail to the east, and also can access Doudy Draw and Flatiron Vista Trails.

Boulder County Parks

and Open Space

For detailed trail maps and access points, go to bouldercounty.org/play/recreation.

Walker Ranch Loop Moderate to difficult. Set aside a few hours for this rollicking 8-mile loop of singletrack and doubletrack trails, featuring steep climbs and technical terrain. Great views of majestic Eldorado State Park and the soaring Indian Peaks and the Continental Divide to the west.

Canyon Loop Trail at Betasso Preserve Easy to moderate. This sweet but intense 3-mile loop plunges through shadowed forests and meanders through golden green meadows. Sweeping vistas of the Divide are visible to the west while the plains stretch away toward the sunrise. It`s a great place for beginners to test newly acquired singletrack skills. NOTE: In a new approach to user management, bikes are not allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Eagle Wind Trail at Rabbit Mountain Easy to moderate. This 6-mile singletrack trail races along the southern edge of Rabbit Mountain, offering excellent views of the foothills and Flatirons to the south. Featuring mellow switchbacks, rocky terrain and modest elevation gains, this trail is challenging without being too technical. For a little more distance, add on the Indian Mesa out-and-back and Little Thompson Overlook Trail.

Picture Rock Trail at Heil Valley Ranch Moderate to difficult. Nont for beginners or your first ride since last fall. Offering technical terrain with sharp turns, big rocks and a constant slight elevation gain, this 8-mile trail is great for riders looking for a little hammer time. Don`t be surprised if you see turkeys, bear or elk. For more time on the trail, connect to Wapiti Trail, Ponderosa Loop Trail and Wild Turkey Trail.

Eldorado Canyon

State Park

For detailed map go to parks.state.co.us/parks/eldoradocanyon.

Rattlesnake Gulch Difficult. If you`re looking for short, sharp slam, this is your trail. Though just four miles long, this mostly singletrack jaunt climbs steeply from Eldorado Canyon to the site of the long-gone Crags Hotel. From the hotel, you can continue up, up, up to the railroad grade or even the summit of Eldorado Mountain. Don`t let the mellow start fool you: this one will get your heart rate up. But it`s worth it.

U.S. Forest Service

For detailed map and directions, go to bouldermountain

bike.org/trail.

Ceran St. Vrain /Miller Rock Moderate to difficult. Rolling alongside St. Vrain Creek, this looks like a pleasant, scenic little trail … until you decide to make the slog up to Miller Rock. The counter-clockwise route to the rock (named — probably apocryphally — after a man who climbed the rock to escape a lynch mob) offers an insane descent. Be sure to save some gas for the trip out and don`t feel bad if you have to dismount. Everyone does.