Matthew Monk
Think you’ve seen it all? Well, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Unless, of course, you’ve been to Spider Mountain. This bike park and resort, located in Burnet on the shores of Lake Buchanan, offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re an avid mountain biker, or a casual weekend hiker, Spider Mountain has something for you.
Chairlift + Mountain Biking
Photo: @JohnstockerPhotography via Twenty20
Using a concept popularized by skiing, Spider Mountain Bike Park has built the first and only chairlift in Texas. While you won’t be able to shred the powdery slopes with your skis, arrival at the top of the 350-foot peak will greet you with several different trails to test your mountain biking skills.
Spider Mountain features nine different trails with varying degrees of difficulty for riders. Whether you’ve achieved sherpa-level ability on your bike, or you’re a novice, the resort has a trail that will suit your demands. If you’re not a biker, you can still ride the chairlift and experience the hiking trail. Check out breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Hill Country and the serene Lake Buchanan as you ascend. If you came unprepared to ride, Spider Mountain has ample rentals. You can rent bikes of any size you need, along with helmets, body armor, and elbow and knee pads.
Other Attractions
Photo: @criene via Twenty20
A few minutes walk or ride from the bike park, the Thunderbird Lodge at Spider Mountain is a great place to stay for an extended vacation or to chill for an afternoon after you’ve had your fill of downhill thrills.
The lodge offers a pool and easy access to Lake Buchanan. You can also rent boats or stand-up paddleboards if you want to get out on the water. On the grounds, there’s also a full basketball court and volleyball court if you want to get together for a little friendly competition.
