Joey Klein is a trailblazing figure in the world of mountain biking and trail design, having spent over twenty-five years shaping the sport on a global scale. As a trail specialist for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and its longest-serving employee, Klein has had an indelible impact on the design and construction of mountain bike trails worldwide. Whether he was directly involved in a specific trail or not, his influence is likely felt by anyone enjoying a well-built trail today. Klein, now 60, has worked and or ridden in 45 states and 14 countries, spreading his knowledge and passion for sustainable trail building. He has taught countless people the art of trail design and construction, bringing innovative ideas back to the United States after learning from diverse landscapes and trail systems abroad. His work is characterized by a focus on creating multi-use trails that cater to a wide range of users, including mountain bikers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Joey Klein was instrumental in launching IMBA Trail Solutions, a program that offers trail-building clinics, consultations, and partnerships with land managers and communities to create new trails. Through Trail Solutions, Klein has not only built trails but also fostered collaboration among various stakeholders. His ability to bridge gaps between mountain bikers and non-riders, as well as his talent for rallying community support around trail projects, has earned him a reputation as a consensus builder in the trail-building world. IMBA Executive Director Dave Wiens has called him “a savant” for his natural ability to design trails that appeal to a wide range of users.
Born in Toronto, Canada, and raised in Golden, Colorado, Klein developed a love for the outdoors early in life. His connection with nature deepened when he attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where he began mountain biking. Though his academic career at Fort Lewis was brief—he left after just a couple of semesters to embrace a ski-bumming lifestyle—his love for adventure sports remained constant. He took a job at Arapahoe Basin ski area, where he became one of the resort’s infamous “Atomic Janitors,” cleaning the base lodge during the ski season. This was followed by work as a ski patroller, further cementing his bond with outdoor sports. Klein’s entry into trail building began in 1994 when he joined the summer trail crew at Keystone Resort just as mountain biking at ski resorts was starting to gain traction. His passion for trail design ignited during this time, and he made an immediate impact by presenting Keystone’s president of operations with trail maps of Winter Park and Vail, proposing new and better trails for the resort. Given the green light to pursue his vision, Klein ended up mapping out 60 miles of trail, which would eventually form the foundation of the Keystone Bike Park.
After three years of hands-on trail building, Klein joined Keystone’s Dirt Camp as an instructor, where he discovered that teaching others about mountain biking was just as fulfilling as riding the trails himself. “I learned more about mountain biking by teaching than I did riding,” Klein has said. This experience helped him realize the importance of designing trails that cater to different skill levels, ensuring that mountain biking was accessible to both beginners and experts. His ability to share his excitement for the sport earned him the nickname “The Johnny Appleseed of Mountain Biking” from race commentator Rod Elisha. In 1999, Klein and Kathy Summers, applied for a position with IMBA’s Trail Care Crew, an opportunity that would further launch his career in trail advocacy. At the time, the two were living in a converted school bus in the remote community of Montezuma, Colorado, without a computer. Their handwritten application reflected Klein’s love for building trails and his belief in the joy of seeing people enjoy what he created. Their passion resonated with IMBA, and they were hired, embarking on a journey that would take Klein to the forefront of global trail design.
Throughout his career, Klein has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including design/builds at ski resorts such as Keystone, Tamarack, Winter Park, Sun Valley, Powder Mountain, Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain to integrate progressive mountain bike trail systems into their offerings. He has also contributed to the planning, design, and community outreach for several nationally acclaimed long-distance routes, including the Arizona Trail, the Colorado Trail, The Duluth Traverse and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. These projects, which span vast stretches of front and backcountry terrain, have opened up new adventures for outdoor enthusiasts and garnered support from Congress for future expansions through legislation like the Bonneville Shoreline Trail Advancement Act (BSTAA) and the Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act (BOLT). In addition to his trail-building achievements, Klein is an accomplished rider. He competed in the grueling Montezuma’s Revenge race near Breckenridge, Colorado, 10 times, winning twice. His experience as both a competitive rider and trail designer gives him a unique perspective, allowing him to create trails that are not only sustainable but also fun and challenging for all skill levels. Joey Klein’s contributions to the world of mountain biking and trail design are immeasurable. His expertise, passion, and ability to connect with communities have left a lasting legacy in the outdoor world, making him a true pioneer in the sport.