Cycling the Rockies
Road Cycling in Colorado with Escape Adventures
Highlights
- Visits to classic mountain towns-Telluride & Durrango, plus a visit to Mesa Verde National Park
- Stay in comfortable inns in scenic towns along our route
- Travel with the world's first carbon-neutral outfitter
Full Description
Ride the Rockies and take in breathtaking cycling as we travel from one memorable mountain locale to the next.
From the rusty brown of the semi-arid lowlands, to the green, gold, and purple of alpine wildflower meadows, our Colorado cycling tour provides you with a great opportunity to find out what "colorful Colorado" is all about. Starting from Durango, Colorado, we spent our first day and night in Mesa Verde National Park. Inside the park we get the opportunity to walk among well-preserved cliff dwelling inhabited by Ancestral Puebloans for over 700 years.
These fascinating homes were built into the scenic dusty-red cliffs and high mesas rising from the hearty forests of pinion and juniper some 1,400 years ago. Following Mesa Verde, our adventure climbs over four challenging passes (each over 10,000 feet!) into the beautiful mountain towns of Telluride, Ouray and Silverton.
We breathe the crisp mountain air, as picturesque roads lead us through a sea of Rocky Mountain peaks rising all around us. Join us on this tour of the Rockies to experience the best elements of Colorado's colorful history and alpine glory in one grand cycling adventure!
Trip Amenities and Meals
We’ll stay in comfortable inns in scenic towns along our route. They are chosen for comfort, scenery, and proximity to our activities. All meals are in local restaurants except picnic lunches, prepared by your experienced guides.
Rentals
Cannondale SuperSix Compact Drive: $275.
Includes:
- Two guides
- All meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day
- Support vehicle
- Snacks
- First-aid
- Bike maintenance
- Community gear
- Souvenir shirt
- Gratuities to local restaurants, hotels, transportation, and additional activities mentioned on this itinerary are paid by Escape Adventures. If you engage in an activity that is not part of this trip as outlined, then you are responsible for tipping.
Excludes:
- Airfare to and from our departure point
- Lodging before or after the tour
- Rental bike
- Gratuities to Escape Adventures guides
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Durango to Mesa Verde
After meeting in Durango, we will begin our ride heading west into Mesa Verde National Park. In Southwest Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is the nation's richest archeological preserve with over 4000 sites. You'll explore some of these ancient sites and spectacular cliff dwellings up close, while being surrounded by their majesty throughout the ride. Learn about the culture and architecture of the Ancestral Puebloan people through a variety of guided tours by Park rangers. We will be staying at Mesa Verde for the night. Total Mileage | 36 miles Inn | Far View Lodge Total ascent | 3526ft Total descent | 2216ft
Day 2: Mesa Verde to Dolores
Enjoy the morning exploring Mesa Verde National Park on your own. After lunch we begin our short ride to Dolores. The city of Dolores was first established in 1900, when it became a major stop on the Rio Grande Railroad. The town lost its distinction as a commercial center in 1950 when the rail line was abandoned. Today, Delores is a center for recreation and boasts Colorado’s second largest lake, McPhee Lake. Total Mileage | 25 miles Inn | Dolores Mountain Inn Total ascent | 1185ft Total descent | 2308ft
Day 3: Dolores to Telluride
Today we head to Telluride along the scenic Dolores River. Along the way we will stop to tour the small mining towns of Stoner and Rico. As our day unfolds, we climb through the Uncompahgre National Forest to the summit of Lizard Head Pass – elevation 10,222 feet! Telluride is not too much farther as we finish our day in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Once we reach Telluride, our home for the night, you can explore town, or if you're up for it, head out on one of many spectacular hikes in the area. Total Mileage | 72 miles Inn | Telluride Total ascent | 4624ft Total descent | 2822ft
Day 4: Telluride to Ouray
Today our ride takes us on a mountainous journey encompassing spectacular Mt. Sneffels. We follow the San Miguel River en-route to Ouray -The Switzerland of America! Nestled high in the mountains on the edge of the San Juan National Forest, Ouray is home to quaint little shopping spots and even a hot spring. We'll spend the evening in town, before resting up at a local inn. Total Mileage | 50 miles Inn | Ouray Total ascent | 2258ft Total descent | 3244ft
Day 5: Ouray to Silverton
A short ride at a leisurely pace is on our agenda, but don’t get too relaxed, as we climb to the summit of Red Mountain Pass (11,008')! Then get ready for a fast and fun downhill into one of our favorite places – Silverton! A mountain valley at 9,318 feet, hidden in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Silverton combines natural beauty and Victorian charm. Silverton has a distinct character, most of the buildings and the mining-laden hillsides reflect a simpler day, as does the Silverton lifestyle. Enjoy the many shops and restaurants in town - and relax for the night. Total Mileage | 23 miles Inn | Wyman Hotel , Silverton Total ascent | 3537ft Total descent | 2012ft
Day 6: Silverton to Durango
Our last day concludes with a spectacular ride from Silverton to Durango. We’ll climb over Molas and Coal Bank Passes then down to Durango. We will finish our tour in the late afternoon in Durango. Total Mileage | 49 miles Total ascent | 2432ft Total descent | 5195ft
About The Operator:
Escape Adventures
Headquarters:
Las Vegas, Nevada
Specializing in western North America, Escape Adventures is a leader in first-class eco-friendly cycling and multi-sport adventure. In 2006, we became the world's first carbon neutral outfitter, bringing sustainable adventure to all the places we visit, from Alaska to Belize and beyond. By simply joining a tour with us, outdoor enthusiasts are now helping to preserve the beautiful backcountry areas they enjoy.
Whether cycling, hiking, climbing, or rafting, tour our guests claim that improving the environment has never been more fun. For example, by eating delicious organic menus prepared fresh on the trail, guests are supporting local and organic growers. They also do not contribute to pollution when riding in our brand new support vehicles powered by 100% renewable vegetable oil. And, by simply joining a tour and riding their bikes through some of the finest natural treasures of North America, guests are supporting the many efforts made by Escape Adventures to enhance and protect these areas.
With proven conviction for the land and people we serve, Escape Adventures maintains the highest standard of service in the industry. With over 16 years of experience and 50 destinations, we offer a wide variety of tours for a wide variety of active travelers. From road bikers to mountain bikers, from hikers to multi-sport enthusiasts, from first timers to accomplished athletes, Escape Adventures has just the adventure for you.
Escape Adventures is a proud partner of the Leave no Trace program, a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands.