TOUR DESCRIPTION (Passage Map)

This “tour” is a bit different from our typical trip offering. We created this trip for those who don’t want a guide, don’t want to be supported during the week and generally just want their own self-serve adventure with a bit of logistical assistance. Each day we relocate a very deluxe camp setup (provided by Ready Camp) of an 8×8 popup tent, full kitchen, dry firewood, camp chairs, fresh water, coolers of food and beverages (you purchase prior to trip) and all your personal gear like tents, bags and clothing. You can go as cheap or deluxe as you want on food, beverages and amenities!!

To the mountain bike world, Durango and Moab don’t really require a lot of introduction. Both destinations have been at the forefront of building the worldwide popularity of the sport. Durango features such classics as the Hermosa Creek Trail and the Colorado Trail, while Moab is the desert wonderland bragging trail gems such as Porcupine Rim and the Slickrock Trail. This trip celebrates both towns and the remote riding in between. Over 6 days and a little over 200 miles we’ll traverse some of the most beautiful and remote terrain as we transition from gorgeous high mountains to the one of a kind desert terrain in Moab.

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Day 1:

 

We start at Durango Mountain Resort, or for the more skilled a great section of the Colorado Trail, and make our way up to Bolam Pass high in the San Juan Mountains. Our day ends with a long, fun descent to a very nice riverside campground.

 

Day 2:

 

The second leg of the trip is punctuated by our long, slow traverse around the Lizard Head Wilderness and it’s towering trio of 14,000 peaks.

 

Day 3:

 

Day three we transition away from the San Juan Mountains and start our journey to the La Sal Mountains above Moab. Much of this day and the next are spent high above Paradox Valley on the Uncompahgre Plateau.

 

Day 4:

 

Today we take a pleasant ride on the Uncompahgre Plateau and visit numerous old mine sites from the 1930s to 1950s, ending with a camp on the rim of Paradox Valley.

 

Day 5:

 

:We spend our day working our way up the eastern flanks of the La Sal Mountains. Views are plentiful today as the topography changes from high desert to near alpine.

 

Day 6:

 

The grand finale on the world famous Whole Enchilada…a 7000-foot descent from high in the La Sal Mountains all the way to the desert and alongside the Colorado River.

 

What’s Included in My Trip?

 

  • Shuttle to start at Durango Mountain Resort and back to Durango from Moab at the end
  • General camp gear from Ready Camp (2 10’x10’ shelters, full kitchen, cooking/eating utensils, dry firewood, camp chairs, camp toilet, fresh water)
  • Camp/gear relocation each day including trash removal

 

Not Included

 

  • Overnight support – you’re on your own!!
  • Alcoholic Beverages – we can haul and keep them cold though!
  • Food shopping – you must plan and shop for your own menu
  • Lodging and transportation before and after the trip
  • Weather Control – Mother Nature has a mind of her own
  • Bikes – we can rent you a full-suspension bike for the week

Q – Where do we get coolers from you guys to pack our food in?

 

A – Coolers are stored behind Pedal the Peaks bike shop in downtown Durango, CO – 598 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

 

Q – How much gear can I pack?

 

A – Space is not infinite in our trailer. We ask that you pack smartly in one duffel, plus your tents and sleeping bag. Leave your bike stands, hibachi’s and bath tubs at home.

 

Q – What happens if I have a mechanical or injury and get stranded out there?

 

A – Our trips are truly self-guided and there is no Hermosa Tours extraction team! We suggest bringing a SPOT Messenger or satellite phone and know how to repair your own bike.

 

Q – What’s a good tire choice for this trip?

 

A – The Continental Mountain King II is a great choice for this terrain. Pedal the Peaks in Durango, CO stocks these and more.

 

Q – What do I bring?

 

A – We supply a full kitchen, water, firewood, chairs, tables, etc. You’ll need your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping gear, bike, clothing and personal items.

 

Q – What’s the shower situation?

 

A – Beginning in 2014 we will have a gravity/solar shower on the trip. This works great for a quick rinse off and refresh.

 

Q – Where do I shop for food for this trip?

 

A – There is a City Market grocery store a few blocks from Pedal the Peaks and there is also an Albertson’s very close.

 

Q – Can I rent a bike for this trip?

 

A – Yes you can. Second Avenue Sports in Durango, CO carries a lot of great bikes including our favorite, Yeti Cycles.

 

Q – How do I navigate the route?

 

A – Prior to the trip we will furnish you with a link to get a digital map pack from Topofusion.com. The pack includes printable maps and a complete GPX file for your GPS unit

 

Q – What time will we be back to Durango on the last day?

 

A – We usually get back to Durango around 6 or 7pm the final night.

 

Use the existing “Getting There” for any of the Durango tour pages