TOUR DESCRIPTION (Passage Map)

Tourists come from all over the world to drive the scenic San Juan Skyway in Southwest Colorado…but really miss the true beauty and depth of the area as they speed by at 55mph. You won’t make this mistake on our self-guided road cycling tour.  Over 4 days you’ll take an incredible mountain town journey from Durango to Dolores to Telluride to Silverton and then back to Durango.

This is a self-guided road cycling tour – no pampering, no frills and no beginner days. Nope, this is 4 days of big rides on your own. Each day we’ll meet up and start together, meet you at designated areas with the van so you can swap gear, grab a drink or food from your cooler and then your luggage and gear will be waiting for you in each destination town.

You can choose to sign up for our lodging package (based on double occupancy), or you may book your own lodging for the 4 nights during the tour.  Lodging options for this self-guided road cycling tour are very decent and you will find several choices in each destination town.

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Day One:

 

Departing from the Hermosa Tours office in Durango, CO around 8am we’ll begin a gradual climb up toward the small ‘burg of Hesperus. Views of the La Plata Mountains seem close enough to touch. The road descends into a valley and back out from our high point in Hesperus as we make our way to the town of Mancos via an enjoyable descent…

 

Day Two:

 

With a dependable SW wind at our backs we’ll ride away from Dolores (following the Dolores River) and start the long climb to Telluride. The climbing for much of the way is quite gradual and is aided by the aforementioned tailwind. As the climb snakes its way NE, views of the San Miguel Mountains and Lizard Head Wilderness slowly appear at our flanks…

 

Day Three:

 

Today we ride from Telluride to Silverton via Ouray, CO….the self-proclaimed “Switzerland of America”. While this may be debatable, the town of Ouray should not be missed. The ride itself starts with an easy cruise back out of Telluride and then a long downhill to Placerville. We’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Wilson Peak to the west as we speed down the mountain.

 

Day Four:

 

Our final day starts with a sizeable climb out of Silverton to Molas Pass (10,960’); the first of our two passes today. As we climb the Weminuche Wilderness will reveal peeks of her crowned jewel range – the Grendiers. At the pass we’ll stop to rest and take in the views before heading down nearly a thousand feet. Engineer Mountain (12,968’) comes into view…

 

What’s Included in My Trip?

 

  • Shuttle Van and driver
  • Midway lunch stop (your food)
  • Luggage, gear and cooler/food relocation

 

Not Included

 

  • Alcoholic Beverages – we can haul and keep them cold though!
  • Lodging
  • Dinners and Breakfasts
  • Weather Control – Mother Nature has a mind of her own
  • Bikes – we can rent you a great Trek road bike for the week