-
Tour Details
- 4 days, 3 nights of self-guided riding
- 90% singletrack and some double-track and dirt roads in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains
- This tour is appropriate for high intermediate and advanced riders
- Includes daily gear transport, Ready Camp Kitchen gear and setup, water and firewood
- Trip starts and ends in Durango, CO
- Total group size limited to (12) per trip
- Price: $395 per person
-
2022 Dates
TOUR DESCRIPTION (Passage Map)
The San Juan Mountains in SW Colorado are some of the most beautiful and rugged peaks anywhere, and for mountain bikers, Durango and Telluride represent the two most amazing base camps for great Colorado mountain biking. Starting on the aspen-lined trails of Telluride under the shadow of surrounding peaks riders make their way to the Colorado Trail and then down to the infamous Hermosa Creek Trail to finish near Durango. This trip is a few notches easier than our Colorado Trail tour, yet shares the incredible Blackhawk Pass section of the Colorado Trail.
This self-guided mountain bike tour is challenging, classic Colorado mountain biking. As you cross the San Juan Mountains you’ll face plenty of climbs and many times face a variety of weather changes. That said, everyone who finishes our Telluride to Durango mountain bike tour walks away with a sense of accomplishment that can be hard to find in this modern world!
We created this Telluride to Durango mountain bike tour 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,Colorado mountain biking adventure with a bit of logistical assistance. Each day we relocate a very deluxe camp setup (provided by Ready Camp) of (2) 10×10 canopies, 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!!
Receive Full Itinerary
Day 1:
Our first day we’ll meet at 7:00am and then start with a shuttle from Durango to Telluride of about 2.5 hours. Riders will start at the Deep Creek trailhead and head toward Telluride along the beautiful, aspen-lined track. Many in Telluride name this trail as their favorite in the area.
Day 2:
The second day of your journey marks the transition from the Telluride side of the things to the prominent ridgeline that starts the ride toward Durango from Bolam Pass. From your camp in the morning you’ll traverse around Trout Lake and up and over Lizard Head Pass. From the pass riders begin the climb up East Fork Trail as it meanders along the headwaters of the Dolores River.
Day 3:
Today’s segment might be called the “Queen’s Stage” as riders join the Colorado Trail, summit Blackhawk Pass and then finish on a local’s-favorite trail down into the Hermosa Creek drainage. After a climb away from Celebration Lake you’ll find rolling singletrack that hugs the perimeter of Hermosa Peak’s rocky talus fields…
Day 4:
Day four sends riders onto one of Durango’s classic trails: the Hermosa Creek Trail. The Hermosa Creek Trail begins as doubletrack trail right alongside Hermosa Creek itself. As it progresses, the walls on either side get higher and higher and soon you’ll find yourself in a beautiful creek gorge on a gradual downhill track.
What’s Included in My Trip?
- Shuttle Van and driver
- Luggage, gear and cooler/food relocation
- Ready Camp kitchen and general gear
Not Included
- Alcoholic Beverages – we can haul and keep them cold though!
- Lodging
- Weather Control – Mother Nature has a mind of her own
- Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
- Bikes
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 – We ask that you pick up the Telluride/Silverton and Durango Recreation map from Latitude 40 Maps. When the trip starts we will mark your maps and explain where the camps are located.
Q – How can I charge all my gadgets?
A – We’ve had pretty good luck with this charging device.