“The guides have been all exceedingly friendly, helpful, and genuinely fun to be around, especially to my son, whose first question upon returning home is always, "Where are we going next year?" ”
Colorado Singletrack
Dates Available
- Jul 15, 2013 - Jul 19, 2013
- Jul 22, 2013 - Jul 26, 2013
- Jul 29, 2013 - Aug 2, 2013
- Aug 5, 2013 - Aug 9, 2013
- Aug 12, 2013 - Aug 16, 2013
- Aug 19, 2013 - Aug 23, 2013
- Aug 26, 2013 - Aug 30, 2013
Colorado Singletrack is a high alpine, truly backcountry, cycling adventure. Riding alpine singletrack above treeline with stunning 360-degree views, we’ll travel into the way back for a mountain bike experience unique to Colorado’s high country.
Refreshingly cool mountain summer weather greets us as we start the trip with a 2,500 foot descent from Telluride to the Ilium Valley. Climbing our way up the mountains to Bolam Pass we’ll intersect the Colorado Trail, a 500-mile trail that crosses the state. We ride a 50 mile section of what Bike Magazine has called the, “nation’s premier alpine singletrack” (September 2001). On this tour we’ll climb stunning alpine passes, traverse ridge tops that glow with summer wildflowers, and for the finale descend 6,000 feet of singletrack to the mountain bike happy town of Durango.
Colorado Singletrack is designed for cyclists with singletrack experience who are in peak physical shape. Average mileage of 18 miles a day is plenty at the 10,000-foot elevation where the unpredictible weather could make your trip an expedition. The Colorado Singletrack tour is a mountain bike adventure not to be missed. Up for the challenge? Call us at 800-845-2453. We’ll help you get started planning this incredible riding experience.
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Colorado Singletrack Itinerary
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-845-2453 or email biking@westernspirit.com.
MEETING TIME AND PLACE
This trip will meet at 7:30am MST at Hassle Free Sports, 2615 Main Ave., Durango, Colorado, 970-259-3874. We will load up the truck and then drive the 3 hours to Telluride to begin our ride. you will need to spend the night before in Durango.
ENDING TIME AND PLACE
We will return to Durango between 3:00-4:00 pm on the last day.
ITINERARY
TRIP DAY 1
After meeting in Durango, we'll load up and shuttle to our first day’s ride, the Hermosa Creek Trail. This singletrack trail is considered one of the best in the Rockies and is a great warm up for the rest of our trip. Although we are almost always losing elevation on this 18 mile trail, it is a challenging workout. Beginning in the open meadows of Hermosa Park, we ride beside Hermosa Creek for a few miles before the creek drops away from the trail. The singletrack threads through large stands of aspens and conifers. After intersecting Dutch Creek we will begin a short, but strenuous climb. Some of the best riding of the day occurs after the climb, as we roll along at a fairly steady elevation, high above the roaring creek. Once we reach the trailhead, we’ll shuttle further up into the mountains to our camp at Little Molas Lake. TOTAL MILEAGE - 19 miles
TRIP DAY 2
Today we will start riding on the Colorado Trail, which ultimately runs 500
miles from Denver to Durango providing wilderness scenery that is difficult to reach by either bike or on foot. The theme for the day is 25 miles of alpine riding, most of it at or near tree line. From our camp, we climb to Rolling Pass which sits at 12,500 feet. The views from the top are stunning and along our route we will see Engineer Peak,Twin Sisters and the peaks of the Grenadier Range. After we take it all in, we will begin a big descent to Cascade Creek, riding through wildflowers which can be handlebar height at their peak! From the creek, we begin our final ascent of the day to Sliderock Pass and then, you guessed it, we go downhill again to our camp at Bolam Pass, 11,000 feet. TOTAL MILEAGE - 25 miles
TRIP DAY 3
Today we'll continue along the Colorado Trail. From camp the trail begins by winding around the slopes of Hermosa peak before ascending 12,000-foot Blackhawk Pass. There will be some short hike-a-bikes on this section, which offer a chance to stretch our legs and enjoy the far reaching views from this high elevation trail. From the pass we descend some technical switchbacks carved into the granite hillside. We may stop at a spring to fill water before continuing our well earned downhill journey across the forested ridges high above Straight Creek. The trail swoops into Hotel Draw where we’ll pick up the Highline section of the Colorado Trail. This ridgeline provides expansive views of the mysterious Weminuch Wilderness and the peaks of the La Platas, which draws nearer daily. Tonight’s “Orphan Butte” camp is on Highline Ridge at approximately 10,800 feet. TOTAL MILEAGE - 15 miles
TRIP DAY 4
"The Big Day." Today's Indian Trail Ridge section of the Colorado Trail presents the most challenging terrain we've seen so far. The ridge itself is a section of trail that runs above treeline at 12,000 feet for nearly four miles. It is an outstanding alpine trail, truly unique in the world of mountain biking. This day in whole is alpine in character with both smooth and rocky descents, long climbs, short hike-a-bikes and outstanding 360-degree views of mountains stretching to the horizons. This is an unforgettable day spent on your bike. Our camp tonight is on Kennebec Pass in the La Plata Mountains at 11,600 feet. TOTAL MILEAGE - 17 miles
TRIP DAY 5
Today is the reward for all the climbing of the past four days. We'll follow the Colorado Trail 26 miles to Durango, which sits at 6,800 feet. Since it is never "all downhill", there is a 1,200 foot climb mid-day. Adding this together will show that we descend 6,000 feet in total, over a vertical mile! The day starts with a stellar descent of 3,500 feet, which winds back and forth in the creek drainages of the La Plata Mountains. At the base we'll cross Junction Creek and begin our climb that takes about 1-1/2 hours before topping out on Wild Oat Mesa. Continuing down another 2,500 feet the Colorado Trail eventually ends our journey as we ride triumphantly into Durango. TOTAL MILEAGE - 26 miles
TERRAIN
Riding Surface: Singletrack on clay, packed sediment, some rocky sections, pine needles, smooth dirt and short sections of county roads and asphalt.
Technical Difficulty: Difficult. Technical singletrack.
Physical Difficulty: Difficult. High altitudes, (over 10,000 feet), steep climbs and long unsupported sections.
Altitude: 8,000 - 12,000 feet.
Please Note: This tour contains some very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails. A high level of skill and fitness is required to enjoyably navigate much of the route. We will be without vehicle support during all of the singletrack sections of the ride and medical help is far away. If you do not consider yourself to be an expert rider and doubt your ability to complete this tour, please call us and we can help you determine whether this trip is appropriate for you. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
GETTING TO DURANGO
-Driving
Durango is located in southwestern Colorado. It is a 6 hour drive from Denver via Interstate 25 to US 160. From Grand Junction, Colorado it is a 4 hour drive via US 50 and 550. There is parking available.
-Flying into Durango
This is the most direct way to get to Durango. America West, Mesa and United fly into Durango.
TAXI SERVICE
Durango Transportation 970-259-4818 or 800-626-2066
Airport Shuttles are $30 each way and you need to reserve your seat at least 2 hours in advance. They also have a taxi service which will help you get to Mountain Bike Specialists in the morning, please call ahead.
LODGING
It is a good idea to book your rooms ahead and these are our recommendations.
Comfort Inn
$120-159
970-259-5373 or 800-228-5150
Best Western Durango Inn
$150-200
970-247-3251 or 800-547-9090
Best Western Mountain Shadows
$140-170
970-247-5200 or 800-521-5218
Budget Inn
$65-90
800-257-5222
Super 8
$100-120
800-800-8000, 970-259-0590
Durango Central Reservations
800-525-0892
Above rates are approximate.
WEATHER
There are really just two kinds of weather: weather you like and weather you do not like. Come prepared for both and you won't care what the weather does.
If you have questions about temperatures for your specific trip please feel free to give us a call 800-845-2453 or email us at biking@westernspirit.com. We will be happy to give you packing suggestions and help you with ideas for things to do before and after your bike trip.
PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP
You will receive a tour packing list with your tour confirmation package. Be sure to bring everything on this list. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed! When you arrive for your tour, we will give you a dry bag in which to pack your gear. If you have any questions about anything on the list, please call us.
SHIPPING YOUR BIKE
You are welcome to ship your bike to us in advance of your trip. For a moderate fee we will unpack it, build it, and ship it back home to you afterwards. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Domestic shipping only. If you decide you want to go this route, you must call us in advance of your trip so we can inform the shop that your bike is on its way.
To ship your bike UPS, send it to Hassle Free Sports, 2615 Main Ave. Durango, CO 81301; 970-259-3874. It is critical that you include your name, "Western Spirit Cycling" and tour date on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. There is no Saturday delivery to Durango. It is imperative to have your bike finely tuned and cleaned before your tour so you know it is in top running condition.
If you have any other questions about trip logistics, please feel free to send us an email or, better yet, to call us at 800-845-2453. We will be happy to try to help you answer any other questions you might have about our bike trips.
THINGS TO DO
RESTAURANTS
BREAKFAST
The Durango Diner, 957 Main St - a local's favorite
Carver's Restaurant and Bakery, 1022 Main St - awesome bakery and full breakfast (great for lunch or dinner too)
LUNCH
The Bridge Café, Main St and Camino Del Rio - a great outdoor spot for lunch
DINNER
Ore House, 147 E. College Dr - our favorite Western steak place
Gaspacho, 431 E. 2nd Ave - traditional northern Mexican Cuisine
Ariano's, 150 E. College Dr - excellent Italian
BOOKS
Our two favorite books about the area are:
Tomboy Bride by Harriet Fish Backus and Pam Houston
A Woman's Personal Account of Life in Mining Camps of the West. This can be found at http://www.amazon.com/.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage: A Quick History by Duane A. Smith
which can be found at http://www.colorado2.com/ search for Durango.
MAPS
Your guides will have all the maps necessary for your trip. If you would like your own copy for a souvenir, here is all the info:
National Geographic Trails Illustrated map #504 Durango Area
This can be found at www.shop.nationalgeographic.com. Go to Maps and Atlases and then to Trail Maps.
ACTIVITIES
RIDES
Stop by our favorite bike shop, Mountain Bike Specialists at 949 Main Street. They have a great map table with pictures and directions to all the local rides. Their super friendly staff will help you pick a ride and point you in the right direction.
RIVER TRIPS
Southwest Whitewater, 1430 Main, 970-259-8313 - these folks run both day trips and overnights.
Rivers West, 520 Main, 800-622-0852 - give them a call to check their schedule.
THE TRAIN MUSEUM
The Durango Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad and Museum is at 479 Main Street, 970-247-2733.
There are daily scenic train excursions on the Historic Steam Powered Coal Fired Locomotives from Durango to Silverton and back. It is a beautiful trip, but quite a long day to go to Silverton and come back in the same day. If time permits spending a night in Silverton would be fun!
SHOPPING
Main Street in Durango - Many of Durango's best shops can be reached by strolling down Main Street. You can find everything from silver Navajo jewelry to toy cowboys and Indians.