Colorado Trail Expert Singletrack Expedition
RIDING TYPE
Expert
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
July - August
Colorado Trail 5-Day Expert Singletrack Expedition
Embark on an Expert-Level Colorado Singletrack Adventure
Prepare for the challenge of a lifetime on Western Spirit Cycling’s Colorado Singletrack bike trip, the pinnacle of Durango mountain biking. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a high-alpine, backcountry guided Colorado bike trip crafted for experienced riders seeking the ultimate test and reward. Join us for 5 days and 4 nights of exhilarating Colorado Trail singletrack and iconic trails like Hermosa Creek, pushing your limits amidst stunning 360-degree alpine views.
Since 1990, Western Spirit Cycling has specialized in complex, remote expeditions. Our decades of proven experience mean you can focus solely on conquering the “nation’s premier alpine singletrack” with confidence.
Ultimate Expert Challenge & 12,500 ft Alpine Singletrack
This Colorado Singletrack Tour is designed for the Expert rider who possesses significant singletrack experience, featuring:
Unmatched Alpine Challenge: Ride above tree line at altitudes averaging 10,000 feet, tackling technical descents and traversing ridge tops, with a cumulative 6,000-foot plunge into Durango.
Iconic Trail Access: Conquer a 72-mile singletrack section of the legendary Colorado Trail, plus the classic Hermosa Creek Trail. These are some of the most sought-after mountain bike trails in the Western USA.
Remote & Backcountry: Experience truly continuous, demanding technical singletrack with stunning views of peaks like Engineer Peak and the Weminuche Wilderness.
Safety & Expertise: Our guides’ expertise in navigation, first aid, and managing high-altitude terrain is unrivaled.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Your Colorado mountain bike adventure begins as we meet in Durango and shuttle to the revered Hermosa Creek Trail.
This 18-mile singletrack descent winds mostly downhill through vibrant aspen groves.
Tackle a short, strenuous climb after Dutch Creek, followed by steady elevation riding before we shuttle to our alpine camp at Little Molas Lake.
Today, we’ll officially embark on the legendary Colorado Trail.
Experience 25 miles of pure alpine riding at or near tree line, pushing towards Rolling Pass (12,500 feet) for breathtaking 360-degree views.
A big descent into wildflower-filled Cascade Creek precedes an ascent to Sliderock Pass, before a final downhill stretch to our camp at Bolam Pass (11,000 feet).
Today we’ll continue on the thrilling Colorado Trail singletrack. We’ll wind around Hermosa Peak and ascend to Blackhawk Pass (12,000 feet), navigating short hike-a-bike sections.
A thrilling descent of technical switchbacks leads to a refreshing spring.
We’ll then ride down forested ridges above Straight Creek, connecting with the Highline section of the Colorado Trail, offering stunning ridgeline views of the Weminuche Wilderness.
Camp awaits at “Orphan Butte” on Highline Ridge (approx. 10,800 feet).
This is “The Big Day,” featuring the most challenging section of the Colorado Trail, Indian Trail Ridge.
The ridge runs above tree line at 12,000 feet for nearly four miles, combining smooth and rocky descents with long climbs and more hike-a-bikes.
Be ready for truly continuous technical singletrack and unparalleled 360-degree mountain vistas.
We’ll camp at Kennebec Pass high in the La Plata Mountains (11,600 feet).
Conclude your expert singletrack tour with a glorious 26-mile ride on the Colorado Trail back to Durango.
The day features a remarkable cumulative vertical descent of 6,000 feet.
It includes a thrilling 3,500-foot descent through La Plata Mountains creek drainages, a short climb to Wild Oat Mesa, and a final 2,500-foot descent, ending triumphantly in Durango.
-TRIP NOTES
The fine print
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
Road Surface
Predominantly singletrack on clay, packed sediment, rocky sections, pine needles, smooth dirt, with short sections of county roads and asphalt.
Overall Rating
Expert
Technical Difficulty
Difficult. Expect challenging, technical singletrack.
Physical Difficulty
Strenuous. Requires peak physical shape and endurance for sustained alpine riding and significant climbs.
Altitude
Primarily 10,000 - 12,500 feet.
Biking Mileage
15-26 miles per day
Hiking Mileage
15-26 miles per day
–Travel Logistics
Getting there.
Durango, CO. Meets 7:30 AM MST at 2nd Ave Sports, 640 East 2nd Avenue, Durango, CO, 970-247-4511.
Getting There
6-hr drive from Denver via I-25/US160; 4-hr from Grand Junction via US50/550. Flying into Durango (DRO).
Taxi Service
Durango Transportation 970-259-4818.
Lodging Before Your Trip
Lightner Creek Inn B & B
Comfort Inn
Best Western Durango Inn
Best Western Mountain Shadows
Budget Inn
Super 8
970-259
4818 or 800-626-2066
Airport Shuttles are available 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 Hassle Free Sports in the morning, please call ahead.
PACKING
Bring or rent
Bringing or renting
- Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
- Helmet (gratis w
- Rental bike)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
Cycling clothing
- Cycling shoes
- 3-5 pair cycling shorts
- 3-5 cycling shirts
- Long sleeve cycling shirt
- Long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
- Cycling socks
- Windbreaker
- Tights or leg warmers
- 2 pair cycling gloves
- Rain jacket & rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm layer
- Sunglasses
Camp clothing
- Camp shorts/shirts
- Warm socks
- Long underwear
- 2 pair warm long pants
- Fleece/sweater
- Pile or down jacket
- Warm gloves and hat
- Brimmed hat
- Bathing suit
- Hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Rain gear
Personal
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Towel
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet-wipes
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Optional day bag
- Stuff sacks
- Cash for tipping (10-20% of trip price)
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Favorite beverages
- Books
- Maps
- Portable USB charger
Need more information about our bike trips?
Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.
Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732
Gallery
-A DAY WITH-
Western Spirit
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