Colorado Trail 5-Day Expert Singletrack Expedition

RIDING TYPE | ◆︎◆︎ Expert
TRIP DURATION | 5-Days
SEASON | July – August
PRICE | $1,895 pp

Experience the ultimate Colorado singletrack mountain bike tour, where you’ll navigate the legendary high-alpine sections of the Colorado Trail and the iconic, flowing descents of Hermosa Creek. This fully supported Durango guided cycling adventure handles every logistical detail from gourmet meals to gear transport, allowing you to focus entirely on conquering the premier backcountry trails of the Rocky Mountains.

Planning Your Colorado Singletrack Expedition: Essential Details

This Colorado singletrack bike trip is rated Expert due to very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails with exposure to falls. A high level of skill and fitness is required. While there's no vehicle support on singletrack sections, our expert guides provide seamless support at camps and are trained to handle backcountry situations. Don't know if this trip would be perfect for you? Call our office & our guides will help you. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or safety.

Trip Overview: What to Expect from This Expert Challenge
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.
Total Mileage: 15-26 miles per day
Packing for your trip

Day 1: Hermosa Creek Thrills & Alpine Ascent

  • 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.
  • Approx. 19 miles

Day 2: Conquering the Colorado Trail's High Country

  • 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).
  • Approx. 25 miles

Day 3: Ridgeline Riding & Remote Backcountry Descents

  • 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).
  • Approx. 15 miles

Day 4: The Ultimate Singletrack Challenge: Indian Trail Ridge

  • 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).
  • Approx. 17 miles

Day 5: Descending into Durango: A Grand Finale

  • 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.
  • Approx. 26 miles

Durango, CO
This trip will meet at 7 AM MST at the Holiday Inn & Suites - 21636 US-160, Durango, CO 81301. After loading up, we have a 3 hour shuttle to Telluride. You will need to spend the night before in Durango. Book your room at the Holiday Inn using this special booking link to enjoy a discounted rate.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Durango between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day.

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.

Flying into Durango, CO
Airport Code: DRO

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Durango is a popular summer vacation spot. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible; here are a few recommendations:

Holiday Inn & Suites - 970-385-6400

Book your room at the Holiday Inn using this special booking link to enjoy a discounted rate.

Lightner Creek Inn B & B
970-259-1226, 800-268-9804

Comfort Inn
970-259-7900, 800-228-5150

Best Western Durango Inn
970-247-3251, 800-547-9090

Best Western Mountain Shadows
970-247-5200, 800-780-7234

Budget Inn
970-247-5222, 800-257-5222

Super 8
970-259-0590

TAXI SERVICE

Durango Transportation:
970-259-4818 or 800-626-2066

Airport Shuttles are available and you need to reserve your seat at least 2 hours in advance.

Q: Given the altitude (averaging 10,000 feet and reaching 12,500 feet), are there recommended acclimatization practices? 

  • A: If your able to arrive a day or 2 earlier, it will help with acclimatization, it is not required or guaranteed this course of action will work. Prepare by hydrating, water and electrolytes coming into this trip will help with acclimatization.

Q: Since vehicle support cannot follow on the singletrack, what is the guide protocol for a major mechanical failure in a remote section of the Colorado Trail?

  • A: Guides carry an assortment of trail tools in their packs and have many repair tricks up their sleeves. If the trial fix isnt going to get us through the week we have more resources at camp, (bigger toolbox/bike stand). In the rare event we cant fix it in the field we have a spare bike on every trip and a bike shop within a few hours drive.

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 .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

RIDING TYPE | ◆︎◆︎ Expert

TRIP 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.

Planning Your Colorado Singletrack Expedition: Essential Details

This Colorado singletrack bike trip is rated Expert due to very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails with exposure to falls. A high level of skill and fitness is required.  While there's no vehicle support on singletrack sections, our expert guides provide seamless support at camps and are trained to handle backcountry situations. Don't know if this trip would be perfect for you? Call our office & our guides will help you. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or safety.

Trip Overview: What to Expect from This Expert Challenge

  • 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.
  • Total Mileage: 15-26 miles per day

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Durango, CO
This trip will meet at 7 AM MST at the Holiday Inn & Suites - 21636 US-160, Durango, CO 81301. After loading up, we have a 3 hour shuttle to Telluride. You will need to spend the night before in Durango. Book your room at the Holiday Inn using this special booking link to enjoy a discounted rate.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Durango between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO DURANGO, CO

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.

Flying into Durango, CO
Airport Code: DRO

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Durango is a popular summer vacation spot. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible; here are a few recommendations:

Holiday Inn & Suites - 970-385-6400

Book your room at the Holiday Inn using this special booking link to enjoy a discounted rate.

Lightner Creek Inn B & B
970-259-1226, 800-268-9804

Comfort Inn
970-259-7900, 800-228-5150

Best Western Durango Inn
970-247-3251, 800-547-9090

Best Western Mountain Shadows
970-247-5200, 800-780-7234

Budget Inn
970-247-5222, 800-257-5222

Super 8
970-259-0590

TAXI SERVICE

Durango Transportation:
970-259-4818 or 800-626-2066

Airport Shuttles are available and you need to reserve your seat at least 2 hours in advance.

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem. We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: When you arrive for your tour, you will be given a dry bag in which to pack your gear for the trip. Smaller bags may fit, but very large duffels will not.

To pack efficiently in a dry bag, we highly recommend you compartmentalize your clothing and gear into separate bags. Stuff sacks, reusable grocery bags,
etc. in different colors work great for this (example: cycling gear in blue stuff sack, camp clothes in red stuff sack, etc.).

Your dry bag will ride on the Western Spirit support vehicle and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

  • Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be
    away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
  • A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This daypack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ dry bags to pack your gear
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Q: Given the altitude (averaging 10,000 feet and reaching 12,500 feet), are there recommended acclimatization practices? 

  • A: If your able to arrive a day or 2 earlier, it will help with acclimatization, it is not required or guaranteed this course of action will work. Prepare by hydrating, water and electrolytes coming into this trip will help with acclimatization.

Q: Since vehicle support cannot follow on the singletrack, what is the guide protocol for a major mechanical failure in a remote section of the Colorado Trail?

  • A: Guides carry an assortment of trail tools in their packs and have many repair tricks up their sleeves. If the trial fix isnt going to get us through the week we have more resources at camp, (bigger toolbox/bike stand). In the rare event we cant fix it in the field we have a spare bike on every trip and a bike shop within a few hours drive.
Print This

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 .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

Colorado Trail 5-Day Expert Singletrack Expedition

PRICE | $1,895 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

Gallery

See what some of our guest are saying:

Colorado single track was a great adventure with spectacular ride after spectacular ride. The beautiful alpine mountain scenery was only surpassed by the super bloom of wildflowers. - Steve 

The trip was very good. The guides where excellent. - Nadav 

Garrett is a stud on and off the bike. This kid is good looking and can teleport on the bike. Sam is a source of good energy, sensing all it touches looking for the opportunity to huck off it for a smile. Chris needs a Marry Poopins patch for his pack. This guy has the leadership skills needed to take 10+ Alpha’s into anything. As for the trip you'll need to give me more than 500 words to get off so I’ll leave it here. Jacket off - Braulio 

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

>>> Read More

Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

>>> Read More

BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

=========   More Trips Like This  =========