RIDING TYPE | ◆︎ Advanced

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | July – August

Have Bob Roll, Phil Liggett, and Paul Sherwin inspired you to climb high mountain passes and rip down incredible descents like a "grand prix motor car”? There is no need to travel to Europe for such a road biking experience. Right here in the Rocky Mountains we have spectacular passes surrounded by snowcapped peaks and lush wildflowers. Are you ready for the challenge of five days of mountain passes through the heart of the Colorado Rockies? This road bike tour promises a serious challenge, but with the full support of a Western Spirit team and comfortable places to stay each night, you're going to love it. Our most advanced road tour incorporates several of Colorado's most scenic and historic byways. We start by riding up and over Grand Mesa, east of Grand Junction, Colorado. From here we head to the West Elk Scenic Loop and on to the North Rim of Colorado's newest national park, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Then it's up and over Cottonwood Pass to Buena Vista and the famous Independence Pass into Aspen. Finally, we spin out of Carbondale over McClure Pass to complete the circle. For those ready for a serious effort towards a higher plane of being, this route offers a truly transcendent experience. Up for the challenge?

This tour contains some very challenging riding on narrow, steep mountain passes. A high level of fitness is required to enjoyably complete the route. A support
van will be there so you can “control” your challenge, but only you can turn your pedals. 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 trip. To fully enjoy Colorado’s amazing riding, training is required. Working up to these mileages over several months will help you enjoy the tour that much more once the big week finally comes. Having good low gears on your bike that you can spin as much as possible will also help ease the challenge of multiple days of climbing.

Overall Rating: Advanced
Physical Difficulty: Very difficult. High elevations, steep climbs, long miles.
Altitude: 4,000 - 12,000 feet

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Grand Junction, CO
This trip will meet at 8:00 AM MST at the Clarion Inn, 755 Horizon Dr., Grand Junction, Colorado, 970-243-6790. You will need to spend the night before in

ENDING TIME

We will return to Grand Junction between 4:00-5:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO GRAND JUNCTION, CO

Driving
Grand Junction is 250 miles west of Denver and 50 miles east of the Utah/Colorado state line on I-70.

Flying into Grand Junction
Airport Code: GJT

TAXI SERVICE

Sunshine Taxi: 970-245-8294

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

Clarion Inn
970-243-6790, 888-489-9796
This is where the trip will meet—mention that you are on a Western Spirit trip. They have storage available while you are on your trip.

Ramada Inn
970-243-5150, 800-272-6232

Best Western Sandman
970-243-4150

Quality Inn of Grand Junction
970-245-7200, 800-790-2661

All of these hotels offer airport shuttles.

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING YOUR TRIP

Prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, we will pair you with another guest. If you prefer your own room, ask about the single supplement and we will accommodate if available.

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 can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day. While this trip is vehicle supported, there will be extended times when you are away from the vehicle. For this trip, you will need to be able to carry some extra clothing while riding. You can either bring a riding pack or carry these items in your jersey.

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 will be available periodically throughout the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 2 large cycling water bottles
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o road bike:

  • if you’re bringing your own bike, make sure to bring a pump, tire levers, spare tubes, and optional CO2 cartridges.
  • if you’re renting, we will provide all the above items. Rental bikes have 2 water bottle cages on them. Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own shoe-pedal combination if you prefer.

o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling or hiking shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling jerseys
o long sleeve jersey
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o knee warmers/warm tights
o cycling gloves (including warm gloves)
o ear band
o booties
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

CASUAL CLOTHING

o casual shorts
o casual long pants
o shirts (long and short sleeve)
o one nice dinner outfit
o socks
o jammies
o pile or fleece jacket
o warm gloves and hat
o hat or visor
o swim suit
o comfortable walking shoes
o sandals

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o sunglasses
o optional riding pack
o optional day 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, how ever, if you cannot we recommend putting your phone on airplane mode to save power. If you feel that you need to recharge your devices during the day, we recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges
o charger for phone or other devices at hotel

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Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping and FAQ 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 

Rocky Mountain Loop Road Tour

PRICE | Contact our Office for Dates and Pricing

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

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

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

~ Jason

“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 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 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

“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

“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

“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

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

~ Christl

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

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

~ David
“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

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

~ Paul

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

“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

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

“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