San Juan Adventure Trip

ADVENTURE TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate
TRIP DURATION | 5-Days
SEASON | July - August
PRICE | $2,145 pp

The incredible peaks of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado provide the perfect place to take a break from it all. These peaks boast some of the most dramatic alpine terrain in the West. This itinerary captures it all via some great hikes, fun bike trails, and an exhilarating day of rafting on the Animas River.

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: Singletrack on pine needles, smooth dirt.
Overall Rating: Moderate
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. High altitudes (over 10,000 feet), steep climbs and long
Packing for your trip

Day 1: Telluride, Via Ferrata, and High-Altitude History

  • We leave Durango and head over to Telluride for our first adventure. This scenic journey takes us out of the La Plata Mountains, past the Dolores River, and over Lizard Head pass to Telluride.
  • The town sits in a spectacular box canyon, and we will explore it by heading up—way up. There will be two exciting options for today: the famous Telluride Via Ferrata or a strenuous hike to Bridal Veil Falls.
  • Via Ferrata Option: A Via Ferrata is a climbing route with a fixed steel cable running along the rock face, supplemented by metal rungs, ladders, and bridges to assist climbers.
  • Regardless of whether you choose the hike or the Via Ferrata, you will experience the majestic views of these unique peaks. We'll reflect on the tough lives of the miners—families who worked at the Tomboy mine spent their winters above these trails in tiny shacks, needing a roaring fire 24/7 just to survive.
  • After exploring the upper reaches of the box canyon, we will check out historic downtown Telluride before shuttling up to Trout Lake and our ride to camp at East Fork Creek.

Mileage: Via Ferrata route

Day 2: Lizard Head Wilderness Hike

  • Today we head out right from camp for a spectacular hike to the base of the Lizard Head tower. We will take our time as we make our way deep into the protected Lizard Head Wilderness Area.
  • We will discuss the concept of federally designated Wilderness Areas, championed by conservationists like Mardy Murie, who believed we should keep some places protected in their natural state, 'untrammeled by man.'
  • We will travel through the pristine forest as we work our way above the treeline to a lunch spot with an incredible view. The bad news—it will be 3 miles up to get there. The good news is it will be 3 miles down to get back!
  • Once we return, the guides are likely to produce the biggest bowl of fresh guacamole you have ever seen!

Mileage: 7.5 mile hike

Day 3: Biking, Canyon of the Ancients, and Ancestral Puebloans

  • On this day, we head down from the high peaks to explore some fun forest trails near McFee Reservoir in the Dolores River valley. Here we will find some great options for biking, hiking, and swimming.
  • The Boggy Draw trail system is the perfect place to relax by the water or cruise around on the well-built trails.
  • In anticipation of our visit to Mesa Verde National Park tomorrow, we will visit the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument Museum for an amazing introduction to the Ancestral Puebloans who lived here nearly 1,000 years ago. We will visit some structural foundations and see artifacts that tell the story of their ancient lives.

Mileage: 15-20 miles biking

Day 4: Ranger-Led Tour of Mesa Verde National Park

  • Mesa Verde National Park covers an area of some 4,000 archaeological sites and over 600 spectacular cliff dwellings. The Ancestral Puebloan people lived here for more than 700 years.
  • Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Square Tower are the largest and most complete ancient cliff dwellings in the United States.
  • We will join a Ranger-led tour to get the inside scoop on these magnificent structures. These multi-story villages, built entirely within natural sandstone alcoves, showcase a sophisticated understanding of engineering and craftsmanship.
  • In the late afternoon, we will head back to our camp by the water for some stand-up paddle boarding before dinner and sunset.

Mileage: Ranger guided tours

Day 5: Animas River Rafting and Historic Steam Train

  • On our final day, we leave camp and make our way to the Animas River put-in north of Durango.
  • Here, we will have a choice between paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks for fun in these exciting Class II and III rapids.
  • The historic steam train to Silverton runs along the river banks for part of the journey, adding a unique historical backdrop to our float.
  • We will stop for lunch on the river banks and pass right through the town of Durango before finishing on the calmer southern section, where a relaxing float wraps up our week in the San Juan Mountains.

Mileage: Guided rafting trip

Durango, CO
This trip will meet at 8:30 AM MST at 2nd Ave Sports, 640 East 2nd Avenue, Durango, CO, 970-247-4511. After loading up, we have a 3 hour shuttle to Telluride where we will begin our ride. You will need to spend the night before in Durango.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Durango between 2:00-3:00 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. Please notify Western Spirit if you need to park your car during the trip and Western Spirit will make arrangements.

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:

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

Comfort Inn
970-259-5373, 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. They also have a taxi service which will help you get to Hassle Free
Sports in the morning, please call ahead.

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 

ADVENTURE TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | July - August

The San Juan Mountains Adventure Trip: Alpine Hiking, Via Ferrata, and River Rafting

The incredible peaks of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado provide the perfect place to take a break from it all. These peaks boast some of the most dramatic alpine terrain in the West. This itinerary captures it all via some great hikes, fun bike trails, and an exhilarating day of rafting on the Animas River.

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: Singletrack on pine needles, smooth dirt.
Overall Rating: Moderate
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. High altitudes (over 10,000 feet), steep climbs and long

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Durango, CO
This trip will meet at 8:30 AM MST at 2nd Ave Sports, 640 East 2nd Avenue, Durango, CO, 970-247-4511. After loading up, we have a 3 hour shuttle to Telluride where we will begin our ride. You will need to spend the night before in Durango.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Durango between 2:00-3:00 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. Please notify Western Spirit if you need to park your car during the trip and Western Spirit will make arrangements.

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:

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

Comfort Inn
970-259-5373, 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. They also have a taxi service which will help you get to Hassle Free
Sports in the morning, please call ahead.

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.

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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 

San Juan Adventure Trip

PRICE | $2,145 pp

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.

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BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“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 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

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

~ Paul

“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

“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 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

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

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

~ David

“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

“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

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

“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

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

~ Jason

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