Telluride to Durango 5-Day Singletrack Tour

RIDING TYPE | ◆︎ Advanced
TRIP DURATION | 5-Days
SEASON | July – August
PRICE | $1,945 pp

Experience the ultimate Telluride to Durango mountain bike tour, where you’ll navigate the rugged high-alpine beauty and legendary singletrack of the San Juan Mountains. This fully supported Colorado guided cycling adventure handles every logistical detail from gear to gourmet meals, allowing you to focus entirely on the breathtaking scenery of this iconic point-to-point journey.

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. There will be riding along steep mountain ridges with exposure to falls on the downhill side. We will be without vehicle support during all of the singletrack sections of the ride and medical help is far away. 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.

Road Surface: Singletrack on clay, packed sediment, some rocky sections, pine needles, smooth dirt and short sections of county roads and asphalt.
Overall Rating: Advanced
Technical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Technical, narrow trails; lots of obstacles.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. High altitudes (over 10,000 feet), steep climbs and long
Total Mileage: 14-20 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day’s riding up to 14 miles.
Packing for your trip

Day 1: Telluride's Singletrack & The Galloping Goose

  • After meeting in Durango, we’ll take a scenic shuttle to the historic town of Telluride.
  • We’ll start our ride by taking the gondola out of town, a unique launch to our adventure.
  • An incredible 2,000-foot singletrack descent awaits, plunging us into the beautiful Ilium Valley for lunch.
  • The afternoon is spent climbing a steady grade on the historic Galloping Goose railroad trail, leading us to our high-alpine camp for the night.
  • Total Mileage: 17 miles

Day 2: East Fork & The Bolam Pass Camp

  • We’ll begin with a warm-up loop around beautiful Trout Lake before tackling the challenging but rewarding East Fork Trail.
  • This primitive singletrack takes us through breathtaking high meadows beneath the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains.
  • We’ll finish the day at our scenic Bolam Pass camp, situated at 11,000 feet with incredible views.
  • An optional ride to Sliderock Pass is available for those who want a little more.
  • Total Mileage: 15–18 miles

Day 3: Sliderock Pass & A Technical Descent

  • This ride is a spectacular out-and-back from our Bolam Pass camp.
  • We’ll climb up to Sliderock Pass, where a quick regroup allows us to take in amazing high-alpine views.
  • From there, we’ll enjoy an exhilarating and technical descent down to Cascade Falls for a trailside lunch.
  • Our guides will ensure a safe and fun experience as we make the climb back up to the pass, followed by a familiar, thrilling descent back into camp.
  • Total Mileage: 14 miles, with shorter options

Day 4: The Colorado Trail & Blackhawk Pass

  • Today, we’ll ride on the iconic Colorado Trail, experiencing spectacular alpine singletrack at an altitude few people ever reach on their bikes.
  • The trail winds around Hermosa Peak before ascending 12,000-foot Blackhawk Pass.
  • This is a true Colorado singletrack adventure, featuring short hike-a-bike sections that reward us with far-reaching views.
  • We’ll enjoy an incredible, long descent off the backside of Blackhawk Pass and onto the Stagecoach trail, which brings us to our final camp along Hermosa Creek.
  • Total Mileage: 17–19 miles

Day 5: Hermosa Creek Trail & The Final Ride to Durango

  • We’ll finish our Telluride to Durango bike trip on what is considered one of the best singletrack trails in the Rockies: the Hermosa Creek Trail.
  • This challenging and rewarding ride follows the creek through vast aspen and conifer forests.
  • The ride finishes with a thrilling, long descent down to the valley floor, leaving you with a huge smile.
  • We’ll load up the shuttle van at the trailhead and head back into Durango, concluding a truly unforgettable cycling journey.
  • Total Mileage: 18–20 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 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.

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
970-259-5373, 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.

Q: Given the altitude reaching 12,000 feet (Blackhawk Pass, Sliderock Pass), 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: How technical and exposed are the descents off Blackhawk Pass and Sliderock Pass? Are there mandatory drops or significant exposure along the ridges?

  • A: Blackhawk has some exposure off the top, then we get into the trees with techy/slippery roots, ending with high speed water bars, no drops. Sliderock - no exposure, slippery roots and rocks, no drops.

Need more information about our 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 | ◆︎ Advanced

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | July - August

-Experience the San Juan Mountains on Two Wheels

Telluride to Durango 5-Day Singletrack Tour

Imagine a multi-day mountain bike trip through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, riding from the iconic peaks of Telluride to the vibrant cycling town of Durango. Our Telluride to Durango bike trip is your all-inclusive ticket to experiencing this legendary route. With Western Spirit, you can leave the logistics behind. We handle all the planning, gear, meals, and camping, so you can simply immerse yourself in the high-alpine adventure and the breathtaking scenery of this guided Colorado mountain biking tour.

Advanced Challenge, 12,000 ft Alpine & Iconic Trails

This Telluride to Durango Tour is tailored for Advanced riders who can handle high-altitude and technical challenges. Featuring:

  • High-Alpine Traverse: Cycle between Telluride and Durango through the San Juan Mountains, conquering passes up to 12,000 feet.
  • Iconic Trail Access: Ride legendary singletrack including the Colorado Trail, Hermosa Creek Trail, Stagecoach Trail, and the historic Galloping Goose.
  • Technical & Exposed: Expect very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails with exposure along steep ridges.
  • Fully Supported: All-inclusive logistics with support vehicles and expert guides ensure a worry-free immersion into the high country.
  • Remote & Rewarding: Experience true backcountry singletrack far from vehicle support, with stunning views of Engineer Peak and the Grenadier Range.

-DAY-BY-DAY

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. There will be riding along steep mountain ridges with exposure to falls on the downhill side. We will be without vehicle support during all of the singletrack sections of the ride and medical help is far away. 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.

  • Road Surface: Singletrack on clay, packed sediment, some rocky sections, pine needles, smooth dirt and short sections of county roads and asphalt.
  • Overall Rating: Advanced
  • Technical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Technical, narrow trails; lots of obstacles.
  • Physical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. High altitudes (over 10,000 feet), steep climbs and long
  • Total Mileage: 14-20 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day’s riding up to 14 miles.

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 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.

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
970-259-5373, 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

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 reaching 12,000 feet (Blackhawk Pass, Sliderock Pass), 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: How technical and exposed are the descents off Blackhawk Pass and Sliderock Pass? Are there mandatory drops or significant exposure along the ridges?

  • A: Blackhawk has some exposure off the top, then we get into the trees with techy/slippery roots, ending with high speed water bars, no drops. Sliderock - no exposure, slippery roots and rocks, no drops.
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Need more information about our 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 

Telluride to Durango 5-Day Singletrack Tour

PRICE | $1,945 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

Gallery

Western Spirit

See what some of our guest are saying:

Very compatible group of 6, great attitudes, gorgeous scenery and challenging terrain. - Mary 

The rides were as fun as advertised. I would recommend this trip to anyone serious about great single-track riding. - Andrew 

The food was great. Hanging out by the campfire afterwards, talking and laughing was awesome. The trails that they selected were a good combination of non-technical and fairly technical. Overall, I will definitely repeat a trip with Western Spirit Adventures. - Peter 

-A DAY WITH

Western Spirit

Three chapters to every day on the trail. We sweat the details so you can simply ride, eat well, and look up.

A Day With

Rise & Shine

Wake to cowboy coffee on the rim, fresh fruit, pancakes and granola. Unforgettable sunrises over the canyon — every single morning.

Midday

Hit The Trail

From the Rainbow Rim Trail to the White Rim Road in Canyonlands, our guides put you on the right line for breathtaking Grand Canyon views.

Evening

Apres

We pick camps for a reason. Rivers, lakes, sunset vistas — and a chef-prepared meal under one of the darkest skies in the lower 48.

TRIP TESTIMONIALS

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

~ Paul

“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

“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
“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

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

~ David

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

“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

“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

“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

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

~ Christl

“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

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

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