Cream of the Rockies, Colorado and Utah, USA
Two week itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival day
Hotel accommodation will be organised by RTW close to Denver International Airport so it will be easy to relax after your journey to Colorado.
Day 2 - Introduction, transfer to Breckenridge and the Peaks Trail
You will meet your RTW hosts at your hotel who will welcome you and introduce you to the adventure you are about to experience.
From Denver we transfer to Breckenridge just 2 hours into the mountains where you’ll be able to get the cranks spinning on the superb and much loved Peaks Trail.
There are two 'big' rides in Breckenridge and you are going to ride them both! Opinion over which is the best is divided equally but either way both are fantastic rides and a great way to get into the riding in the mountains. The Peaks Trail is a heady mix of rock gardens, flumes, roots, man made walkways and bridges linked with super fast Colorado singletrack at it's best.
Day 3 - The Colorado trail
This is the second legendary trail in Summit County and certainly an unforgettable ride. This ride has a real back country feel without being too far away from Breckenridge. 100% natural singletrack weaves it's way along a mountain ridge, dropping in and out of the local valleys. You'll experience some 'on the edge' riding as the trail is less than one foot wide in places and at the speeds you'll be hitting it is a thrilling ride from start to finish. The switchbacks all add to the fun and the views and wildlife you may see really make this a superb ride.
Day 4 - Transfer to Fruita and the fun-packed Road 18 trails
Heading east, we drop down to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains to the small town of Fruita which is fast becoming the place to ride. Ranked in IMBA's top ten locations in the world the trails here are a good mix of smooth fast singletrack and rocky Moab style ledges and outcrops. The first spot we take you to are the Road 18 trails. These fast flowing singletracks are a great place have some true off road fun whatever ability you may be. Carved out of the Book Cliffs by dedicated local riders these trails are a singletrack rider’s dream.
Day 5 - Loma trails
Lying on the banks of the Colorado River, the Loma trails are a great contrast to the Road 18 area. Here you’ll find more technical challenges with rock slabs, ledges, drops and steps all linked by smooth flowing hardpack singletrack. These trails cover many square miles and there is something here for everyone to enjoy. Your guides will organise rides to suit your mood and ability, from an epic ride to a fun blast ‘sessioning’ the trickier bits, the choice is yours.
A short drive out of Colorado and into the Utah desert will get us to the legendary town of Moab.
Day 6 - Free day in Moab
After four days of thrilling trails you will be glad of a day off the bike. Here you will have chance to chill out and relax in the great atmosphere of Moab town. There are dozens of boutique style shops selling everything from the latest outdoor sports gear to traditional Native American art. Moab's bike shops are also famous world over and well worth an afternoon spent drooling. If you still have energy to spend, various companies in Moab offer other outdoor activities such as rafting or 4x4 trips. The choice is endless.
Day 7 - Slickrock Trail
There is no better way to introduce you to mountain biking Moab style then on the world famous Slickrock Trail. The petrified sand dunes provide a giant playground of unimaginable riding. You’ll be astounded by the levels of grip provided by the sandpaper like surface as you tackle gradients that would have you off and walking anywhere else on the planet. Up, down or traversing the experience of slickrock riding is thrilling, add this to the spectacular views and you’ve got an unforgettable ride.
Day 8 - Porcupine Rim trails (the Whole Enchilada)
This is the undisputed king of the trails in Moab. There is no way we could bring you here and not ride this trail. A lot of tour groups and local guides will take you to do the Lower Porcupine Rim Trail and Jackass Canyon which is an awesome ride in itself but we have a special treat for you. We transfer into the foothills of the La Sal Mountains and from here the new Upper Porcupine Rim Trail takes you singletracking through the bush all the way to the highest point of the Lower Porcupine Trail. So combined, this is miles and miles of downhill all the way to the Colorado River. Woodland singletrack, scary fast 4x4 trail and super technical canyon singletrack provides the route past awesome views of Castle Valley and the meandering Colorado River 1000ft. below your tyres. Downhilling for the whole day is a truly thrilling and intense way to experience the Utah desert at its best.
Day 9 - Transfer to Durango
We now head South East through the Utah back country and cross the Colorado border at the bottom corner of the mighty San Juan Mountain Range. Durango isn't much further on and we will arrive with plenty of time for you to settle in and get familiar with Durango's great atmosphere and energetic culture.
Day 10 - Engineer Mountain trail
This ride is the ‘epic’ of your adventure. It’s a real back country wilderness ride climbing to a high point of 12300ft. as you follow the famous Colorado Trail. For miles you skirt the tree line ducking into the damp forest only to climb back into the exposed grasslands which border the jagged peaks. The views never end and the chance of seeing some ‘big’ wildlife is always a possibility. All this natural beauty is matched by a world-class trail and illustrates why so many riders relocate to this area. It has it all; rock strewn switchbacks, roots, stream crossings, wood bridges, flowing grasslands and huge technical sections to keep you on your toes, both climbing and descending. The ride is rounded off with the mother of all downhills. You crest the shoulder of the mighty Engineer Mountain and from here it’s all downhill. Starting from the bleak tundra of the summit you descend into the woods and emerge through wild flower meadows and aspen groves almost 2000ft. lower; the perfect ride!
Day 11 - Hermosa creek trail
This popular locals’ ride is pure indulgence for a mountain biker. Starting in Hermosa Park, 20 miles of pristine singletrack hugs the Hermosa Creek Valley all the way down to the town of Hermosa. This trail is fast and flowing and is woodland singletrack in its truest form. The downhill tendency is broken at times by short sharp climbs that will burn your calves before the next section of downhill delight. At times the trail is thrillingly narrow with not much between you and the raging water, at other times the lush forest gives up fantastic views of this hidden gorge. It may be almost all downhill but as you roll into Hermosa you’ll be ready to relax and down a few cold ones in Durango.
Day 12 - Transfer to Crested Butte and the Deadman's Gulch Loop ride
It's a scenic drive over some breathtaking mountain passes to get you from Durango to Crested Butte and well worth a few photo stops deep in the heart of the majestic San Juan Mountain Range.
Deadman's Gulch Loop
The afternoon's ride begins south of Crested Butte among the dense pine forests and lush mountain meadows.
Starting from a secluded point the Deadman's Gulch Loop is a locals’ favourite. The roaring Cement Creek Canyon leads further into the mountains and along the way, you'll pass great view points and vistas. The Flag Creek trail is famous in the area and makes up part of the loop. Appropriately it's downhill! Miles of fast flowing singletrack drops through dense forest, lush meadows and fantastic views. This ride has everything and a real highlight as you sweep along the banks of mountain streams chasing the white water as it goes. Dusty smooth trails lead back into the darkness of the trees and the trail heads downwards on the famous Deadman's Switchbacks. This is a great section of trail with almost 1000ft. of descending. As each section traverses the hillside, you drop over roots and rocks but remember that there is always another switchback coming up to catch you out.
Afterwards, we continue the journey North to the town of Crested Butte and your hotel.
Day 13 - 401 trail
Often described as the best Crested Butte trail, the 401 is a fun packed mountain bike trail in its truest form. North of town the scenery is spectacular with the intimidating and, in some lights, spooky Gothic Mountain and then on to the picturesque Emerald Lake. This landscape dominates the day’s ride and suitably the trail is just as breathtaking. Steep switch-backing climbs challenge you all the way to the highest point of the day where, after a quick photo stop, we head back down the valley following the hillside as it ducks in and out of side streams. Short climbs and fast descents through aspen groves, wild flower meadows and dark coniferous forests make up the scenery. The trail beneath your tread is often smooth, loose and dusty with rock gardens and roots to keep you on your toes and is constantly flowing and swooping in and out of the trees. A definite grin inducing trail.
Day 14 - Hartman Rocks and transfer to Denver
Whatever your riding preferences or your ability there is something to entertain you in the giant playground of Hartman Rocks. The immediate area to the car park holds lots of treats for those riders who like to style things up and impress the crowd; there's a beautifully crafted rhythm section, huge fly out jumps and some nice rolling drops. Above the car park you will find acres of rolling hills, among a seemingly endless sea of sage. Look closer though and you'll find every kind of trail from beginner's dirt road to back country Moab worthy, boulder strewn challenges. You could spend a week up here and find something new each time.
Your guide will put together a route suited towards the ability, fitness and desire of your group on the day but at the end of it you are certain to be buzzing from the fun and thrills you've just had.
Further details:
There is no obligation for riders to participate in the guided rides organised by RTW on any of the days. Each ride organised by RTW will be guided by RTW staff in as smaller groups as possible. All 14 nights accommodation will be arranged by RTW along with the transfer of guests’ luggage from one hotel to the next during the holiday.
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