Telluride to Durango
TOUR DESCRIPTION
The San Juan Mountains in SW Colorado are some of the most beautiful and rugged peaks anywhere, and for mountain bikers, Durango and Telluride represent the two most amazing base camps for great Colorado mountain biking. Starting on the aspen-lined trails of Telluride under the shadow of surrounding peaks riders make their way to the Colorado Trail and then down to the infamous Hermosa Creek Trail to finish near Durango. This trip is a few notches easier than our Colorado Trail tour, yet shares the incredible Blackhawk Pass section of the Colorado Trail.
This self-guided mountain bike tour is challenging, classic Colorado mountain biking. As you cross the San Juan Mountains you’ll face plenty of climbs and many times face a variety of weather changes. That said, everyone who finishes our Telluride to Durango mountain bike tour walks away with a sense of accomplishment that can be hard to find in this modern world!
We created this Telluride to Durango mountain bike tour for those who don’t want a guide, don’t want to be supported during the week and generally just want their own self-serve,Colorado mountain biking adventure with a bit of logistical assistance. Each day we relocate a very deluxe camp setup (provided by Ready Camp) of (2) 10×10 canopies, full kitchen, dry firewood, camp chairs, fresh water, coolers of food and beverages (you purchase prior to trip) and all your personal gear like tents, bags and clothing. You can go as cheap or deluxe as you want on food, beverages and amenities!!
Day 1:
We will meet at 2nd Ave Sports in downtown Durango at 7am to load everything. From there we will have everyone park at the Durango Transit Center before shuttling to Telluride, CO. This is approximately a 3-hour van ride. From just outside downtown Telluride riders will join the San Miguel River Trail and ride parallel to the charming town of Telluride and then out into the open spaces of local Telluride. On both sides you will be flanked by the steep San Juan Mountains. Arriving at CO-145, you’ll cross the road and join the Galloping Goose Trail – an old railbed. The Galloping Goose Trail is named…
Day 2:
Riders depart camp and begin the climb up to Celebration Lake on the Colorado Trail. After a short commute on CO-145 riders turn left and begin climbing the East Fork Trail. The East Fork Trail is a mix of singletrack and some doubletrack. While the trail is heavily-wooded, the occasional view of the beautiful peaks of the San Juan Mountains…
Day 3:
Day three’s ride is often cited as the tour favorite as we ride the Colorado Trail up and over Blackhawk Pass to of the best descents in the entire Durango area. Departing from camp the trail climbs steeply at first (take your time!!), but slowly levels out as you arrive at the base of Hermosa Peak. As you round Hermosa Peak’s northern flanks…
Day 4:
Departing camp, riders retrace their steps back to Corral Draw just a short distance back on the Colorado Trail. Turning right onto Corral Draw, buckle in for one heck of a descent through tall grass and then dense woods on incredibly tight singletrack. Corral Draw isn’t widely-known outside of Durango, but it’s a true locals favorite. Reaching Hermosa Creek…
What’s Included in My Trip?
> Shuttle Van and driver
> Luggage, gear and cooler/food relocation
> Ready Camp kitchen and general gear
Not Included
> Alcoholic Beverages – we can haul and keep them cold though!
> Lodging
> Weather Control – Mother Nature has a mind of her own
> Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
> Bikes
GALLERY / PHOTOS
