From the rusty brown of the semi-arid lowlands, to the green, gold, and purple of alpine wildflower meadows, our Colorado road bike tour provides you with a great opportunity to find out what “colorful Colorado” is all about.
In the smartly preserved Victorian town of Durango, cycling isn’t merely an activity… it’s a lifestyle. Cycling’s roots and colorful lineage here, in what’s known as Colorado’s wildflower capital date back more than a century. Genius.
Teddy Roosevelt’s vision, circa 1905, was to preserve “America’s Alps”, the San Juan Mountain Range within a 1.8-million acre (3000-square mile) National Forest. Our guides live for this: sharing some of the area’s unbelievably scenic routes, the unique terrain features. Big open runs through high meadows that roll like waves, exploding in shoulder-high wildflowers. For point and shoot types, the low-key signage at the trail head, “Watch for Traffic” means sharing space with mule deer, coyotes, fox, Wild Turkey, bobcat, not to mention some 200 type of songbirds and raptors.
Then prepare yourself for the piece de resistance: home-cooked, outrageously flavorful secret recipes, specifically drawn from the area. So savory, these dishes continue to surprise even our Durango returnees.
From Durango, and past Mesa Verde National Park**, we climb over four challenging passes (each over 10,000 feet) into the beautiful mountain towns of Telluride, Ouray and Silverton.
We breathe the crisp mountain air, as picturesque roads lead us through a sea of Rocky Mountain peaks rising all around us. If the elevations and climbs have made you hesitate on joining this tour in the past, we recommend using our new ebike. This doubles your power throughout the tour and never compromising the scenery.
Our guides Tim & Eric gave us advice on biking technique, fed us well and hauled our gear as we biked. They kept a positive attitude at all times. Escape Adventures will be my first choice for future adventures.”
– Deb
Day 1-2: Meet in Durango, fiercely handsome hamlet of 18,000, defined by 19th century American-Victorian landmark buildings, Aspen forest sloping down to broad, churning trout streams; as well as the onetime haunt of Louis L ’Amour. After introductions, then lunch, we commence a brief ride to Dolores. Midway between Durango and Telluride, Dolores was founded in 1900, serving as a major stop on the Rio Grande Railroad. A half century later, the rail line abandoned Dolores; its commercial-business core faded. Of late though, Delores (pop. 936) has experienced a quiet renaissance owing to outdoor recreation: primarily McPhee Lake (Colorado’s second largest lake), distinguished by 50-miles of pinon-juniper and big sagebrush shaded shoreline. The next day, our tight peloton presses toward Telluride. Our route: paralleling the scenic Dolores River. Along the way we’ll step back in time. At Stoner (26-miles from Cortez), we take in a town of two flinty holdouts and nine original storefronts. Further up the road we visit Rico, a time capsule perfect 19th century silver mining/pioneer settlement at 8125-ft. As the sun climbs, we follow suit: through the nearly one-million acre Uncompahgre National Forest—which adjoins the 1.8-million acre San Juan National Forest—to the summit of Lizard Head Pass. Our ride peaks out at a heady 10,222 feet! The last stage of the day puts us in Telluride, a posh ski town at 8750-ft. in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Laying over in Telluride lends terrific options: either a casual exploration of this lively, cosmopolitan village; or, if you’ve still got fuel, seek out any number of spectacular close-in hikes beneath the high, forested peaks.
Day 3-4 Wake up to magnificent mountain air; then mount up. From Telluride we sweep toward Ouray, atop a truly Tour de France-quality course. En route we meet the raw, strikingly jagged Mt. Sneffels, elev. 14,158 (Colorado’s 25th highest peak). So exalted, so dramatic a visage is Sneffels it seems a doppelganger for the Matterhorn. Shadowing the San Miguel River, our route traverses the American Alps; if not for the signage, all the visual cues and big, vertical imagery suggests Switzerland or Austria. Tucked away beneath the San Juan Mountains—and the eponymous National Forest—Ouray (pop. 1000) is nothing less than a rare gem. Exceptionally handsome, if not wonderfully Old West authentic, we overnight here. Enjoy the unique shopping, or the hot spring before we retire at a warm, enchanting local inn. The next morning, our stage proceeds from Ouray to Silverton. Anticipate a relatively short ride, maintaining an enjoyably laidback pace; perfect to spot big Elk. But don’t get slack. Seriously raised relief defines the midway point. Ascending the summit of Red Mountain Pass (11,018-ft), one of Colorado’s highest, we lock into an 8% slope on the Ouray-facing side. The closing stage, a fast, furiously fun downhill sweeps into one of our favorite places: Silverton (pop. 650), what Western dreams are made of. Nestled into a glorious alpine valley at 9,318-ft., truly secreted away in timeless beauty, Silverton’s two streets have witnessed some rich history: a former bawdy mining town, thick in brothels and saloons, Silverton’s evolved and matured. Yet that distinct frontier character remains; as does most of the Victorian-era buildings, stretching to the frozen-in-time mining vestiges that dot the hillsides. Winding down here, Silverton style is incomparable. The shops and restaurants in town are first-class, artisanal if not Old West gracious.
Day 5: Our closeout day concludes in spectacular fashion. The first stage stretches from Silverton to Durango. The sequence includes climbs over Molas Pass (10, 910-ft), marked by a brief 8% grade, but predominantly 5%. Then, nine miles further, the Coal Bank Pass (10,610-ft). With no sharp curves, very little vehicular traffic, Coal Bank rates high on many a roadie’s bucket list. One brief 7% grade ultimately gives way to a 6.5% downhill, through the San Juan National Forest. A 33-mile long rollercoaster ride winds-up at Durango. Relishing the late afternoon sun, our epic five days in the Rockies ends where it began: Durango.
TOTAL WOWS: Incalculable.
*ebike available on this tour
**Note: While our tour passes Mesa Verde National Park, we do not ride through Mesa Verde national Park. If you wish to visit the National Park, we highly suggest going the day prior or day after while in the Durango area.
Accommodations may vary depending on your departure date. Call us at 1.800.596.2953 for more details.
Night 1: Sophia Retreat | Dolores, CO
19581 Road 31
Dolores, CO 81321
Located in Dolores, Sophia Retreat and Event Center provides accommodations with free WiFi. Complimentary private parking is available on site. Mesa Verde National Park is a 25-minute drive from the property. A patio with mountain views is offered in all units and a continental breakfast is served each morning at the property. There is a garden at this property and guests can go hiking nearby.
“The accommodations were amazing-a beautiful lodge in the mountains with picture perfect views. The owners and staff were very helpful and friendly. We will definitely stay there again!”
Night 2: Inn at Lost Creek | Mountain Village, CO
119 Lost Creek Ln
Mountain Village, CO 81435
The Inn at Lost Creek is an award winning luxury boutique hotel offering 32 unique suites, with a premiere location, one of Telluride’s best restaurants, and a team that delivers highly personalized and quality service. In a prime location in the Mountain Village core, The Inn offers direct access to your favorite activities year round. Step outside during summertime and go for a scenic hike, or take a bike ride on one of Telluride’s world class trails just outside of the hotel. The gondola, Telluride’s free transportation system, connects the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village and is mere steps away; as are numerous choices for dining, shopping, and places to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
“As soon as we pulled up to the hotel, there was a smiling staff member to greet us. The staff was wonderful, every one of them! The ambiance was quaint. There was a roaring fireplace and cookies in the foyer with iced water. A staff members assisted us to our room and gave us a tour of the room. We had a jacuzzi tub, fireplace, couch and chair space and a queen bed that was so comfortable. They had a hot tub on the roof that we reserved each night. Also, there was a spa available next door if we were interested.”
Night 3: Hotel Ouray | Ouray, CO
303 6th Avenue
Ouray, CO 81427
Hotel Ouray, a Turn-of-the-Century Hotel with a Contemporary Touch in the Heart of Historic Downtown Ouray. This beautifully restored, historic hotel is in a great location in one of the most beautiful towns in Colorado.
“First impression of the lobby/front desk where magazines were organized, furniture arranged neatly and cleanliness was obvious. Lobby restroom was clean. Front desk area was tidy. After years in housekeeping I appreciated the first impression. Front desk clerk gave a thorough check-in from where keys should be dropped to how to adjust the room temperature to where dinner reservations should be made. Room was perfect. Nothing missed. Loved it all! Can’t wait to return to a great well taken care of establishment! “
Night 4: Inn of the Rockies - Historic Alma House | Silverton, CO
220 E 10th St
Silverton, CO 81433
The Historic Alma house is a fun, relaxing, historic getaway with all the amenities needed for a perfect weekend retreat in a stunning setting of rustic mountains, waterfalls and historic mining relics. Rooms are quaint and comfortable; the breakfast hot and delicious! The grounds at Alma House are tranquil and well cared for…soft lights at night and bright flowers during the day. Several outdoor seating areas and a lush grassy lawn provide for a relaxing experience…with a hot tub perfect after a day’s biking.
“Betty and Albert were the perfect host. Way above and beyond any B&B .Our stay was wonderful., the full breakfast was superb. Albert’s cooking was 5 Star quality.The presentation was spectacular. Betty made us feel comfortable and right and home and I enjoy her relaxed manner. Best night of our trip by far. If in Silverton, the place to be.”
-Jeannie
While every Escape Adventure trip is designed to appeal to active adventure seekers, and in many cases, particular skill levels, there is always a different idea of what that exactly means. That is why we have designed the chart below to help make sure you join the proper tour. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions’ may differ as well. We present a range of mileage options on each tour as well as provide support vehicles as much as possible. That way you can take a break and do as little or as much as you would like each day.
You will be riding and sleeping at elevations over 4,000 ft. for this trip. Weather predictions in this area are often unreliable due to the elevation, so it is best to be prepared for cold evenings and inclement weather. Please use the following locations when checking the weather online: Durango, CO
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of your tour. This means from the time we pick you up at our meeting point, until we drop you back off to head home, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations (lodging) are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.
Renting Bicycles
Not only do we run an international bike tour business, but we also own and operate two premiere bicycle stores – www.LasVegasCyclery.com and www.MoabCyclery.com. We have learned over the years that every cyclist is different and prefers different types of bikes for different types of terrain. That is why we offer the best bicycles for rent in the business. If for some reason you are not happy with the quality of your rental, we will refund the cost of your entire bike rental. If you are bringing your bike with you, check with your airline’s baggage policy in advance and be sure to pack your bike accordingly. If you are shipping your bike to your destination, confirm the address with our office and allow enough time for your bike to arrive. We’re happy to help you ship your bike. Whatever you need to get the most out of your tour, we are here to make it happen.
Free With Every Tour
When you join an Escape Adventures tour in 2024, you will receive a FREE custom sublimated Limited Edition Jersey!
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our bikes meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped with carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have e-bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
Nite Ize Wraptor Smart Phone Mount
Look Ma, no hands! Stay connected and safe with this “game-changer” mobile accessory. The Wraptor gives you full screen visibility and holds your phone safe and securely, even over rough terrain. It’s designed to quickly attach and detach from the bar, and the base rotates between landscape and portrait mode with ease. It’s a must-have if you want to spend less time fiddling with your device and more time pedaling your bike.
NiteRider Lumina Micro 650 and Sabre 80 Combo
It’s lit! When it comes to bike safety, illumination is key. Even when you are on the road in the daytime, you need to be seen from all directions. So we’ve teamed up with NiteRider to offer the best daytime lighting for your ride. Each road bike is equipped with a headlight and a taillight with the proper lumen output and run time to keep you safe from every angle.
Specialized Roubaix Disc ($65/day)
Specialized has perfected the road bike. Ride confidently and comfortably for longer distances on any of our trips around the world. All of our bikes are equipped with the latest components and our 2019 models include disc brakes.
Specialized Sirrus Hybrid ($50/day)
Specialized hybrid bikes are the most comfortable bikes available. Our most popular bike for multi-sport and moderate road bike tours is the proven Sirrus. This bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. This bike sits upright, is equipped with a very comfortable seat, and the gearing has a wide range of speeds.
Specialized Tero Hybrid E-Bike ($70/day)
For those of you who have always wanted to join a bike tour but feared your fitness would hold you or the group back, fear no more. Our incredible e-bike option allows you to do more, go twice as fast and far. The all new Specialized Tero has one goal and one goal only—to inspire you to get out, get moving, and to have some fun along the way. E-bike available on most casual and luxury inn trips for an additional price.
Specialized Turbo Creo E-Bike ($100/day)
Take a deep breath, turn on the power and enjoy a beautiful adventure on the all new Escape Adventure’s Electric Road Bike. The new road E-Bike from Escape Adventures now allows you to travel further distances and explore new areas. The pedal assisted technology also allows beginner and novice riders to join in on more challenging routes and terrain.
For over 25 years, the hallmark of an Escape Adventures tour is personalized, hands-on service. Before, during, and after each trip. We are a company of honesty and integrity and we stand behind our product 100%. From the moment you learn of our trips, to the time you return home and start planning your next trip, we are here to bring you the best possible experience. From our Guaranteed Trip Departure Confirmation Policy, making sure your trip is never cancelled*, to our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, backing the unrivaled consistent quality of all our tours, our commitment to you is never compromised. * Scheduled Domestic trips only.
Our Commitment to the Environment
Our environmental commitment is second to none. We run our tours the same way we run our company, with an eye on the triple bottom line: People, Profit & Planet. At Escape Adventures, we elected to pursue a more comprehensive approach to actually reduce our carbon footprint, rather than just offset it. We overhauled our entire operation — from our vehicles, to our buildings, to our procedures — to become an outdoor industry leader in the charge to help our people and our planet.
Exceptional Service and Exceptional Guides
Leading tours naturally followed from our passion of exploring our favorite places with our friends. Our support staff includes our reservation team who is there to answer your questions about the tours, our service team who prepares your bike and gear for the tour, and our guide team – the ones who take you into the great outdoors. The highest level of responsibility, good nature, integrity, and dedication are standard traits of all those who work at Escape Adventures. We our proud of it and we think you should know it.
The Best Support Vehicles
Having custom-made vehicles allows us to take you to places few other outfitters can, or will go. Every Escape Adventures tour is accompanied by at least one support vehicle, trailer, and in some cases a second and third transfer van. After purchase, we custom engineer our trucks, vans, and trailers by our on-staff mechanic to meet the unique needs of different tours. For example, certain vehicles are specifically designed for the Canyonlands region of Utah, while others are designed for The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Each of our Trip Leaders is required to be trained in safe vehicle operation, 4X4 driving, and basic maintenance. Our experienced Trip Leaders make it look easy, transporting you and up to 12 guests, along with their bikes, fresh food, gear and plenty of drinking water to any location.
The Best Bicycles and Gear
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle-free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have ebikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
The Best Food
Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.
Food represents a big part of the Escape Adventures experience. On our inn tours most dinners and breakfasts unfold at local favorite restaurants. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you’re enjoying a ride. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! An increasing number of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we not only accommodate but also pleasantly surprise. Should you possess special diet requirements and/or limitations, just let us know at sign-up. We’ll work with you to meet those critical needs.
The idea of taking your friends or family somewhere cool and amazing is actually pretty easy. Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll make it happen.
Any trip in this catalog, any specific time frame, any group size, we can custom-fit if not comfortably accommodate. A Custom and Private Escape Adventures trip affords the ultimate bonding, or team-building experience for:
Clubs and co-workers
Family reunions
Corporate retreats
Friends
To shape a Custom or Private Trip, we begin a dialogue: first, to develop a group specific itinerary, tailored to respective abilities and preferred tempo. Next we schedule, bookmarking and working in your optimum or ideal getaway dates. Size-wise, we can build a multi-day trip for as few as two people, scaled up to as many as 30 plus. Contact us today to start the custom trip building process.
Rates on Private and Custom Departures:
All Private Escape Adventures Trips are priced in the structured method below. Some Custom tours are priced differently if they vary from the Classic Escape Adventures itinerary and price. In this situation we will provide your group with a custom itinerary and price.
10+ GUESTS Price as advertised*
8-9 GUESTS +$400 per person to trip price*
6-7 GUESTS +$900 per person to trip price*
4-5 GUESTS +$1,900 per person to trip price*
2-3 GUESTS +$2,500 per person to trip price*
* Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. All private tours on The White Rim must meet a 13 person paid minimum. All private tours on The Maze must meet a 7 person paid minimum.
