DURANGO, CO
Physical Exertion: Advanced / Technical Ability: Intermediate+
What to expect in Durango: Backcountry adventures, big rides, rowdy descents, beautiful high-alpine singletrack
Are you looking for a big backcountry adventure with killer descents, that will push you to the limit and have you begging for more? Then our new Durango trip is for you! Sitting in the southwest corner of Colorado, and right in the heart of the San Juans, Durango is all about big high-country riding with incredible views, singletrack that goes forever, and some of the best descents in Colorado.
This trip won’t be easy, even for the easiest of riders; the combination of punchy climbs, high elevation, and long rides will push us all. But that’s OK, because it’s what it’s all about, right? We recommend putting in lots of training miles for this trip, as you’ll need every last one of them in order to get through four days of riding here. We’ll plan on starting each day with a shuttle, but don’t let that fool you… we’ll still climb 2000-3500′ each day. All that climbing is worth it though, as the descents on this trip are SO good: steep, rowdy, rooty, and seemingly endless. If you’ve done our Sun Valley, Crested Butte, or Monarch Crest trips and are yearning for more, then Durango is for you. By partnering with Hermosa Tours, we’re able to put together amazing itineraries that will have you licking your lips for more. But beware, these rides are legit!
Airport Options: Durango (45 minutes) – Montrose (90 minutes) – Albuquerque (4+ hours)
INTERACTIVE DURANGO TRAIL MAP
Example Itinerary
Day One: Arrival Day! On the first day of our trip, plan to meet at our designated lodging around 5-6pm that evening. We’ll do a quick introduction, followed by bike setups, a welcome dinner and drinks. The first night is meant to be social and relaxing, as we’re getting ready for four big days on the bike!
Day Two: White Creek to Graysill. Today we’ll shuttle up to Coal Bank Pass where we start with a stiff 1,000′ climb for the day. After that, we’ll traverse Engineer Mountain Trail over to White Creek, which packs a punch in just a few miles. Big exposure means big views, and some of the coolest technical riding in the high country as well. We’ll hit the Colorado Trail from here, on our way over to Graysill Creek which is one of our favorite downhills in Colorado!
Day Three: Bolam Pass to Stagecoach. For our first ride, we’re going to get right into it as there’s no time to waste! This morning we’ll shuttle up to just over 11,000′ at the top of Bolam Pass to hit the Colorado Trail, where we’ll head SW for several miles of incredible beautiful (but tough) singletrack. Expect punchy climbs, forever views, and some of the best high-alpine trail in the country. All told we’ll ride just over 20 miles with 2200′ of climbing and 4400′ of descent!
Day Four: Molas Pass to Engineer. Today we’ll shuttle up to Molas Pass, which is where the Colorado Trail crosses the Million Dollar Highway – and that’s where our ride begins. Following the CT for several miles before the intersection with Engineer, this is one of the most beautiful stretches of singletrack you’ll ever ride. The final descent on Engineer will have you grinning all the way through your post-ride beer and creek dip!
Day Five: Pass to Engine Creek. Today we’ll head back up to Coal Bank Pass to start the climb up Pass Creek, but this time we’ll finish on the sporty (and rowdy) Engine Creek, an incredible descent that is the epitome of big mountain riding. Once we’re finished with this morning’s ride, we’ll head back to our lodging to get everyone checked out. The trip (sadly) will end just after lunch time on the last day, in order to accommodate everyone that has to drive home or catch a flight.
