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)
“Be prepared to ride epic trails in Durango. Your hard efforts will be rewarded plentifully as you descend the best trails of your life. Creating lasting friendships and memories are also a bonus, but come prepared…”
INTERACTIVE DURANGO TRAIL MAP
WHAT TO EXPECT
Day One: 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: We’ll get things going in Durango with a shuttle up to Hotel Draw and a “relatively easy” 20+ mile ride today… as we traverse across the ridge on the Colorado Trail, we’ll drop down Stagecoach which is a great warmup descent for the group to get you ready for what’s to come. After descending on a doubletrack road for a bit, we’ll hit the Hermosa Creek Trail. Hermosa Creek mainly goes downhill for almost 14 miles, but it does have a handful of punchy climbs mixed in, with one “good one” coming out of Dutch Creek later in the day.
The purpose of today’s ride is to acclimate everyone to the bikes, the terrain, and the altitude… it’s going to be a good one, but it’s just a warmup for what’s to come!
Day Three: Alright, enough of the warmup, let’s get into it! 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! All told, expect about 21 miles and just under 3,000′ of climbing today.
Day Four: Epic alert! Today we’ll shuttle up to Bolam Pass, where we’ll once again tackle the Colorado Trail… but this time, it’ll be up Blackhawk Pass which is one of the toughest climbs, but it’s also one of the most scenic sections of trail you’ll ever ride. From there we’ll traverse over towards the Stagecoach Trail (again) where we have multiple options for the descent. Today’s ride will blow your mind, but it’ll also test your legs and lungs so be ready!
Day Five: The last day… but it doesn’t mean we’re going to take it easy on you. Today we’ll head back up to Coal Bank Pass and hit the Engineer Mountain Trail descent, which is about 6 miles and 2500′ of pure bliss (for a total of 10 miles and 1300′ of climbing). For those with something left in the legs and feeling a little frisky, we’ll have the option to extend the ride and drop into the always rowdy and sporty Engine Creek (14 miles, 1800′ climbing)