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Mesa Verde National Park and Southwest Colorado

Cycle the breathtaking San Juan Skyway through Colorado’s dramatic mountain peaks, historic Mesa Verde, and charming towns like Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton, where ancient cultures, alpine beauty, and flexible ride options create an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Southwest.

Average Climate

No upcoming dates are currently available for this trip.

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Double Booking TBD

Single Booking TBD

Roommate Rebate TBD

Trip Type

Cycling

Difficulty Level

2

Trip Length

8 Days, 7 Nights

Distance

315 Miles
506.9 Kilometers

Meeting Time

Airport 3 pm, Hotel 3:30 pm

Drop-off Time

5 pm

Assembly Point

Durango, CO

Inclusions

Timberline van shuttle is included to and from Durango.

Have questions? We’re here to help! Call us at 303-664-8388 or reach out online.

Contact For Details

Cycle the famous San Juan Skyway, through Mesa Verde National Park, Telluride, Ouray and Silverton

Extravagant rhetoric is unavoidable as we consider our Southwest Colorado program—there is just no other way to describe the awesome and singular beauty of Colorado’s San Juans Range and the scenic San Juan Skyway that encircles the area. This high and rugged mountain range has over 40 named, jagged, snow clad peaks that rise dramatically from the valleys.  The lush stands of evergreen and aspen contribute to the isolation of this alpine region, especially under the snowy blankets of winter.  To further enhance this array of natural beauty, we add to it a tour of the historic region of Mesa Verde National Park, built by the Ancestral Pueblo people, a tour of Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum, a stay in the famous western town of Telluride at the end of a box canyon, and a trip through the quaint mining towns of Ouray and Silverton.  History, natural beauty and small town charm abound in our Southwest Colorado tour.

Choose your difficulty level:

For this tour we will have two distances available each day – the shorter distance will either be a more direct route, or will include a bump in the Timberline van.  The longer distance may include an extra loop.  What you ride each day can be decided last minute, based on how you feel.  In this way, we can accommodate a variety of cycling abilities, all while bringing you an exceptional experience through the stunning Southwest Colorado scenery.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Orientation and bike fitting

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The Southwest Colorado tour will follow the famous San Juan Skyway, one of 13 America’s Byways® designated in Colorado. The scenery is beyond imagination, and we will make side trips to the best of the best in the area – the historic Mesa Verde National Park, the renowned ski town of Telluride, the mining towns of Ouray and Silverton, the mountain towns of Stoner and Rico, and the Anasazi Center of Dolores.

Day 2: Durango - Mesa Verde National Park

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Distance: 55 miles

Our tour assembles in Durango and we’ll ride westward early morning of Day 2 to Mesa Verde National Park. We’ll spend the remainder of that first day and the next morning exploring the Ancestral Puebloan ruins of Mesa Verde.

Day 3: Morning in Mesa Verde - Tour Cliff Palace or Balcony House; Afternoon cycle through Cortez- Tour the Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum - Dolores

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Distance: 45 miles

A van shuttle is available to exit the park mid-day of Day 3, then it’s back on our bikes to Dolores and for our next overnight. Along the way, we’ll visit the fascinating Anasazi Heritage Center north of Cortez.

Day 4: Dolores - Ride through the old mining towns of Stoner and Rico, climb Lizard Head Pass (10,222') - Telluride.

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Distance: 65 miles

We’re headed into the heart of the San Juan Mountains along the San Juan Skyway early-morning of Day 4. We’ll tour the old mining towns of Stoner and Rico and then begin a moderate ascent up Lizard Head Pass (10,222′) on our way to the magical mountain paradise that is Telluride.

Day 5: Layover Day, hiking and cycling options available

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Take a gondola ride up the ski hill, enjoy a nearby hike or mountain bike ride, explore the shops or just stroll the Victorian streets, visiting art galleries and sampling ice cream on your Day 5 layover day.

Day 6: Telluride - Dallas Divide (8,970') - Ridgeway - Ouray

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Distance: 49 miles

Leaving Telluride, we’ll ride along the San Miguel River on Day 6, then climb the Dallas Divide, continue due through Ridgway, and ride on to charming Ouray.

Day 7: Ride up Red Mountain Pass (11,008') then downhill to Silverton, historic mine tour available

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Distance: 53 miles

We’re up and out early Day 7 as we challenge imposing Red Mountain Pass (11,008′) for one of North America’s classic alpine experiences. From Red Mountain’s summit, it’s downhill cycling to the quaint 19th-century mining camp of Silverton and our final evening at the Crown Jewel of Silverton, the Grand Imperial Hotel. The 19th century hotel has been newly restored to reclaim the essence of the Victorian masterpiece.

Day 8: Silverton - Molas and Coal Bank Passes and a long downhill for our return to Durango

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Distance: 48 miles

Our final Day 8 includes ascents of Molas and Coal Bank Passes and a long downhill for our return to Durango and the conclusion of our Mesa Verde and Southwest Colorado bicycling adventure.

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