Ride Description:

This ride explores the high-altitude mesas and mountains of southern Colorado. We will traverse some of most beautiful scenery and highest passes in the State. Most nights are in historic towns established during the mining boom of the late 1800s.  Durango, the start and finish location, is a transportation hub and a happening college town with many choices of restaurants, breweries, museums, and shops.

Most of the ride is on the “San Juan Skyway”, a nationally designated U.S. Scenic Byway.   This loop includes geologic wonders, human history of nearly 10,000 years, immense wild country, and amazing vistas. The portion of the Skyway between Ouray and Silverton (our second-to-last ride day) is called the “Million Dollar Highway” because of the immense cost in the 1920s to build what was then considered an engineering marvel. However, this section is also known for sharp and winding curves as the road traverses the sheer sides of the Uncompahgre River Gorge – making it “one of the most scenic and spectacular mountain drives in North America”.  

This trip includes a guided afternoon hike and tour of a cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park.  Mesa Verde is part of the Colorado Plateau country and protects some of the best history and artifacts of the Ancestral Pueblo peoples.

We will also have two non-riding days to rest and explore local hikes or the historic mining towns of Telluride and Ouray. 

Ride Schedule:

Tuesday, June 1: Travel to Durango Colorado. We will meet at 5pm for our first Social Hour, followed by a Group Dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Wednesday, June 2: 32 mi/ 2,744’ climb to the small town of Mancos. The uplifted plateau of Mesa Verde is visible to the west. Social Hour

Thursday, June 3: 23 mi/2,653’ climb to Mesa Verde National Park. The park entry fee or pass is the responsibility of each rider.  We will join the guided  700 Years  motor coach tour at 1pm to experience the cultural and natural history of the park and visit the Cliff Palace, the crown jewel of Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings. The tour requires walking on narrow rocky trails and climbing ladders. Closed-toe hiking shoes will be needed. Overnight in the park at Far View Lodge.  Social Hour.

Friday, June 4:  58 mi/3,912’ climb to Circle K Ranch near Rico. Circle K Ranch will be a welcome and rustic overnight on the long climb to Lizard Head Pass.  Because there is no nearby town, we will purchase food in advance for our on-site social hour, barbecue dinner, and breakfast the next morning.

Saturday, June 5: 40mi/3,505’ climb (including Lizard Head Pass at 10,270’) to Telluride (where you and your bike can take a free Gondola to Mountain Village and our lodging). At our Social Hour we will highlight some of the options for our “rest and explore day” in Mountain Village/Telluride and brief for Monday’s ride.

Sunday, June 6: Rest and explore day. No Social Hour.

Monday, June 7: Bike 50mi/2,757’ to Ouray (pronounced You’-ray).   Ouray is also a high-altitude and historic mining town.  It is well-known for its Via Ferrata, Perimeter trail loop, and hot springs pool. The Visitor Center, at the entrance to town, is an excellent source of information. At our Social Hour we will discuss the highlights of Ouray and brief for Wednesday’s ride.

Tuesday, June 8: Rest and explore Ouray.  No Social Hour

Wednesday, June 9: Bike 24mi/3,383’ to Silverton.  This stretch of road is the famous “Million-dollar Highway” and includes Red Mountain Pass, our highest pass at 11,100’ elevation.  We will overnight at Silverton in the historic Grand Imperial Hotel which preserves much of the ambience of the mining era which gives the town its name. Social Hour.

Thursday, June 10: Bike 49mi/3,243’ to Durango.  We start our day climbing two passes that exceed 10,000’ elevation. After that, the last 35 miles of our ride are a thrilling downhill to Durango.  Social Hour.   Group dinner in Durango.

Friday, June 11: Our bike trip ends after breakfast at the hotel.

Health and Safety: Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

Ride Rating: – The daily climbs, elevation, and mileages on this ride are challenging.  This ride is rated a 3B! due to average climb of 3,171’/day and average distance of 39 miles (June 4 and June 5 exceed the 3B rating). The “!” is added to the rating due to the high elevation of this ride.  The first 4 tour days are between 6,500’ and 8,500’ elevation.   On our 5th day, June 5, we reach our first pass over 10,000’.  Each of the remaining riding days will include at least one 10,000+’ pass. Grades are generally moderate; however, there are short stretches over 8%.  The final two riding days (between Ouray, Silverton, and Durango) are characterized by a winding roadway, narrow shoulders, and steep drop-offs from the roadside. 

Our trip is prior to the height of the “tourist season” and traffic should not be heavy.  However, there may be RVs or trucks present.  Riders must use good judgement regarding their position on roadways and use pullovers to ensure safety and traffic flow.  Front and rear blinking lights, always a good idea, are required to transit through a 200’ long tunnel in Mesa Verde National Park.

 If you bring your own bike, it must be in good mechanical condition and have appropriate gearing for a 3B! rating. Road bikes or gravel bikes (with tires at least 28mm width) are recommended for this tour. E-bikes, with back-up batteries, are welcome. Tandem teams may be accepted.

 If you plan to ride an e-bike or tandem, contact the Ride Leader before you sign up.

Cue sheets, maps, GPS files: A RWGPS Event will be created and shared with participant outlining the daily routes.

Weather: Extreme temperature fluctuations come along with the amazing views.  Weather is expected to be cool during the day (60 to 70 degrees) and cold at night (40s).  June is not an especially rainy month in the San Juans, but rain can be expected.

We begin our ride in Durango at an elevation of 6,500’.  Overnight elevations on the tour range between 7,500’ and 9,400’.  Please bring clothes adequate for hot, cold and wet weather that can be carried on your bike. Our support vehicle is primarily for transport of luggage. However, on our more remote days the Driver will be positioned at key areas to provide water and food.  Closed-toe hiking shoes will be needed for the Mesa Verde Park tour.

Lodging & Meals: Lodging, Meals, & Happy/Social Hour: This is a roaming tour of 11 days and 10 overnights.  Accommodations vary between rustic and 4-star (most are 3-star).   Three group dinners (including the barbeque) are included.  Breakfasts will be available for purchase in the hotel or a nearby restaurant. Generally, lunches are on your own. However, the luggage van will be available on the most remote rides (Days 3, 5, 9, and 10) to provide water, snacks, and sandwiches to riders. 

Day 4 at Circle K Ranch will be our rustic and remote overnight. The town of Dolores (approximately ½ way between Mesa Verde and Circle K) is the recommended lunch stop. At Circle K we will have an outdoor barbecue dinner and self-prepare a breakfast of cereal, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, juice, coffee and tea.

Social Hours will be held on Day 1 and on all seven “ride days”.  Social Hours will include beer/wine/soda from the cooler (or a purchased bar drink at select hotels) and light snacks.  There will be no Social Hour on the two layover days in Telluride and Ouray.

Logistics:

Our ride begins and ends in Durango, Colorado. Day 1 of the tour is Tuesday, June 1 when we gather for the Social Hour at 5pm; followed by a Group Dinner. Our final Social Hour and Group Dinner will be on Thursday, June 10 in Durango.  The tour ends the next morning, June 11, after breakfast.

The Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is 12 miles south of Durango.  There is commercial shuttle transportation from the Durango airport to downtown Durango hotels.

The Durango hotel has not been chosen.  Vehicles may be left at our first/last hotel for the duration of the tour. There may be a charge for these vehicles; this will be confirmed as we getting closer to the start of the tour.  Bike boxes can be stored in the parked vehicles.

The van and driver are primarily responsible to transport luggage and supplies. While the van will be available to assist with any emergencies, it will not serve as a SAG vehicle and participants are expected to complete the ride each day.  The van will carry tools, snacks, and water to support riders.

Arriving in Durango prior to the tour is encouraged to have additional time to acclimate to elevation and to explore the historic town. Please let the Ride Leader know as early as possible if you wish an additional hotel night at the group rate in Durango. Our group contract will be finalized well in advance of the tour.

Bike rentals or receipt/build of shipped bikes may be available in Durango through local shops.  Possible bike shops are: Mountain Bike Specialists (build), 2nd Ave Sports (rentals), Pedal the Peaks (rentals), and Durango Cyclery.

We will have a Zoom orientation in early 2027 to virtually meet each other, discuss all aspects of the tour, and answer questions.

Cost & Administration: The estimated ride cost is $2,950 which includes: 10 nights of double occupancy lodging, 4 dinners, 8 social hours, 1 breakfast, luggage van, ride leaders, RWGPS digital routes. 

The initial deposit is $1,600, payable within 7 days after registration with the final payment of $1,350 due no later than October 1, 2026.  

Riders are responsible for the required entry fee for Mesa Verde National Park. The “700-years Tour” of Mesa Verde is included in the cost of the ride.  A U.S. Park Pass will allow entry to the park.

Hotels have not yet finalized their 2027 rates. The estimated ride cost may be adjusted before the final tour payment is due. 

Singles & Solos Policy: Singles and Solos are welcome on this ride. A “single” is a member who signs up by himself or herself and wishes to share a room with another participant. A “solo” is a member who signs up by himself or herself and does not wish to share a room.  It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single rider without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until August 15, 2026 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fee) or pay the $1,300 Solo Supplement (due by August 30, 2026) and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.

The solo supplement payment can be paid by Zelle or check.

To pay using Zelle:   In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address: treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org.    Initiate a payment.  In the Message block, enter the ride name: “Colorado’s Extraordinary San Juan Skyway”.

Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org.

Cancellation Policy: The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost because of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Ride Participant Responsibility: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

Insurance Statement:  BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both the U.S. and Foreign policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website.

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring in the U.S, the BAC insurance includes coverage for injuries due to accidents during the bike trip. Members’ personal insurance will need to cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected illness (i.e. treatment for unexpected illnesses, including Covid, are not covered).

Sign-up: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you go to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL) and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. There is an $85.00 domestic ride fee.

As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.