Day Rides
Durango to Silverton - Stunning scenery, mountain vistas, visit the historic mining town of Silverton with its gift shops and restaurants. Elevations range from 6,500 ft to 10,910 ft at Molas Pass. Rain suit and jacket recommended. Allow at least a half day for the 96 mile round trip. High mountain terrain.
Durango to Ouray - continue on from Silverton to the mining town of Ouray. Ouray is a quaint village located at the bottom of a box canyon and offers more great scenery. Elevations exceed 11,000 ft over Red Mountain Pass. Allow a day if you plan to visit the shops in both towns and have lunch. Round trip is 142 miles. Rain suit and jacket recommended. High mountain terrain.
Durango to Telluride - you can ride via Silverton and Ouray (120 miles) or go west to Mancos and take the cutoff to Delores and then on to Telluride (107 miles). The Delores route crosses Lizard Head Pass at 10,222 ft. Either way the scenery is stunning. The road through Delores is a little less demanding than the Silverton route. You can ride the entire route, known as the San Juan Loop, and enjoy one of America's top ten scenic rides. Allow a full day and watch the time. Rain suit and jacket recommended. High mountain terrain.
Durango to Mesa Verde - offers the greatest example of Anasazi cliff dwellings in the country. The park entrance is an easy 35 mile ride from Durango. Allow time for tours to the ruins. You can easily spend a couple of days in the park. Low mountain terrain.
Durango to Chimney Rock and Pagosa Springs - Pagosa Springs is 60 miles east of Durango and takes you through rolling ranch country. Chimney Rock offers Anasazi ruins and is a short 5-mile detour off the highway. Pagosa is a small resort community and the gateway to the infamous Wolf Creek Pass. If you want to add another Colorado Pass to your collection, it is about 20 miles east of Pagosa and tops out at 10,850 ft. Bring rain gear. Rolling terrain. Wolf Creek is high mountain terrain.
Multi-Day Trips
We have several favorite routes depending on time available. If you have two or three days, the Lake City Loop is incredible. If you have four or five days, the Independence Pass route is one great road after another and endless "Kodak Moments." Come see us or give us a call for suggestions.
Riding in the Mountains
Riding the Rockies is both beautiful and invigorating, but mountain roads do require your full attention. Please ride carefully and consider the following suggestions:
Carry rain gear and a warm jacket. Elevation changes mean unexpected temperature and weather changes. Watch for debris in the road if you are riding just after a storm.
Watch for elk and deer along the roads in the morning and evening. They have not responded to our training efforts and are unpredictable.
Make sure your bike is in good running order including tire inflation and tread levels. Elevation changes of 5,000 feet will occur in a matter of a few miles. If your bike is not up to par, let one of our factory-trained technicians check it out before you ride.
Watch your gas. Thirty to fifty mile stretches without gas service are not uncommon. Gas mileage may decrease in the mountains.
Use summer sun protection. We carry a complete line of sun glasses to help protect your eyes. We also carry sun screen products designed especially for bikers that won't melt in your saddlebags. Sun screen is highly recommended at these elevations.
Stop to enjoy the scenery. The high country is gorgeous, but the mountain roads require your full attention. Allow extra time to stop and enjoy the views.
