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Day 1 - Shuttle / Meet in Gunnison

We'll meet in Gunnison, Colorado on Saturday and start riding Sunday morning. Fly into Denver on Saturday, where a shuttle will pick you up at noon and take you to the ride start in Gunnison. After checking into our hotel, you'll have the chance to get settled in and set up your bike. At an early evening orientation we'll provide an overview for the week, make introductions, and answer any questions you have.

Day 2 - Gunnison to Lake City

On day one we ride from Gunnison to Lake City, a small mountain town nestled at the junction of the Alpine Loop and Silver Thread Scenic Byways. Today's highlights are miles of river and forest with occasional mountaintop views of the San Juans. Grades average 6-8% today with the big climb coming tomorrow. Tonight we stay at the Alpine Moose Lodge and dine with transplanted french chef Bruno and his wife Frederique.

57 miles / 3,700 ft. elevation gain

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Day 3 - Lake City to South Fork

After a short warmup from town, we arrive at the base of Slumgullion Pass, the steepest mountain pass in Colorado. With prolonged grades of 8-11%, Slumgullion tops out at a lung-busting 11,580'. After earning lunch and dinner for the day, we'll summit 10,898' Spring Creek Pass along the Continental Divide, before enjoying 20 miles of descent into the historic mining town of Creede, the last silver boomtown in Colorado in the 1800's.

74 miles / 4,100 ft. elevation gain

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Day 4 - South Fork to Pagosa Springs

On Day 4 we'll climb over two thousand feet on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway tas we summit the Continental Divide for the second time at the top of Wolf Creek Pass (10,850'). If you've ever heard the song of the same name, you know the descent off Wolf Creek is steep! We'll pass waterfalls and scenic panoramas on our way down to Pagosa Springs, famous for their giant hot springs. After soaking in the springs, we'll shuttle a busy section of highway to Durango. Our hotel sits in the heart of downton Durango, so you won't have to walk far to enjoy this super popular outdoors town.

49 miles / 3,300 ft. elevation gain

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Day 5 - Durango to Silverton

Today we follow the route of the famous Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, a race where cyclists originally tried to beat the steam train over two mountain passes to the historic mining town of Silverton. Once the stomping ground of silver kings and railroad giants, Silverton survives today as one of Colorado’s most visited destinations. After summiting 10,660' Coal Bank Pass, we'll enjoy a short three mile descent before climbing back up to 10,900' Molas Divide. You've earned the stellar views as you descend 2,000' into town where the historic Grand Imperial Hotel and Handlebars Saloon await.

50 miles / 5,800 ft. elevation gain

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Day 6 - Silverton to Montrose

On day 6 we climb out of Silverton along the “Million Dollar Highway”, part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway. The day starts with a climb as We ascend 11,018' Red Mountain Pass before an out-of-this-world descent into the cliff-hanging town of Ouray. After lunch in the ice-climbing capital of Colorado, we'll cruise 30 miles of downhill and flats into the town of Montrose, gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison park.

62 miles / 2,100 ft. elevation gain

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Day 7 - Montrose to Gunnison

Our final day highlights the 2,000 foot deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the source of its winding river, Blue Mesa lake. A scenic side trip into this recently designated National Park will give you the chance to marvel at the depth of "Colorado's Own Grand Canyon." We then ride along Blue Mesa Lake on our way back to Gunnison and the end of our epic climbing tour!

66 miles / 4,800 ft. elevation gain

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Day 8 - Return Shuttle to Denver

Today we say goodbye to our new cycling friends, and for those with flights, an early morning departure for Denver.

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