Tourists come from all over the world to drive the scenic San Juan Skyway in Southwest Colorado…but really miss the true beauty and depth of the area as they speed by at 55mph. We don’t make this mistake! Over 4 days you’ll take an incredible mountain town journey from Durango to Dolores to Telluride to Silverton and then back to Durango. This is a self-guided tour – no pampering, no frills and no beginner days. Nope, this is 4 days of big rides on your own. Each day we’ll meet up and start together, meet you half way with the van so you can swap gear, grab a drink or food from your cooler and then your luggage and gear will be waiting for you in each destination town. Lodge as expensive or cheap as you want. Eat at a 5 star restaurant in Telluride or cook Ramen Noodles on a camp stove. Your vacation on your budget!!!
Day One: Departing from the Hermosa Tours office in Durango, CO around 8am we’ll begin a gradual climb up toward the small ‘burg of Hesperus. Views of the La Plata Mountains seem close enough to touch. The road descends into a valley and back out from our high point in Hesperus as we make our way to the town of Mancos via an enjoyable descent…
Day Two: : With a dependable SW wind at our backs we’ll ride away from Dolores (following the Dolores River) and start the long climb to Telluride. The climbing for much of the way is quite gradual and is aided by the aforementioned tailwind. As the climb snakes its way NE, views of the San Miguel Mountains and Lizard Head Wilderness slowly appear at our flanks…
Day Three:: Today we ride from Telluride to Silverton via Ouray, CO….the self-proclaimed “Switzerland of America”. While this may be debatable, the town of Ouray should not be missed. The ride itself starts with an easy cruise back out of Telluride and then a long downhill to Placerville. We’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Wilson Peak to the west as we speed down the mountain.
Day Four:: Our final day starts with a sizeable climb out of Silverton to Molas Pass (10,960’); the first of our two passes today. As we climb the Weminuche Wilderness will reveal peeks of her crowned jewel range – the Grendiers. At the pass we’ll stop to rest and take in the views before heading down nearly a thousand feet. Engineer Mountain (12,968’) comes into view…
- 4 days, 3 nights (lodging on your own)
- Well-maintained paved roads in Southwest Colorado
- This tour is appropriate for intermediate and advanced riders
- Includes luggage and gear transport, daily lunch stop and SAG support
- Trip starts and ends in Durango, CO
- Cost:- $395 per person
- September 26th – September 29th
PRIVATE groups of 10 or more
