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Summary
This epic 14 night holiday takes you across Colorado through the beautiful Rocky Mountains as you ride your way from Denver to Durango. 70% is singletrack, 25% is jeep track or 4x4 track, and 5% on the road. Every day we set off into the wilderness ending up in a different town as we head south west across the Rockies, riding an average of 6 hours a day. This trip is fully guided and supported by our very own minibus and trailer. As you arrive at your next night's accommodation, your luggage will already be checked in for you, so you can just collapse into bed (or maybe take a shower first!). If you are looking for the very best cross country mountain bike tour then read on...

However, this tour is not a race. It makes no odds to us if a section is done in 4 hours or 10 hours.  You will be in one whole group which will not be split into ability levels.  You will be riding through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world which should not be rushed.  If you are looking for a race, then please don't book with us.

Ability Level: If you're considering the Grand Tour of the Rockies then you will need to be very fit. You'll be riding for 10 days out of 11 and need to be capable of spending an average of 6 hours on the bike each day. You should also be fit enough to cope with up to 8-10 hours in the saddle on some of the longer days. The rides on the Grand Tour include some big climbs of up to 2 hours, with some total elevation gains per day between 2000ft - 4000ft, sometimes on technically demanding singletrack. Note that we top 12,000ft a few times on the route. 

Single Travellers: There are no single room supplements as long as you don't mind sharing a room with another single traveller. However, you can choose to have your own private room if you would prefer for an extra £35 per night.

What to bring with you: 
Riding kit for all weathers since the weather can change very rapidly in the mountains:
light weight waterproof jacket and trousers are essential, as are long sleeves and suitable trousers or leggings for biking in, also a hat/buff/skull cap that you can wear under your helmet.
Biking shoes, gloves, helmet, sunglasses, a camelbak or similar hydration pack capable of holding 3 litres at the very least, water bottle, insect repellent, sun screen, puncture repair kit, bike pump and basic bike tools e.g. multitool, at least 2 spare inner tubes, a small torch ideally a head torch, a basic first aid kit, set of spare brake pads, spare rear derailleur hanger and finally don't forget swimwear for the hot tub!
You'll also need a suitably sized rucksack for riding with that can fit your waterproofs, spare warm clothes, food and drink, plus most of the above items that you'll need with you on a ride.
All bedding and towels will be provided for you.

Weather: The weather in the Rockies is very unpredictable.  Most of the time in the summer we experience excellent warm riding conditions. However it is possible to start a ride at 25 degrees (centigrade!) with blue skies and an hour later be caught in a hail storm.  Every bit of care has been taken to ensure that the trips we offer are at times of the year when this is least likely to happen, but of course we can't guarantee the weather!  It is possible that on some high mountain passes there may be rain or snow showers which is why we ask you to pack appropriately.  If on a certain day it is forecast for extreme weather then our guides will take a call on whether we will attempt the trail or not. If we choose to abort a ride or have to turn back part way through a ride, then we will head to the next destination by road ride or support vehicle.  At all times we have our guests' safety and best interests in mind and truly want you to have a fantastic time.

Our Guides: On the Grand Tour rides, there will always be at least 2 guides with you; one at the front and one at the back. All of our guides are first aid qualified and carry maps, walkie-talkies and a mobile phone with them at all times. We also have a satellite phone that we take with us on the rides for emergency situations when a mobile reception is unobtainable. Our guides will not rush you and are aware that they play a crucial part in making sure that you have a fantastic holiday. If you want to find out a bit more about them and see what they look like, then check out the about us page.

Itinerary
Please note that this itinerary could be subject to change if we experience poor weather conditions.

Day 0 - Saturday (arrive in the USA and transfer to motel near Denver airport)

Either you will have booked your own flights or you will have let RMA take the hassle away from you and we will have booked your flights for you. You'll depart the UK from your chosen airport, destination Denver international airport, Colorado USA. There you'll be greeted by your RMA staff and hosts for the 2 weeks who will help to load your luggage and bikes into our own minibus and trailer. We'll then transfer you to a hotel near Denver airport where you can get some rest before your big adventure begins.


Day 1 - Sunday (welcome meeting, ride from Buffalo Creek to Bailey)
Today's ride: 3-4 hours, 24 miles, physically moderate, technically easy

No doubt, you’ll be up and raring to get the adventure started early. After a good night’s sleep we will all assemble around 8am. Over breakfast, provided by the hotel, your guides will then give a welcome meeting and lead a discussion about the next epic two weeks.
After breakfast we set up the bikes and prepare for the first days ride. If anyone needs any bits and pieces for riding or for their bikes we will stop at huge bike shop on the way out of Denver. Along the way, we'll also stop at a supermarket so that you can pick up some lunch, energy bars and electrolyte drinks.

It’s a short drive from Denver into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains (the Colorado Front Range) where we start today's ride. We start on the Colorado trail from a campground outside the small town of Buffalo Creek. We start this trail at around 7500ft and end at 7800ft with the highest point being 8280ft. These heights are not too high compared to the elevations we will be riding during the rest of the tour, so today is a nice introduction to the riding conditions and a good warm up ride. This trail is singletrack right from the start and heads west, swooping and flowing over the natural landscape. Today will really wet your appetite for the more demanding rides to come as you wind your way through the forest with short stops to admire the unique granite rock formations of this area. 15 miles of pure singletrack later we turn north on a dirt road to arrive at tonight’s accommodation in the traditional country town of Bailey.

Day 2 - Monday (Colorado Trail from Kenosha pass to Breckenridge)
Today's ride: 8-10 hours, 38 miles, physically demanding, technically difficult
(The ride can be shortened to 5-6 hrs if you only do the first section)

Today's ride is a big one and is often our past guests' favourite. We start at 10,000ft at Kenosha pass just outside Bailey on the Colorado trail. Today we will ride over our first mountain pass and it is the first time we will cross the Continental Divide. The surface is claimed from the forest floor with natural root drops, rocky climbs and a good mix of tight, steep technical sections and sweeping turns through the South Park grasslands.

The first few hours of rolling singletrack take you through some spectacular scenery, dramatic views, groves of aspen trees and meadows full of wild alpine flowers. This leads you to our first big climb whose gradual incline takes us around 2 hours until we crest at Georgia pass at 11,896ft. Here we'll have stunning views of Park County to the East and Summit County's mountain range looming over Breckenridge to the West. All that climbing is rewarded by one of the best downhill descents of the tour and you won’t be disappointed. We descend, uninterrupted for around 6 miles before we join up with the popular Breckenridge “locals” section of the Colorado trail which is often described as the best trail in the area. Three steady climbs take you to the top of some super fast, switchbacking, grin-inducing downhills which drop you into the trendy and lively town of Breckenridge. Here you will stay in our chalet equipped with all the mod cons to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

After you’ve showered and relaxed in the hot tub, we put on a welcome meal for you all to give everyone chance to get to know one another better. So that you don’t have to live out of a suitcase for your whole tour, we will stay in Breckenridge for the next three nights and the minibus will transfer you to and from the trailheads each day.
 

Day 3 - Tuesday (The Peaks Trail from Breckenridge to Frisco)
Today's ride: 3-4 hours, 22 miles, physically moderate, technically difficult

We ride straight from the chalet door this morning on a shorter ride that gives you chance to recover from yesterday's big ride. After a short climb through the woods from town, we ride the whole of the Peaks Trail to Frisco, traversing below the peaks of Breckenridge's mountain range: The ten mile range. It’s 13 miles of singletrack, rocks, roots, North Shore style bridges, river crossings, jumps and a few steps just to keep you on your toes. There's something for everyone in this ride and it's just pure fun! After pausing at a great vista point of the Blue River Valley which you’ve just climbed from, the real fun begins; a 4 mile technical and fast downhill takes you into the picturesque town of Frisco. Dominated by Buffalo mountain, the town of Frisco is a great place to spend the afternoon, grab some lunch or soak up a bit of local culture and scenery. We normally stop for a tasty lunch in one of our favourite cafes in town before cruising back to Breckenridge on the scenic bike path alongside the Blue river.


Day 4 - Wednesday (The Colorado Trail from Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass)
Today's ride: 8-10 hours, 32 miles, physically demanding, technically difficult
(The ride can be shortened to 6-7 hrs if you only do the first section)

Day 4 is another tough day of hard climbing, white knuckle downhills and exposed but spectacular mountain passes. We rejoin the Colorado trail as it passes through the quiet ski resort of Copper Mountain. Climbing past the golf course, we traverse the ski runs and use some access tracks to gain height and hit the singletrack. As we get deeper into the woods, watch out for steaming trail obstacles as this section is heavily used by local horse riders. Next we head up Guller Creek which has fantastic examples of beaver dams. The climb is nice and steady and due to the beautiful scenery of the valley all around you, it flashes by quickly and you are soon skirting the treeline where the rocks start to get bigger and the trail gets steeper as you climb towards our first mountain pass of the day; Searle pass.

The wind howls through the narrow Searle Pass but it’s well worth the bracing atmosphere as the views down Guller Creek, Searle Gulch to the south, and the mining evidence of the Climax Valley are spectacular and enlightening. Watch out for the local family of marmots though as we walk right through their patch and whilst an angry marmot is hugely amusing, an angry marmot’s bite isn’t!

The next section is the most challenging of the day as we traverse Elk Ridge and climb to Kokomo pass at 12,000ft, well above the tree line and well into the thin energy sapping air. The downhill from here drops us quickly back into the trees where a quick look to the horizon gives rise to excellent views of the famous Mount of the Holy Cross Wilderness, often snow-capped well into late summer. The lengthy downhill continues over the mainly rocky singletrack down to the abandoned US military training ground of Camp Hale used by troops from all over the allied world for high altitude training back in World War II and then into the Cold War periods. Back in the lower level forest, we follow the Colorado Trail up to Tennessee Pass just outside the historic mining town of Leadville where the minibus greets you for the drive back to our chalet in Breckenridge.


Day 5 - Thursday (Turquoise Lake to Aspen via Hagerman Pass)
Today's ride: 8-10 hours, 74 miles, physically moderate, technically easy
(The ride can be shortened to 6-7 hrs if you only do the first section)

The longest ride of the tour; 74 miles! Don’t worry though, almost 40 of those miles are downhill. Today’s trailhead is to the west of Leadville in the beautiful Turquoise Lake valley. As we climb for seven miles, the dirt road slowly deteriorates into a tricky 4x4 track and climbs past spectacular viewpoints of Turquoise lake and then the Mount Massive Wilderness, the highest mountain range in Colorado. The summit of the day is Hagerman Pass on the Continental Divide, just below 12,000ft.

The 4x4 trail carries on over into the Reudi Valley and depending on the time of year, and the weather, the view from many different points is truly breathtaking as you look out over cliffs, gorges, wild meadows, white water creeks and Aspen forests. The lower we get the better the quality of the trail becomes and eventually we hit tarmac. The downhill gradient continues as we sweep through the valley, this is a great  chance to practice your road “drafting” skills as you push the big gears and spin out around 40mph.

Whilst picking the flies out of your teeth we’ll pause in Basalt before the final 20 mile Rio Grande bike path steadily climbs into the fashionable town of Aspen where you can relax in a steam room and heated swimming pool at the St. Moritz Lodge in Aspen where we stay for the next 2 nights.


Day 6 - Friday (Rest day)

Have a day off in Aspen! Enjoy the beautiful town of Aspen and do a bit of shopping, star spotting, bear spotting or just chill out with a beer. Anyone looking for a rich wife or husband should look here as everyone’s rather wealthy and they love the English accent!


Day 7 - Saturday (Ride from Aspen to Crested Butte)
Today's ride: 8-10 hours, 37 miles, physically demanding, technically moderate

A short drive out of Aspen takes you part way up this morning's climb where our trail starts in the meadows of Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill Road is an ancient trail which follows the ridge to the south and gradually climbs up to 12,300ft at Taylor Pass with a few short downs along the way to break up the climbs. Most of this section is above the treeline or passes through meadows and being on a ridge the views across the surrounding acres are breathtaking and some of the best of the tour, with jagged peaks perfectly framing the scene.

After descending to Taylor Lake, we follow the old mining access roads through white water creeks, land slides, damp woodlands and eventually start to climb again above the treeline to Star pass. This is a very steep, get off and push section as we climb the rear wall of a glacial corrie. However it’s well worth your efforts since when we crest the ridge you will set eyes on the famous 405 Trail which weaves it’s way down the meadow covered valley into the trees 1000ft below you. This trail is as good as it looks; scarily fast above the treeline becoming more and more demanding as the roots and switchbacks deep into the forest begin to aggravate your aching limbs. Several river crossings later we link up with another dirt road for a short section before diving back down some more of Crested Butte's truly awesome singletrack leading to the outskirts of this quaint, atmospheric mountain town where we stay for the next 2 nights.


Day 8 - Sunday (401 trail in Crested Butte)
Today's ride: 3-4 hours, 21 miles, physically moderate, technically moderate

Today we have a special treat in store as we do a loop ride from our hotel on Crested Butte's famous 401 trail. This is a classic ride with smooth, fast singletrack, spectacular views and lots of tall wildflowers. Firstly, we have a gradual climb out of town on the Gothic road dirt track, passing the stunning Emerald Lake on our way up to Schofield pass where we start the singletrack. The first section of the trail is steep, tight and switchbacks up through a beautiful pine forest which eventually brings you out to a lovely alpine meadow with spectacular views to the Maroon Bells mountains. The fast descent is all on fabulous singletrack, winding gradually around the Belleview and Avery mountains, offering spectacular views for most of the ride... but you might be pre-occupied with this amazing downhill as you speed your way down a narrow pathway through the corn that is as high as your handlebars, twisting and turning your way down one of our favourite descents.

The second part of the 401 trail offers a smooth climb through aspen groves and flower filled meadows then a speedy descent through the aspens and back onto Gothic road where you cruise back to your hotel once more. This trail is simply mountain biking at it's best!


Day 9 - Monday (Ride from Lake San Cristobal to Silverton)
Today's ride: 4-5 hours, 31 miles, physically moderate, technically moderate

After a short drive from Crested Butte we arrive at Lake City in the San Juan Mountain Region. Starting from Lake San Cristobal, the second largest naturally formed lake in Colorado, we climb into the heart of the San Juan mountains. Again, the change in scenery is surprising as the peaks and cliffs become a lot more jagged and threatening than the previous week's mountains. This area is known as the Switzerland of the US as the scenery has often been compared to the European Alps. It is also a huge area for 4x4 enthusiasts as this area contains the world famous “Alpine Loop” and in fact, it is the southern leg of this loop which we will be riding today.

From the lake, we climb for a few hours. The higher we get, the worse the quality of the dirt road gets until it becomes true jeep track with rocks and boulders to negotiate. The road climbs higher and higher up the valley constantly surrounded by huge peaks and woodland. Eventually, we break the treeline and the views of where we have climbed from are fantastic. The highest point of the day, Cinnamon Pass (12,640ft) is the highest point of the whole tour so be sure to get the obligatory cheesy grin photo next to the pass marker. This leads to a fast rocky downhill which takes you to the ghost town of Animas Forks where the ancient mining starts and then continues down the valley as we speed into the country town of Silverton. Traditional cowboy saloons and old brothels line the main street which to this day isn’t even surfaced. All that is needed is some tumbleweed and a shootout to make this place perfect! We check into our motel in Silverton where we stay for the next 2 nights and lap up the wild west atmosphere in town!

Day 10 - Tuesday (Colorado trail from Molas Lake to Purgatory)
Today's ride: 6-7 hours, 30 miles, physically demanding, technically difficult

A short drive out of Silverton this morning takes us to our trailhead for another day on the awesome Colorado trail. It isn’t long before we break the treeline as we climb away from the lakes and into the high country. The trail follows the contour for many miles skirting two huge valleys all the time under the immense shadow of Engineer Mountain. A short section back in the trees leads to the start of the steady climb up to Rolling Mountain Pass. We branch off the pass trail and head south over another ridge so that we can descend into the extreme terrain of the Engineer Mountain Valley. Once at the bottom of one of the most technical descents of the two weeks, due to the steepness and loose surface, we head along the contour for a short while before climbing over a shoulder of the domineering Engineer Mountain. Every trail in the Durango area is something to write home about but the descent down the Engineer Mountain Trail is truly superb. A mixture of switchbacks, roots, rocks, swoops, curves and meadows drop you back onto the highway close to Purgatory where you will find a comfy hotel to rest your weary body.


Day 11 - Wednesday (Hermosa Creek trail from Purgatory to Durango)
Today's ride: 4-5 hours, 40 miles, physically moderate, technically moderate

Today's trail, the Hermosa Creek trail, is simply stunning and as the name suggests, we follow the Hermosa Creek, downstream. From Purgatory, we head by dirt road past all the ski slopes and lifts to the trailhead. Get your feet wet in the final river crossing of the trip before the fun singletrack begins. With a gradual downhill gradient for much of the singletrack the trail winds its way over bridges, rock gardens, dirt chutes and rooty outcrops that will leave you grinning and wishing this wasn’t the last day. All this happens on a trail barely wider than your tyres in places and the raging river 100ft below you; just don’t look down!

The trail spits you out in the small town of Hermosa and all that remains to complete this epic adventure is to roll the 8 miles into the mountain bike capital of South West Colorado, Durango. You’ll be greeted by hoards of adoring fans and admirers of your stunning achievements… OK, so we made that last bit up, but the beer in town tastes so good after all those miles off road that you'll feel that way!


Day 12 - Thursday (Morning off in Durango, then drive back to Breckenridge)

Have a well deserved sleep in this morning or mooch around the bustling town of Durango where there are some great bike shops. After lunch we head back to Breckenridge which will take us about 5 hours. Relax in the minibus and watch one of our videos or watch the scenery go by and reminisce about the last 2 weeks' adventures... or perhaps you'll just sleep!


Day 13 - Friday (Day off in Breckenridge)

Spend a relaxing day browsing the shops in Breckenridge or maybe hop on the free bus to the nearby outlet village where you can pick up some great bargains from shops such as Pearl Izumi, Nike, Timberland and many more. Or if you still haven't had enough then you could always get on the bike again and do another one of the local trails around Breckenridge!

After you've finished packing, we put on a goodbye meal for you all to give you a good send off and chance to say goodbye to your new found biking friends from your holiday.


Day 14 - Saturday (Return home)

Unfortunately it's home time today. It's a sad day as we load up our minibus and trailer for the last time and transfer you all back to Denver international airport where we go our separate ways and say goodbye. No doubt you're going home after a fantastic holiday that you will rave on about for years.

Accommodation
The accommodation along the Grand Tour is all in hotels, apartments, a luxury hostel in Crested Butte, or our chalet in Breckenridge - from 2007 there are no longer any nights where we camp out since we believe that you need a decent night's sleep to get the most out of the riding.
The accommodation is as follows (in order of overnight stays):

Hotel near Denver airport - 1 night (2 queen beds per room, air-con, free high speed internet, TV, phone, continental breakfast) Motel or lodge in the country town of Bailey - 1 night* Our chalet in Breckenridge - 3 nights. Everything in town is within walking distance so you don't have far to go to find dozens of great bars and restaurants. Here you'll have the use of the following facilities: - Fully equipped kitchen - Sociable lounge with TV, video, video library and stereo - PC with wireless broadband internet throughout the chalet - Telephone (can phone home with the use of a phonecard) - Skype headset for phoning home over the internet - Washing machine and tumble drier - Massage table complete with fully qualified sports therapist! - Hot tub Hotel in Aspen - 2 nights (steam room, heated swimming pool, internet access, excellent continental breakfast). Availability permitting, we normally stay here at the St. Moritz Lodge in the centre of Aspen Luxury hostel in Crested Butte - 2 nights (large communal living room, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, walking distance from town) This really is a first class hostel that is clean, well-equipped and friendly. Depending on availability and numbers, we normally stay in the single-sex dormitory rooms which use shared bathroom facilities that are really excellent. We will always book out an entire dorm room so we guarantee that you won't be sharing a room with non-RMA guests. There are private rooms with double beds for couples so we won't have to split you up! If you're not a couple and you really hate the idea of being in a dorm room, we will do our best to book you into a private room if you pay the difference (please state at time of booking). Still worried about staying in a hostel? Then check out their website to see how nice it is. Hotel or apartment in Silverton - 1 night* Hotel or apartment in Purgatory - 1 night* Hotel in Durango - 1 night* 2 more nights in our chalet in Breckenridge at the end of your holiday * The exact accommodation we use in these towns varies according to the size of the group. The accommodation we use is always of a good standard with all the basic facilities that you would expect.

What's included

Airport transfers to and from Denver international airport* 14 nights accommodation in our chalet, hotels and apartments along the tour Breakfasts except when staying in hotels in Silverton and Durango (12 breakfasts are included) Welcome dinner on the third night of your stay Goodbye dinner on the last night of your stay Transport to and from all trailheads where necessary All rides are fully guided and fully supported by our minibus and trailer * Please note that if you've arranged your own flights and the times are radically different to the times of the flights we have booked for our other guests, then you will need to cover the costs of your own airport transfers - this we can help you arrange

What's not included

Flights to and from Denver international airport - although we can book these for you if you wish. See our FAQ page for more details Flight taxes Travel and bike insurance which you must have (see our links page for providers) 2 breakfasts whilst staying in Silverton and Durango (the other 12 breakfasts are included) Lunches Dinners (apart from a welcome dinner and a goodbye dinner which are included) Bike hire (see our links page for bike shops offering hire bikes) Extra activities that you choose on your days off riding (e.g. white water rafting)