Hut Trip Mountain Biking

Hut Trips | Holy Cross 100 | Half Day Tours | Full Day Tours | Popular Trails and Roads | FAQ

Hut Trips

Travel to a 10th Mountain Division hut or take on the challenge of a hut to hut tour by mountain bike. We’ll create an itinerary with daily guided routes for riders of all abilities. Routes follow single­track and dirt roads. There are many opportunities during the trip for hiking, peak climbs, and even some fly fishing.

• All trips are accompanied by a support vehicle so the weight of gear, bike tools, and food will not hinder your ride in the high country.
• Custom trips available in 10th mountain hut system
  • Uncle Bud’s to Skinner Hut
  • Janet’s Cabin via Colorado Trail
  • Peter Estin Hut to Harry Gates Hut

Holy Cross 100

This classic backcountry mountain bike adventure can cover up to 100 miles as it winds it’s way along the edge of the Holy Cross Wilderness Area from the small town of Eagle to the historic mining town of Leadville, crossing the Continental Divide at 12000′. Three to five day options are available. Lodging is in the 10th Mountain Hut System and may include the Diamond “J” Guest Ranch

• The main route uses Forest Service roads ranging from smooth gravel to 4­wheel drive. We do travel on pavement for about 10 miles.
• Elevations range from 8,200′ to 12,000′
• Difficulty: Basic riding skills are adequate for the main route and a moderate level of fitness is required. Varying degrees of pace can be accommodated, and the shuttle vehicle is always available to get you over the “hump”.
• Dates:
  • July 11th – 14th 2016
  • September 20th – 23rd 2016
  • Cost: $1,850 per person for 4-6 people, $1,500 per person for 6-12 people on trip.
  • Custom trips available
•  Contact us for pricing, available dates, and more information

Half Day Tours – self or fully guided tours 

• Morning tour: 8:30 a.m. pick­up; 12:30 p.m. drop­off
• Afternoon tour: 1:30 p.m. pick­up; 5:30 p.m. drop­off
• Cost
  • 1 person $250
  • 2 people $170 each
  • 3 people $150 each
  • 4+ people $125 each
  • Groups of 8+ people, please call for group pricing.
• Transportation, guide, and snack included.
• Mountain bike NOT included. We can arrange the rental of a full suspension mountain bike, including helmet.

Full Day Tours

• Morning pick-­up with approximately 4­-6 hours of riding  
• Cost
  • 1 person $330
  • 2 people $250 each
  • 3 people $190 each
  • 4+ people $170 each
  • Groups of 8+ people, please call for group pricing.
  • Transportation, guide, and lunch included.
  • Mountain Bike NOT included. We can arrange the rental of a full suspension mountain bike, including helmet.

Popular Trails & Roads

Colorado Trail to Camp Hale
Descend single­track from Tennesse Pass and the Continental Divide to Camp Hale, the historic WWII training site for the 10th Mountain ski troops. Enjoy moderate trails and roads. Half and Full day options.

Vail Pass to Red Cliff
Climb on a graded and gently inclining Forest Service road to the top of Shrine Pass. From there, it’s a gorgeous 8­mile descent through aspen and spruce­fir forests and along Turkey Creek to the former mining town of Red Cliff. Perfect for half­day tours.

Colorado River Road
This full­day sight­seeing ride is an opportunity to bike through classic Colorado ranch country while following the Colorado River. The road is paved with a short section of well maintained gravel road so choose a road or mountain bike. Guided and self­guided tours include a shuttle vehicle. Round trip driving time is approximately one and a half hours from Vail.

Red Sandstone area
The Red Sandstone road accesses a variety of roads and single track trails. Lost Lake road, Middle Creek, son­of­Middle Creek, Bueffer Creek trails, and the North Trail offer a variety of single track and road options for riders of all abilities.

Mountain Bike FAQ

Where are your mountain bike tours located?

We offer guided mountain biking outings on most single track trails and Forest Service roads located in the White River National Forest surrounding the Vail Valley, but not on Vail Mountain. Multi­day trips that access the 10th Mountain Division hut system mostly travel on Forest Service roads with limited single track. Some huts are located close to designated Wilderness Areas where bicycle travel is not allowed. The Colorado Trail offers some of the best single track options on our mountain bike hut trips.

What kind of bicycles do you provide?
We rent bicycles from local bike shop partners that maintain a fleet of full suspension mountain bikes. Flat pedals are standard issue. Bring your own bike shoes and pedals if you have them.

Why should I ride with a guide?
Maximize your time in the Vail Valley by going with a guide that knows the terrain, trails, and roads that will best match your abilities. There’s no need to waste time choosing from unknown options, getting lost, or getting in over your head. Plus, mechanicals and accidents happen. Our guides will offer instructional tips, keep your bike in motion, and keep a smile on your face. How much experience do I need? You need basic bicycle handling skills and a moderate level of fitness. You should know how to get on and off a bicycle, know how to control your speed with brakes, and be comfortable climbing and descending. If you’re looking to improve your riding, our guides are happy to offer instructional tips.

Do you offer shuttles for point­to­point rides?  
Yes. Please read more about our shuttle services.