ASPEN COLORADO BIKE TOUR - Trek Travel
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Aspen Colorado Bike Tour
EXPLORER | 5 DAYS, 4 NIGHTS
TREKTRAVEL.COM | 866-464-8735
ASPEN COLORADO BIKE TOUR
FALL UNDER THE SPELL OF THE COLORADO ROCKY
MOUNTAINS
From
Aspen is one part luxury getaway and one part outdoor paradise. Join us $3299
for an incredible trip through a bicycling mecca, surrounded by impressive
Rider Type
natural beauty. The mountain's world-class ski slopes make it one of the Active / Recreational
premier destinations in the winter, while the high-alpine passes, serene
Hotel Style
valleys, and sun-drenched wildflowers make it a cyclist's dream destination
Explorer
in warmer months. This is truly a vacation of a lifetime, based out of one
premier hotel in downtown Aspen, that includes stellar rides among the Duration
5 days | 4 nights
gorgeous foliage of the surrounding Aspen trees. Then, relax and enjoy this
chic getaway and all its charms, along with the foodie destinations that set Start | End
the standard for high-end dining around the world. Book your trip with Aspen, Colorado
confidence »See the self-guided version of this trip » Dates
2021/May/Jun
One world-class hotel your entire stay.See more One
Collection trips
TRIP WOWS
Indulge at an exclusive luxury resort perfectly located near downtown Aspen and within walking distance to
acclaimed restaurants and stores
Ride right into a ghost town and explore Aspen’s silver mining history
Conquer one of America’s highest paved roads, Independence PassEnjoy hiking through Maroon Bells, the most photographed peaks in North America
Delight your palate with the fresh, organic restaurants that make this town a foodie's delight
DAILY ITINERARY
2021
TODAY'S RIDE: AVID OPTION:
Day Aspen to Ashcroft Ghost Town
return
Aspen to Ashcroft End of
Pavement return
Approximately 24 miles with 1,993 Approximately 28 miles with 2,282
feet of climbing feet of climbing
1 DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to your adventure in high altitude! Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at The Gant luxury resort at 11:00 AM on
the first day of your Aspen bike tour. Please have your first day’s riding gear handy and separate from your other luggage to
facilitate the bike fitting. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch together followed by a short round of introductions, an orientation, and
a safety talk. Your guides will then spend some time familiarizing you with your Trek bicycle, either your Domane or the
popular Verve+ ebike, ensuring that you have an excellent fit before setting off. Today's ride is an Aspen classic and a great
introduction to the area. We'll venture on a local favorite climb up Castle Creek Road. Our destination today is the
historical mining town of Ashcroft. Nestled among spectacular alpine meadows at the headwaters of Castle Creek, this
ghost town calls back to the mining boom that founded both the towns of Ashcroft and Aspen. Take the opportunity to
visit the restored remains of several historic buildings, including a saloon, a post office, and the Bird House Hotel. After
taking in the stunning views from the top, we'll cruise back down to Aspen. At the hotel, take some time to relax, perhaps
by unwinding in the inviting waters of the hot tub. This evening, we will gather for a social hour together followed by dinner
with seasonal delights in downtown Aspen.
HOTEL: INCLUDED MEALS:
The Gant Lunch | Social Hour | DinnerSHORT OPTION: AVID OPTION:
Day TODAY'S RIDE:
Aspen to East Sopris Creek Loop
Aspen to East Sopris Creek Loop
with shuttle
Aspen to East Sopris Creek and
Watson Divide Loop
Approximately 45 miles with 2,321 Approximately 38 miles with 1,708 Approximately 42 miles with 2,473
feet of climbing feet of climbing feet of climbing
2 DESCRIPTION:
Your journey in this beautiful region continues with some gentle uphill riding on refreshingly remote roads, starting on the
famous Rio Grande Trail. Riding along this path is always exciting and makes for a pleasant and relaxing cruise. It's
practically a ride back in time, passing historic ranch buildings, with bald eagles soaring above the river, herds of elk in the
wide open meadows, and the majestic Mount Sopris in the distance. Once we reach the historic Emma Schoolhouse in
Basalt, you'll continue along the Sorpis roads. Local cycling clubs call this section of road the Emma Roubaix for its mix of
terrain. It is a classic ride in the valley, known for its stunning scenery and limited traffic. It's common to see more cyclists
on this stretch of road than cars. Once we reach the top of a hard-packed dirt section, we have a beautiful descent to
Capitol Creek Road. Today's ride will continue to descend down to follow the valley floor along Lower River Road, while the
avid option will traverse the Watson Divide before rejoining the route to follow alongside the Roaring Fork River. Our lunch
destination today is the Woody Creek Tavern, an eclectic eatery and landmark frequented by locals, tourists, and
celebrities alike. We'll sit down and enjoy some delicious food served in a very welcoming atmosphere. Tonight you are
free to explore the chic town of Aspen and to enjoy dinner at one of the many small bistros on your own.
HOTEL: INCLUDED MEALS:
The Gant Breakfast | Lunch
TODAY'S RIDE:
Day Aspen to Independence Pass
return
Approximately 39 miles with 4,258 ft
climbing
3 DESCRIPTION:
Today is a very special day as we have the opportunity to conquer one of the most iconic rides in Colorado and one of the
highest paved roads in the US: Independence Pass. We'll have an early start to get the best out of this morning’s route.
After leaving town, the climb steadily picks up just after the curiously named Difficult Campground, enjoying the
invigorating ride while enjoying the surrounding views. We’ll pass the winter closure gate along with the Grottos Trail, a
well-known hiking area that features ice caves and waterfalls. If we need a rest, here is a great spot to pull off, take photos,
and refuel. As the route gently continues, just before the tree-line ends, you will spot the Independence Ghost Town, the
valley’s first mining site and now an archaeological preserve. After this, you have a couple of challenging miles until the
summit, and whether you are on our Domane or our much-acclaimed Verve+ e-bike, you are sure to enjoy the reward of the
vista as you crest the top. At the summit, we'll take a few photos in front of the iconic Independence Pass sign to testify
this quintessential achievement in the Colorado Rockies. We'll refuel with a a few snacks before a sweeping descent back
into Aspen. Once back in town, your guides will recommend a few places to grab lunch. This afternoon, rest your climbing
legs, perhaps with a spa session at the hotel or simply with some downtime by the pool. The evening is yours to enjoy
dinner at your leisure in town.
HOTEL: INCLUDED MEALS:
The Gant Breakfast
TODAY'S RIDE: TODAY'S ACTIVITY:
Day Aspen to Maroon B ells return
Approximately 22 miles with 1,842
Optional hike on a scenic hiking
trail to Crater Lake
feet climbing Two to three hours
4
DESCRIPTION:
Today you have the option of taking a day off the bike, or you can choose one of Colorado's most iconic bike rides to the
Maroon Bells, offering some of the most spectacular natural views in the world. The route passes through countless aspen
groves, underneath the watchful gaze of Pyramid Peak, a "fourteener," one of Colorado's many peaks that rise above 14,000
feet. The road ends at Maroon Lake, a beautiful high-alpine lake of clear green waters rimmed by wildflowers and craggy
peaks. Alternatively, today you have the unique chance of hiking one of Aspen’s scenic hikes. Check out Crater Lake, a
high-alpine lake that sits at the base of the Maroon Bells. Or from the heart of downtown Aspen, the Silver Queen Gondola
can take you to the peak at 11,200 feet, where endless vistas and flower-laden hiking trails await. Hiking is a great
opportunity to spot wildlife such as mule deer, red fox, bighorn sheep, porcupines, and a variety of birds. You may instead
decide to go fly fishing or mountain biking today; the options are seemingly endless. Trek Travel will provide you with our
recommended lunch options whether you decide to hike or ride today. In the evening, we will join for social hour and dinner
in downtown Aspen to reminisce about the incredible experiences we’ve all shared in this enchanting land.
HOTEL: INCLUDED MEALS:
The Gant Breakfast | Social Hour | DinnerTODAY'S RIDE:
Day Aspen R io Grande to McClain
Flats Loop
Approximately 13 miles with 793 feet
climbing
5 DESCRIPTION:
Today, it's time to say goodbye to the glory of the Colorado wilderness and your Aspen bike tour. Choose to take one last
spin or simply take it easy and sleep in before enjoying a leisurely breakfast or a stroll in town for any last minute
souvenirs. A shuttle provided by the hotel will take you to the Aspen airport to conclude your trip, having accomplished
some of the great cycling challenges of the American Rockies.
INCLUDED MEALS:
Breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
For us, the details matter most
Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice.
It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that's how we help you create more
memories.
What's Included
• Four nights of accommodation at one handpicked hotel
• Two experienced guides to provide local knowledge, support, and camaraderie
• Daily route support with both guides and our support van
• Daily breakfast, three lunches, and three dinners
• Two social hours of drinks and hors d'oeuvres
• Ride a Trek Domane SL 7 disc or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+
• Up to three daily route options on riding days
• Snacks and drinks for each day's ride
• Trek Travel Bontrager cycling jersey to keep
• Trek Travel water bottles to keep
• Cinch sack day bag to keep
• Each bike is equipped with a Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer, flat pack, front and rear Bontrager Flare R lights, a Bontrager
saddle, and pedals (Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, caged, or flat pedals)
• Bontrager WaveCel helmets
• All gratuities for drivers, local experts, and hospitality staff
• All luggage transfers and transportation during your trip
• A personalized digital photobook of your trip
• Entrance fees for all activities, private tours, and events
Gear
•Trek Domane SL 7 disc carbon road bike with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting or Trek 7.6 FX Hybrid bike
•Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, available in a limited quantity
•Trek Travel Bontrager cycling jersey to keep
•Trek Travel water bottles to keep
•Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, caged, or flat pedals
•Bontrager WaveCel helmet
•Bontrager men's and women's specific saddles
•Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights and a flat pack
•Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer
•Cinch sack day bag to keep
•Upgrade your bike to include carbon wheels (+$200)
•Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Your coupon will be delivered via email prior to your trip.
•For the most comfortable ride, you may choose to bring your own pedals, saddle, and helmet on the trip. Your guides will install
your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
THANK YOUR GUIDES, BY TIPPING
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7.5-10% of your trip price for the
guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please
tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care, and service.What’s Not Included
• Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
• Lodging before and after the trip
• Personal items purchased during the trip
• Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
• On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.
HOTELS
THE GANT
ASPEN, COLORADO
The Gant combines the comforts and
conveniences of home with the
luxury of resort services and
amenities. Situated in a tranquil five-
acre enclave at the base of Aspen
Mountain, The Gant affords guests
convenient access to historic
downtown Aspen and features
comfortable and cozy
condominiums with spacious living
rooms, a wood burning fireplace,
dining area, full kitchen, and private
balcony. This resort also offers
unique, upscale amenities with its
two heated outdoor swimming pools,
three jetted hot tubs, five tennis
courts, and a fitness center. The
onsite Pepperjack’s Café serves a
delicious breakfast with a locally
roasted gourmet coffee.
MEETING &
DEPARTING
How To Get There Meeting Time And Location
We suggest that you arrive at least Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at The Gant at 11:00 AM on the first day of
one day prior to the start of your the trip. You’ll have some time to explore the town while your guides set up a
Aspen bike tour, which will enable hearty picnic lunch. After lunch and a bike-fitting session, we'll set off on our first
you to adjust to the time zone and ride. Feel free to dress comfortably, you will have time to change into your cycling
minimize the risk of missing the trip gear after the picnic. Please pack your cycling clothing and gear in a separate,
start due to flight-related delays. We easily accessible bag.
recommend that you fly into the
Denver International Airport (DIA), If you will be late for the meeting or are going to miss it altogether, please inform
followed by a short flight to Aspen– your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names
Pitkin County Airport (ASE). United and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call your hotel, The Gant (1-
and American offer direct flights 800-549-0530), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact
(seasonal and subject to change) details. The hotel arranges free shuttles to and from the Aspen airport, so they can
pick you up upon arrival.from Chicago, Dallas, Denver,
Houston, and Los Angeles. The resort
Departing Time And Location
provides free shuttle service from the Say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at The Gant. The hotel offers free
Aspen–Pitkin Airport to the hotel, and shuttles to the Aspen–Pitkin County Airport (ASE). The drive to the airport takes
the van can accommodate no more about 15 minutes. We suggest that you book your flight for 1:00 PM or later.
than 10 guests at once. Please call
970-925-5000 upon arrival at the
Aspen airport to arrange
transportation to the hotel.
Alternatively, from DIA you can
choose to fly into Eagle Country
Airport (EGE) and take a two-hour
shuttle to Aspen.
Another possibility is flying into
Grand Junction (GJT), which is two
hours west of Aspen with direct
flights from Denver, Phoenix, and
Las Vegas.
If you wish to drive to Aspen from
Denver, we suggest that you drive
through Leadville and Twin Lakes
over Independence Pass. It will take
about three and a half to four hours
and is a very scenic drive. Driving via
I-70 and Co Hwy 82 will take about
four hours.
KIMPTON HOTEL BORN
Before & After: Denver, Ideally situated in Denver and with easy transfer to and from DIA, this 4-star
property features furnishings inspired by a modern alpine aesthetic. The terrace
Colorado with mountain views overlooks the epicenter of Denver’s downtown renaissance.
The on-site restaurant, Citizen Rail, is one of the best in town!
The Mile High City is a big-city
getaway with a mountain-town edge. www.hotelborndenver.com/ | ~ $ 220
Visitors come here from all over the
world for its laid-back feel and KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO DENVER
cosmopolitan look. Visit the recently
completed Union Station downtown With bold, vibrant style, and plush upscale rooms, this 4-star hotel puts you at the
for a hip vibe and world-class epicenter of the best of downtown Denver. The richly renovated guest rooms,
restaurants with plenty of patio luxurious amenities, spectacular living-room lobby, and authentic Italian cuisine
seating in the crisp, mountain air. Or, from Panzano are sure to deliver the most comfortable stay.
venture to the foothills, minutes
away by car, for a trip to Red Rocks www.monaco-denver.com/ | ~$170
Amphitheater, Lookout Mountain, or
the wild west town of Golden, where PATTERSON INN
gunslingers still walk the streets.
Don't be surprised if you're French inspired, featuring historic details from the late 1800s, this redstone
completely transformed by this chateau is situated on a quarter acre of exquisitely landscaped grounds in the
unique city, where outdoor activity is heart of one of Denver’s original high-end neighborhoods. Historically intriguing
more than a hobby. It's a way of life. yet complete with all the comforts of modern amenities, this 4-star hotel offers a
We recommend the following luxurious reprieve within a 10-minute walk from the Colorado State Capitol.
accommodations for your pre- and
post-trip hotel: www.pattersoninn.com/en-us | ~$300
* Hotels listed above are local properties we love. We do not have special rates available.FAQS
What Are The Daily Rides What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
Like?
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take
• Rider Type | 3 - Active the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the
saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please
• Average Daily Mileage | 28
contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or
• Terrain | Rolling/Mountainous related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price.
• Average Daily Elevation | 2,241 feet Some non-riding options on our Aspen bike tour are:
• Total Miles | 140
• Total Elevation | 11,207 feet • Fly Fishing
• Hiking
Averages and totals are calculated • Stand Up Paddleboarding
from our "Today’s Ride" options. • Climbing
The terrain is mountainous, with • Gondola rides
sustained climbing (up to 20 miles), • White Water Rafting
amazing descents, and gradients • Hot Springs
averaging 4-6% on most climbs. • Golfing
Please note that all rides are above • Spas & Massages
6,000 feet above sea level. The town • Yoga
of Aspen resides at 8,000 feet above • Hot Air Ballooning
sea level, and you will definitely feel • Paragliding
it in your lungs and in your legs. Our • Shopping
Aspen Bike Tour is best suited for our
Type 3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides
can also accommodate Type 2 Trip Changes
Riders who seek less mileage or
fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. See itinerary for specific daily ride distances and elevation options. On all of our
Those who wish to ride every mile vacations, Trek Travel seeks to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to
but are concerned about their experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Our itineraries
physical ability may want to try our are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer every guest a
electric bike option–you still get a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed
workout but can climb alongside here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip
even the strongest rider. Type 4 experience.
Riders will enjoy the extra mileage
the avid route options offer. Also,
most of our avid options will give the
riders a taste of Aspen's hard packed
dirt and gravel roads. While you may
think of gravel as loose, in Colorado
they use Magnesium Chloride to
keep the surface area hard and
intact, while minimizing the loose
stones.You can also read
