Day 1:
Buena Vista to Estes Park
01
3 hours 55 minutes | 191 miles
Riders start your engines, the adventure begins! Backroad Adventurists will start the first day of the seven day tour by heading out of Buena Vista traveling north via Hwy 285 with the quintessential mountain village of Estes Park as the destination. Known for some of the best hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is commonly used as a base camp for many backpackers as this is the home of the northernmost fourteener, Longs Peak, and the largest natural lake in Colorado, Grand Lake. En route to Estes Park, the trip will make a brief stop at the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO, before stopping for lunch in Golden, CO home of the Coors Brewery. Once refueled and re-energized, adventurists will head north on Hwy 93 going through Boulder, CO before reaching our day 1 destination in Estes Park.
Upon arrival in Estes Park, we will check into our hotel before taking advantage of what the town has to offer. Should you wish to have a drink to wind down, Estes Park has no shortage and is home to Rock Cut Brewing Co, Elkins Distillery Co. and Snowy Peaks Winery. Should some wish to extend the ride, we have a local’s loop available that will drive you through the Rocky Mountain National Park with the opportunity to see some wildlife and beautiful sites. For those who are enjoy movies, take a tour of the Stanley Hotel which the Hollywood thriller, The Shining was based on.
We’ve arranged a dinner for all to join at Rock Inn Mountain Tavern should you wish to participate.
Day 2:
Estes Park to Steamboat Springs
02
3 hours 57 minutes | 179 miles
With the excitement of the first day of travel still flowing, the second day of the journey is a memorable route to Steamboat Springs. Our route takes riders west towards Fort Collins before heading north and looping into the beautiful Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest, the State Forest State Park and around the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, we will make a stop in Walden, CO to enjoy a lunch at All Smoked up BBQ. With Steamboat Springs, aka Ski Town USA in mind, we will make this a relatively stop quick as to reach our destination with plenty of time to enjoy the open road to Steamboat Springs.
Upon arrival in Steamboat Springs, we will check into our hotel before coordinating the rest of the day. Besides being known for the world class skiing, our adventurists can relax at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, tour the captivating Yampa River Botanic Park, or if more riding is the goal, we have a locals loop route that will be sure to please any adventurist.
With an arranged dinner for all to join at Mazzola’s Italian Restaurant, should you wish to participate, you’ll want to try their bison lasagna.
Day 3:
Steamboat Springs to Aspen
03
If you thought the Steamboat Springs was a fun ski town, wait until you complete the ride along the Colorado River and reach the epitome of a ski town in Aspen, CO. The ride starts heading south down Hwy 131 before heading west and stopping in Eagle, CO to grab lunch at (Red Canyon Café, Moe’s Original Bar B Que, Eagle Diner) and refuel is a great mid-point to see yet another great town visitors from all over travel to in pursuit of remarkable mother nature. State Hwy 82 will bring riders to the day 3 destination in Aspen.
Upon arrival in Aspen, everyone will check-in to their corresponding hotel before cruising around town and appreciating the beauty Aspen and the surrounding area. We recommend enjoying the ride up The Silver Queen Gondola, taking you 2.5 miles from the heart of Aspen to the 11,000 foot-high summit of Aspen Mountain. Once you reach the top, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, dine and even take in some live music. There are plenty of other things to do such as taking a bicycle tour around the valley. If the weather permits, extending the ride on the local’s loop will take you through either Maroons Bell or Independence Pass. Rising more than 14,000 feet, these twin peaks are a favorite spot for hikers and wildlife-watchers, boasting beautiful vistas and breathtaking scenery.
Day 4:
Aspen, CO to Moab, UT
04
3 hours 53 minutes | 238 miles
There might not be a more majestic place than the surrounding area of Moab, UT that includes both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. Withstanding over 65 million years of wind, water and erosion, riders will surely enjoy going through the Arches National Park while Canyonlands National Park rivals views of the Grand Canyon. Getting to these National Parks is just as captivating. This is the longest leg of the trip coupled with the most turns; there may not be a more beautiful ride. Riders will head out of Aspen the same route coming in from Carbondale before heading south on Hwy 133 and making our way through the Grand Mesa National Forest via Hwy 65. Through all the twists and turns of the scenic byway, the next stop will be Grand Junction to grab lunch at (Bin 707 Foodbar, Taco Party), stretch the legs and refuel. From Grand Junction, the next stop will be Arches National Park for a scenic and memorable drive. With Moab less than 10 miles away from Arches, riders will check-in at the hotel before meeting for dinner. Should the adrenaline junkies look for more action before dinner, a ride out of town to Potash Road or Shafer Trail Road should do the trick. These roads do change to gravel and dirt, so rider beware! For those of you not familiar, Potash Road is the location for the final scene in the American movie Thelma and Louise. In this scene, a convertible is driven off the edge of a cliff, portrayed in the movie as being the Grand Canyon, but the filming actually took place at this location in Utah.
Day 5:
Moab, UT to Telluride, CO
05
3 hours 23 minutes | 167 miles
If you thought the Steamboat Springs was a fun ski town, wait until you complete the ride along the Colorado River and reach the epitome of a ski town in Aspen, CO. The ride starts heading south down Hwy 131 before heading west and stopping in Eagle, CO to grab lunch at (Red Canyon Café, Moe’s Original Bar B Que, Eagle Diner) and refuel is a great mid-point to see yet another great town visitors from all over travel to in pursuit of remarkable mother nature. State Hwy 82 will bring riders to the day 3 destination in Aspen.
Upon arrival in Aspen, everyone will check-in to their corresponding hotel before cruising around town and appreciating the beauty Aspen and the surrounding area. We recommend enjoying the ride up The Silver Queen Gondola, taking you 2.5 miles from the heart of Aspen to the 11,000 foot-high summit of Aspen Mountain. Once you reach the top, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, dine and even take in some live music. There are plenty of other things to do such as taking a bicycle tour around the valley. If the weather permits, extending the ride on the local’s loop will take you through either Maroons Bell or Independence Pass. Rising more than 14,000 feet, these twin peaks are a favorite spot for hikers and wildlife-watchers, boasting beautiful vistas and breathtaking scenery.
Day 6: Telluride to Ouray to Crested Butte
06
3 hours 35 minutes | 177 miles
This may be the hardest village town to leave as there is too much to do in just one day, but don’t fret, the ride to Crested Butte with a brief stop in Ouray will have you looking forward and not in your rear view. With a quick ride around the box canyon to Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America” and “Winter Ice Climbing Capitol of the U.S.” this sweeping road along the cliffs will bring you to the gateway to the San Juan Mountains. Turning back around, the ride will continue back north on Hwy 550 to Montrose where the ride will continue east along Hwy 50. There will be a brief stop in Gunnison to grab lunch at High Alpine Brewing Company and refuel. Once back on the road, adventurists will arrive in Crested Butte within the hour with plenty of time to take a mountain bike tour on the Lower Loop Trail, hike the Cooper Creek Trail or if the road is more your passion, a drive out to Kebler Pass is always suggested.
As previously suggested in Telluride, it is recommended that you check into your hotel to change into appropriate gear or attire for your next adventure.
Dinner will be at Last Steep Bar and Grill should you wish to participate, The Secret Stash; shh you didn’t hear that from us.
For breakfast, those who wish to do something outside of the hotel, we suggest McGills or a local favorite coffee spot Camp 4 Coffee.
Day 7:
Crested Butte to Buena Vista
07
With the final ride at hand, you’ll find it hard to believe it’s already over. On this ride, we’ll make it one that you’ll remember. Traveling through the Gunnison National Forest and stopping at Taylor Park Lake, you’ll feel like you’re constantly turning or changing elevations. Even though this will be the shortest leg of all, it is one for the books (picture included). Once back in Buena Vista, a trip to Mt Princeton Hot Springs might be recommended. We are sure there will be those ready for more adventure, we suggest kayaking the Buena Vista River Park, climb Mt Yale or go white water rafting the Arkansas River.
Trip Overview
*Approximate mileage and without riding the additional “local loops”
Pricing
$4900 Per Vehicle
We have everything planned, reserved and covered. From the route, to the lodging, to breakfast, lunch and dinners. Please note this does not include gas expenses or additional adventures when in town.
+$900 per additional passenger
Why experience this on your own?! With captivating views and roads bring a friend, spouse or partner along for the ride. Sitting shotgun is just as memorable!
Other Services
Want to go on the ride, but need a ride, check out our fleet here. We can coordinate additional adventures for you, inquire or leave a message during registration. Don’t have room for your luggage in your car, we can haul it for you.