Colorado: Downhill Rockies Bike Trails Bicycle Tour September 2026

Colorado: Downhill Rockies Bike Trails Bicycle Tour 2026

☎ phone or text us (we love questions): 706-363-0341 or text 706-363-0341

2026

Colorado: Downhill Rockies Bike Trails Bicycle Tour (September 19-25, 2026) 7-days/6-nights

Single hotel base – Sleeping at the same hotel for the entire tour, unpacking only once.

▶️Quick Book

Each day ride from a higher elevation then you end, riding a downhill grade.
Unpack only one time! We stay at the same hotel for the entire bicycle tour.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery (including the one pictured above that was taken with a camera phone) breathe in the fresh air, experience the low humidity and take delight in the laid back feeling of the Rocky Mountains.
Many participants have said it was their best bicycle tour ever in the United States.
The other fascinating part of riding in the Rockies is the majority of each day’s ride is on dedicated paved bike paths that are free of obstructions to allow you to enjoy the scenery while biking.
Ride next to rivers and streams as you both view and hear nature all around you and give you a definite sense of place.
Visit up-close and experience the many famous cities you have read or heard mentioned from friends and neighbors, including Aspen, Breckenridge, Copper, Eagle, Frisco, Glenwood Springs and Vail.
Finally, you may want to spend one (or every) afternoon or evening rejuvenating at the nearby Glenwood Hot Springs in the calming mineral waters of the world’s largest hot springs pool.

Tour highlights:

Day 1, Saturday

Check in at the starting hotel throughout the day. Check out the area or on your bike, getting assimilated to the fresh air and the overwhelming scenery. If you enjoy shopping, take time to visit the various shops in nearby Vail, Aspen or Eagle. Or come early and spend time in Glenwood Springs, soaking in the natural hotsprings, duplicating the enjoyment and restorative powers of water that people have experienced for thousands of years. You can also spend the morning taking a short hike to Hanging Lake, a national natural wonder. Or take a white water rafting trip through Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River. After you have become assimilated with the beauty of Colorado, meet around 4:00pm to enjoy the welcome meeting followed by dinner with the group.

Lodging (for the entire bicycle tour):

Holiday Inn Express

Silt, Colorado

(Stay at the same hotel for the entire bicycle tour. Just unpack one time!)

Internet
Indoor Pool
Whirlpool
Fitness Center
Coin Laundry
Hair Dryer

Dinner:

Brava Modern Trattoria

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Entrée choices include:

Lobster Risotto – This luxurious dish features creamy arborio rice infused with chunks of tender lobster meat, finished with a buttery sauce and hints of fresh herbs. It’s celebrated for its rich, indulgent texture and seafood-forward flavor, making it a standout for special occasions at Brava’s house-made Italian menu.
Brasato (Braised Short Ribs) – A hearty entree of slow-braised short ribs served over pillowy house-made gnocchi, smothered in a savory, wine-infused sauce with root vegetables. Diners rave about its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and comforting depth of flavor, positioning it as a signature comfort dish in the Trattoria’s modern Italian lineup.
Spaghetti al Nero – Handmade spaghetti tossed in squid ink, paired with briny seafood like shrimp and clams in a light garlic-tomato broth. This visually striking, jet-black pasta delivers bold oceanic notes with a subtle spice, earning praise as a creative twist on classic Italian coastal fare that’s both elegant and addictive.
Carbonara – The restaurant’s take on this Roman classic uses house-cured guanciale, perfectly emulsified eggs, Pecorino Romano, and cracked black pepper over al dente spaghetti—no cream in sight for authenticity. It’s lauded for its silky, umami-packed sauce and balanced richness, a perennial favorite among pasta lovers visiting the cozy Glenwood Springs spot.

Day 2, Sunday

Aspen to Glenwood Springs on the Rio Grande Trail

Ride your bike from Aspen back to Glenwood Springs on the Rio Grande Trail, a dedicated bike path with a few low traveled roads. Enjoy the slightly downhill route for the entire ride. (Descending is always better than ascending.) Start riding at the trail head in Aspen or explore the city of Aspen, named after the abundant Aspen trees in the area, that was founded as a counter-culture city in the 1970s, but now is a thriving area with The Wall Street Journal noting that it is the most expensive town in the United States; and a recent search on Zillow showing the cheapest stand-alone house listed at $1,459,637! Enjoy viewing the scenery that is different from the rest of the Rockies with grass and tree lined hills on either side of the open fields and prairies that make-up the valley between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. Peruse the various towns, attractions and stops on the way to Glenwood Springs.

Bicycling route:

0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 42 miles (with +826 ft of ascent and -3015 ft of total descent) riding back to Glenwood Springs. [Route is slightly downhill and primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.]

Dinner:

Tequila’s

Rifle, Colorado

Choices include:

Carne Asada Plate – A grilled marinated skirt steak served with cactus pads (nopalitos), rice, refried beans, guacamole, and warm tortillas. Reviewers rave about its tenderness and smoky char, calling it “nailed in spades” and a benchmark for authentic Mexican spots. It’s praised for bold seasoning without greasiness, making it a go-to for steak lovers—often highlighted as superior to other Tequila’s locations.
Chile Relleno (Soft or Fried) – A poblano pepper stuffed with cheese or meat, battered and fried (or served soft), topped with ranchero sauce, alongside rice and beans. Diners love its melty, spicy interior and crispy exterior, with one review noting, “Soft Chile relleno… added cabbage to make it spicier.” It’s frequently mentioned in combos and as a unique, flavorful standout in Rifle’s Mexican scene.
Enchiladas (including Mexican Flag and Combo) – Rolled corn tortillas filled with cheese, chicken, or beef, covered in red/green sauce; the “Mexican Flag” version layers three sauces for a colorful twist. Served with rice, beans, and optional sides. Customers describe them as “all delicious” with fresh, non-canned sauces, and they’re a staple in combo plates.
Burritos (Bean or Carne Asada) – Hearty flour tortillas stuffed with refried beans, grilled steak, or carnitas, topped with cheese, sauce, and pico de gallo, with rice and beans on the side. The bean burrito gets specific love for its “perfect” batch-to-batch freshness, while carne asada versions are called “generously filled.” Reviewers appreciate the value and filling nature, often saying portions leave you “full and happy.”

Day 3, Monday

Vail Pass to Breckenridge through Frisco

Bicycle from Vail Pass riding east on the dedicated bike path down to and then on the Ten Mile Creek Bike Trail, bicycling alongside the babbling river with its rocky streambeds, plunge pools and beaver ponds. If you look closely you may be able to see the wild rainbow, brown and brook trout. Take a small bridge over Ten Mile Creek just outside Copper Mountain and stop at the combination coffee, donut, pizza and convenience store (we can vouch for the doughnuts which are very good!). Continue on the dedicated bike paths all the way to Breckenridge to enjoy the unique and historical downtown areas with buildings and architecture that have stood the test of time, standing for over 100 years. Enjoy the scenery and vistas across the lake. Arrive in Breckenridge and enjoy the various shops or stopping to have a bite to eat at one of the 110 restaurants in the city or continue riding around the northeast side of the Dillon Reservoir and through and around the town of Frisco on bike paths.

Bicycling route:

0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 22 miles (with +659 ft of ascent and -1609 ft of total descent) bicycling from Vail Pass to Breckenridge; or 35 miles (with +1386 ft of ascent and -2341 ft of total descent) riding to Silverthorne and then to Breckenridge. [Route from Vail Pass to Copper, during the first three miles, requires limited pedaling dues to the downhill grade, then slightly downhill from Copper for about 10 miles and then mostly flat with some limited hills on the way to Breckenridge. The end of the bicycle path in Silverthorne is a climb. The long route has a steady climb from Dillon to the top of Swan Mountain. The route is primarily on paved bike paths with the long route having some road riding to connect the bike paths.]

Short route:

Long route:

Dinner:

On your own

Day 4, Tuesday

Vail Pass to Eagle and through Vail

Today we bicycle heading west from Vail Pass to experience the beauty and magnificence of the Rockies looking over Vail Pass with beautiful mountains in every direction. Descend into the unique town of Vail, ride through the Premier International Mountain Resort Community or take the time to experience the two main shopping and restaurant areas in Lionshead and Vail Village. Leave the town of Vail and join the bike path that follows Gore Creek and then continue riding adjacent to the Eagle River on a combination of bike paths and low traffic roads all the way to Eagle, while bicycling through prairies and open fields with beautiful mountains all around you. Upon arriving in Eagle, you may want to experience the dry sauna or steam room in addition to the large indoor pool. Eat lunch in “old downtown” Eagle with its laid back feel and wide-open little traveled streets. Return to Glenwood Springs and venture out for a meal from the numerous iconic, hole-in-the-wall, trendy, destination and independent restaurants.

Bicycling route:

0 miles, staying at the hotel; 28 miles (with +372 ft of ascent and -3708 ft of total descent) bicycling from Vail Pass to Edwards (the first 10 miles is steep enough that there is very little pedaling); or 46 miles (with +500 ft of ascent and -4237 ft of total descent) with the final 21 miles continues on a slight downhill grade. [The short route is primarily downhill on paved bicycle paths the longer route also utilizes paved secondary roads.]

Short route:

Long route:

Breakfast:

Provided by hotel

Dinner:

On your own

Day 5, Wednesday

Free Day. Or Harvey Gap State Park to Rifle Gap State Park to Rifle

Enjoy the day exploring area or join the optional bike ride from Harvey Gap State Park to Rifle Gap State Park to Rifle. If you choose a free day, options include spending the day at the world’s largest hot springs; or experience whitewater river rafting on the Colorado River; or take a short hike from the hotel to see Doc Holliday’s Colorado Grave; or ride and hike to Hanging Lake; or take the Glenwood Gondola to the mountain top and America’s only mountain-top theme park; or go shop and have a bite to eat at one of the must eat restaurants in the area.

If you choose to ride: You’ll start from the quiet shores of Harvey Gap Reservoir and pedal north on the smooth, winding paved road with the massive wall of Grand Mesa on your left and the reservoir sparkling in your sights. After a short, gentle climb over the dam, you’ll drop onto Grass Valley Road for a peaceful roll through wide-open ranch land where you’ll hear little more than your tires and the occasional moo of cattle. About ten miles in, Rifle Gap State Park will appear ahead, its taller lake framed by dramatic red-rock fins and golden cottonwoods, perfect for a quick stop at the visitor center overlook. From there, you’ll enjoy an easy five-mile downhill cruise on Highway 325 straight into Rifle, coasting past the fairgrounds as the Bookcliffs rise above and the smell of fresh coffee welcomes you into town.

Breakfast:

Provided by hotel

Bicycling route:

0 miles, enjoying a free day; or 26 miles (with +1205 ft of ascent and -2941 ft of total descent) riding on the very low traffic road above Rifle. [Route is primarily on low traveled roads.]

Elevation

Dinner:

On your own

Day 6, Thursday

Eagle to Glenwood Springs through Glenwood Canyon

Join the flat bike path from Eagle, riding near the Eagle River and enjoying the views of the plains and hills on a series of slightly downhill bike paths and finally joining the last path taking a small tunnel to the dedicated bike path that follows the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon. As you know, the Colorado River is one of the principal rivers in the United States traversing seven states and creating the Grand Canyon before reaching Lake Mead. View the whitewater rapids and fast flowing river while riding only a few feet away on dedicated bike paths, bridges and overpasses, allowing some of the most beautiful river views anywhere in the world. Ride into Glenwood Springs and past the Hot Springs.

Bicycling route:

0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 28 miles (with +545 ft of ascent and -1319 ft of total descent) riding from Eagle to Glenwood Springs. [Route is slightly downhill and primarily on paved bike paths with a few miles of road riding that connects the bike paths.]

Dinner:

Glenwood Canyon Brewpub

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Choices include:

Canyon Burger – A signature half-pound Angus beef patty grilled to order, topped with cheddar cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and house-made canyon sauce on a toasted brioche bun. Served with choice of fries, sweet potato tots, or a side salad. Reviewers rave about its juicy flavor and perfect char, calling it a “go-to classic” that pairs excellently with their IPAs—it’s the most mentioned burger with over 15 dedicated Yelp reviews.
Fish & Chips – Crispy beer-battered Alaskan cod fillets (sustainably sourced), fried golden and served with house-cut fries, coleslaw, and tangy tartar sauce made in-house. Often highlighted for its light, non-greasy batter and fresh fish taste. Diners on Tripadvisor describe it as “not disappointing” and a standout comfort dish, especially after outdoor adventures in the canyon.
IPA BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Tender slow-smoked pulled pork shoulder tossed in a house-brewed IPA-infused barbecue sauce, piled high on a soft potato roll with pickled red onions, coleslaw, and cilantro. Accompanied by seasoned fries. This Southwestern twist earns praise for its smoky tenderness and unique beer-forward sauce, with 10+ Yelp reviews noting it as “addictively flavorful” and ideal for sharing.
Chicken Fried Steak – Hand-pounded cube steak breaded in seasoned panko crumbs, fried crisp and smothered in creamy country gravy, served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and seasonal vegetables. A hearty, nostalgic entree that’s been a menu staple. The brewpub’s own managers have called it one of their “more popular dishes” in responses to reviews, with patrons appreciating its generous portion and home-style comfort.

Day 7, Friday

Say goodbye to Colorado and the Rockies and start your journey home!

Please note all trip information is based on previous trips and/or contracted lodging and restaurants and is subject to change based on availability or specific trip needs.

Riding difficulty:

Riders who are comfortable riding at least 10 miles per hour should have an enjoyable trip. We have designed the routes utilizing bike paths wherever possible with the vast majority of the trip utilizing bike paths, but there are some roads that connect the bike paths. Though we are in the mountains the routes were designed to have a slight decent each day with only one climb on the trip. Of course, if a rider is tired or does not feel like riding, the SAG vehicle will transport the rider to the hotel. All routes are on paved bike paths and roads. All riders may ride at their own pace, slow or fast.

Arriving by automobile:

Drive to Holiday Inn Express, 1535 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652, parking your car at the hotel for free for the duration of the trip.

Arriving by Plane:

You can fly directly into the Denver International Airport (DEN) and take Colorado Mountain Express shuttle coloradomountainexpress.com or rent a car and park at the starting hotel for the duration of the trip. Also, you can fly directly into Aspen Airport (ASE) or Eagle/Vail Airport (EGE) or Grand Junction Airport (GHT).

Deposit:

$200 due to reserve your spot and the remainder due 45 days before the trip start.

What’s included:

Hotel lodging
Ride Packets with Cue Sheets (directions)
Garmin/GPS routes to download
Google Maps routes for your iPhone or Android Phone
Fully sagged including van transportation and rider assistance.
Breakfast each morning
Happy Hours (BYOB) on selected evenings
Dinner with the group three evenings (see above)
Great riding, scenery, fun and enjoyment!

Bicycles:

Most participants bring their own bicycles.
To ship your bike, we would suggest using shipbikes.com or bikeflight.com for shipping. Your bike can be sent to the starting hotel: Holiday Inn Express, 1535 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652
If you fly, most major airlines including Delta, American, United and Alaska Air now waive the oversize fee for bicycles (sporting equipment) and just the standard luggage fee applies. Please contact your airline for all the details.
Bike Rental: Bikes are available for rent in nearby Glenwood Springs. Past participants have been happy with their bikes from each of the various Glenwood Springs bicycle shops, including Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop. We suggest conducting a Google search to find the best place to accommodate your needs.

Weather in September in the Downhill Colorado riding area: