This epic mountain bike trip includes food and drinks, 4 days riding and three nights in our cozy huts. We even move your bag from hut to hut for you!! You just have to carry what you’ll need while riding each day.
You’ll meet “The Hut Guy” at 8 a.m. at the CBB Bike Shop in Fruita for a pre-trip orientation. After reviewing the maps and explaining some of the ins and outs of backcountry adventure travel you will be shuttled about an hour to the drop point on the Uncompahgre Plateau. Soon thereafter, you will find yourself on the Smith Point Trail, a single track gem which winds through the Dominguez Canyon. You’ll navigate pristine single track through a pinion and juniper desert before climbing into a huge forest of ponderosa pines and aspens leading you to your first destination, The Smith Point Hut — a backcountry cowboy camp where you’ll spend the first night of your mountain biking adventure.
After a good nights rest and a big breakfast you will have a chance to chart your course on day 2. The direct route to the hut is a scenic ten mile ride which includes some smooth single track through a thick aspen grove. For those who can’t get enough you will be provided with directions for an alternate loop that will take you north on the Uncompahgre Plateau and onto some more technical trails with some gripping down and breath taking up hills. Choose this route and you can expect 28 miles and to be in the saddle for around six hours. Pack a lunch! There will be plenty lunch options to choose from at the hut including plastic bags to pack it in. The day ends at the beautiful Massey Bench Hut nestled into the aspens and eye to eye with the La Sal Mountains.
Your third day has you starting out at about 9100 feet above sea level. Your destination is at 5300 feet so even though you will be traveling 20 some miles you won’t be pedaling too hard. You will spend the day on some fun ATV trails and dirt roads before arriving at the Blue Creek Hut which can get hotter than heck in the summer time but it offers some of the best red rock canyon views backed by the towering La Sal Mountains in the western sky.
Get an early start on Day 4 to beat the heat and to get to the Gateway Canyons Resort early enough to enjoy the pool. You have big climb on a dirt road ahead of you and it is made for those who are looking for a challenge. You are rewarded with a huge descent into Gateway and the amenities Colorado’s number one resort has to offer. Congratulations! You will have earned your pool time!
”The ride is epic! Get a group of friends to gather and ride. I have done this ride twice. Kevin and his crew are great!
Karl A.Littleton, Colorado
Fantastic Finish
Finish your trip in style by reserving a room at the exclusive Gateway Canyons Resort. You will roll right into the resort and the friendly folks of Gateway will be expecting you. Your gear will be in your room and your car will be parked in the lot if you arranged to have it delivered by CBB. After a gourmet meal and a recuperative night, spend a lazy day around the resort’s pool, tube down the Dolores River or try your hand at fly fishing. We encourage you to visit the resort’s website to check availability and reserve your room. www.gatewaycanyons.com
