4-Day Best of the BDR Ride (Colorado BDR South)

Book 4-Day Tour Now

Our favorite sections of the Colorado BDR, strategically planned into an adventurous loop.

Tour dates: July 8 - 11, 2023

Friends, Solos, & Couples

4 Days, | 3 Night

Guided or Self-Guided

Skill Level
Moderate
(Experience Required)

Terrain
Rocky Passes
Winding Paved
Smooth Dirt

Hotel
- The North Face Lodge
- Matterhorn Inn & Suites
- Arrowhead Mountain Lodge

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY ONE

Buena Vista → Lake City

Seat Time: 4 - 4.5 hours

Depart our shop in Buena Vista and immediately head up the scenic and twisting paved Cottonwood Pass where we will cross the Continental Divide. After arriving in Taylor Park, the route turns quickly to dirt, visiting the remote towns of Tincup and, and summiting Cumberland Pass. We continue south on un-paved roads over Los Pinos Pass which was once a Ute Indian trail, and into our nightly destination of Lake City, CO. The North Face Lodge offers full kitchens, luxury rooms and a large deck where we can unwind and take in the beautiful scenery.

DAY TWO

Lake City → Ouray

Seat Time: 4.5 hours

Get Ready! Day 2 features some of the best riding Colorado has to offer. Our adventurous ride today takes us by the pristine lake San Cristobal, and over a series of (4) mountian passes highly regarded as the most spetacular views in the Rockies. Stopping points include the untouched ruins of the Animas Forks mine and ghost town, and infamous Idarado Mine. Our backcountry route deposits us onto the Million Dollar Highway leading us to “the Switzerland of America,” Ouray. The town boasts hot springs pools and some of the most impressive waterfalls in Colorado.

DAY THREE

Ouray → Cimarron

Seat Time: 4 - 4.5 hours

After leaving Ouray, our route quickly turns back to dirt onto Owl Creek Pass where we will encounter mature aspen forests and breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountain range. Relax with a “locals” feel tonight at the quaint but well-equipped 12-room Arrowhead lodge, located at 9500ft in elevation and miles from civilization.

DAY FOUR

Cimarron → Buena Vista

Seat Time: 4.5 hours

Day 4 takes us on a ride past the largest lake in Colorado, lunch in the historic town of Gunnison, and spectacular views of wildlife and fall colors as you traverse over the unpaved Marshall Pass. The route brings you back to our shop in Buena Vista, where we’ll be ready to get you unpacked and bikes cleaned up!

TOUR SPECIFICS

ACCOMMODATIONS

The North Face Lodge
Lake City, CO

The North Face Lodge was recently remodled and each room is decorated according to local mountain themes. It is located on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. All rooms have a cover porch and direct access to a large open deck that offers spectacular mountain views.

Matterhorn Inn & Suites
Ouray, CO

Suites offer top of the line furniture on brand new hard-wood flooring, a bathroom with a shower, and are equipped with an air conditioner and heater. Suites also include a coffee-maker, and free Wi-Fi, as well as a spectacular view of the beautiful San Juan Mountains surrounding the motel.

Arrowhead Mountain Lodge
Cimarron, CO

Remodeled in 2014. All 11 rooms now have high-speed internet. The full bar and restaurant make this retreat relaxing, warm, and comfortable. The Biergarten offers outdoor seating and features seasonal live music. The small details the new owner has added will bring your wilderness vacation alive and care-free.