From Telluride through the Alpine Peaks of the San Juan's to Moab's Canyon Country and Desert Slickrock
This route follows 215-miles of secondary dirt roads from Telluride, CO across the high alpine tundra of the San Juan Mountains to the desert slickrock and canyon country of Moab UT. This route is designed for intermediate riders in good physical condition. Alternate-Single Track routes between various huts extend your trip and offer more challenges. San Juan Hut Systems does not allow vehicle support while using the huts.
| Route (Telluride to Moab) | Miles | Ascent | Descent | ||
| Day 1 | Telluride to Last Dollar | 14.9 | 2,800' | 550' | 8,750' to 11,000' |
| Day 2 | Last Dollar to Spring Creek | 26.3 | 1,600' | 3,500' | 11,000 to 9,100' |
| Day 3 | Spring Creek to Columbine | 34.3 | 1,800' | 1,800' | 9,100' to 9,100' |
| Day 4 | Columbine to Graham Ranch | 37.2 | 1,600' | 2,200' | 9,100' to 8,500' |
| Day 5 | Graham Ranch to Gateway | 32.5 | 2,100' | 5,900' | 8,500' to 4,700' |
| Day 6 | Gateway to La Sal Hut | 22.5 | 4,000' | 900' | 4,700' to 8,200' |
| Day 7 | La Sal Hut to Moab | 38.4 | 2,000' | 6,200' | 8,200' to 4,000' |
| Total | 215 | 16,300' | 21,050' | ||
San Juan Hut Systems operates within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison, and Manti-La Sal National Forests under Special Use Permit from the Forest Service USDA. Departure Dates: June 1 through October 1.
Departure Dates: June 1-October 1
Rider Ability
Though the riding is not technically difficult, cyclists must be in good physical condition. The routes are remote. Riders must have basic bike maintenance and repair skills, and carry all necessary tools for repairs. Riders are responsible for their own safety and must possess basic first aid and survival skills.
Guide Services
For those rider interested in hiring a guide, please contact Peak to Peak Bicycles
Hut Facilities
Huts hold eight people per night. There are six wooden huts equipped with padded bunks, sleeping bags, a propane cook stove, propane light, wood stove, and necessary utensils, cookwear, food and drinking water. Food supplies are replenished after every 18 to 24 riders pass through. After day four, riders will be greeted with a much needed hot shower at the midway point, Graham Ranch Hut. Streams and lakes are found along the way for rinsing and swimming. Each hut is equipped with a composting toilet.
One of the new and improved composting toilets found at all our huts
(better known as "The Crapper" or “The Meditation Room”)
Route Preparation
Adequate rain gear and warm clothing are necessary due to variable weather conditions. The average mountain elevation is 9,000 feet. Temperatures can range from extreme heat to below freezing during any summer month. Springs along the trail are available for water between huts, although filtering is recommended. A carrying capacity of three liters per rider per day is strongly advised.
See our Bikers Bible for a detailed listing of everything you will need.
Fees:
$850 per person for a 7day 6 night ride
We accept payments using master Card and Visa (no personal please)
Package Includes:
- Hut Facilities
- Three meals per day
- Sleeping bag at each hut (riders bring their own sleeping bag liner)
- Trail descriptions and maps
After reserving a departure date, individual riders or group leaders will be provided a two part Route Packet. The first part of The Route Packet will be emailed to you shortly after securing your reserved departure date. The Packet contains information for the successful completion of your Bike Hut Trip. It includes the Daily Standard Route Description, Alternate Single-Track Route Options, Supplemental Map Information and other necessary documents. Once full payment is received, we mail you the SJHS Maps and Hut Key. Please refer to our reference guide, The Bikers Bible, for information on our Policies and Procedures, Planning Your Trip, what to expect On The Route, and what you will find at The Hut & Hut Etiquette. You will also find such information as recommended Shuttle Services, Bike Shops, Transportation Considerations, Airports, recommended Lodging and much more.