The Route

Ride 5 days and stay in 4 huts linking Telluride, Colorado, to Gateway, CO.  This is the original mountain bike hut route enjoyed by generations. This is only recommended for folks who can’t get away for long enough to complete the whole Telluride to Moab route.

Beginning high in the San Juan Mountains, the route spans the Uncompahgre Plateau, descends into the Unaweep Canyon. You will end in the breathtaking town of Gateway, CO.  

The standard route totals 139 miles on secondary dirt roads and averages 30 miles per day.  With many enjoyable options for singletrack off the standard route, this is an ideal route for groups with varying technical riding ability.

Route Overview by Day

Day 1

Telluride to Last Dollar Hut

Options abound this first day before all routes culminate in a steep climb up the Last Dollar Road jeep trail and final stretch to Last Dollar Hut:  1) take the gondola up to 10,500 feet atop the Telluride Ski Area and choose from a variety of trail options,  2) take intermediate singletrack on the Galloping Goose trail, or 3) ride the bike path out of Telluride.  Views of Lizard Head and the Wilsons are a stunning reward at the end of the day.

Telluride to Moab-Day-1-Graph

Day 2

Last Dollar Hut to Spring Creek Hut

Cruise down the north side of Last Dollar Pass, cross wildflower-covered Hastings and Horsefly Mesas, and gaze across the spectacular and jagged Sneffels Range.  For those with gas still in their tank after arriving at the hut, wooded single track trails surround the area.

Telluride to Moab-DAY-2-Graph

Day 3

Spring Creek Hut to Columbine Hut

The standard route parallels the plateau’s edge with intermittent views of the Sneffels Range, Lone Cone, Little Lone Cone, the Abajos, and the La Sal Mountains.  Alternate routes include options in a system of singletrack that span beginner to advanced.

Telluride to Moab-DAY-3-Graph

Day 4

Columbine Hut to Graham Ranch Hut

Tremendous views from the Uncompahgre Plateau highlight this day riding through the alpine meadows and grasslands. This is wild country with some of the most expansive views in the West.  Three singletrack trails provide unique access for those looking to maximize their ride.  Primitive showers at Graham Ranch are a welcome luxury at the end of this day.  The Graham Ranch is owned by Tam and Deana Graham, the latest in several generations of the family to ranch this property.

Telluride to Moab-DAY-4-Graph

Day 5

Graham Ranch to Gateway, CO

Dropping down and out of the alpine ecosystem, the standard and singletrack routes descend into red rock canyon country.  Gateway, CO sits between the Dolores River and the towering Palisade rock formation, in the shade of cottonwood trees.

Telluride to Moab-DAY-5-Graph

FULL TELLURIDE TO MOAB
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DOCUMENTS
  • When to Ride

June 15 – September 27

Early in the season, alpine sections of this route may keep snow well into June.

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  • What to Know

Experienced hut-trippers say this route is 25% more difficult than our Telluride to Moab route.

  • What the Hut?

Our mountain huts hold eight people per night. The wooden huts are equipped with padded bunks, sleeping bags, a propane cook stove, propane light, wood stove, and necessary utensils, cookware, food and drinking water. Food supplies are replenished regularly, and each hut is equipped with a composting toilet facility.

  • What’s it Cost?

6 Night / 7 Day
$1,385.00 per person

Group Discount: 8/7 – Eight riders for the price of seven – $9,695 total or $1,212 per person

4 Night / 5 Day
$1,185.00 per person

Same 4 huts of the main route but ends in Paradox. Learn more.
Group Discount: 8/7 – Eight riders for the price of seven – $8,295 total or $1,037 per person

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  • What to Bring

A bike, clothes, bike & first aid kits, anything else for a long day ride. Our huts have everything else. See the Biker’s Bible for a more detailed list.

  • Contact Us

Call us at (970) 626-3033 or send us an email.

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“We rode from Telluride to Moab. This was an amazing experience and I know that San Juan Huts is the best way to do it!! On the route I travelled there are excellent views every day.”

~ Isaac G.

What’s Included

Trip planning & advice

Our staff is available for in-depth trip planning and can offer individualized insight after getting to know you and your group.

Exclusive hut access & amenities

Located on private property and within National Forests and BLM administered lands, our huts are used exclusively for our clients and are stocked with everything you’ll need for rest, hydration, cooking, and emergency bike repair.  Equipped with 8 padded bunks, sleeping bags, propane cook stove & lighting, wood stove at high elevation huts, composting toilet, repair tools, cookware.

Food & beverages

We supply all the food, drinking water, and beverages. Coolers at every hut keep fresh food fresh and beverages ready for you. Cabinets are loaded with snacks and meal ingredients for you to create your all-important refueling feasts. See our Hut Cuisine.

Custom Maps

Our detailed maps, turn-by-turn directions, and GPS tracks help you stay on route.  Alternative routes, including singletrack options, are all included to let you choose your own adventure while on the route.

More Questions?  Ask a question here or call us.

Biking Trip FAQ

What equipment will I need?

You will need a mountain bike in good working order, a small backpack or bike bag, and personal clothing. The Bikers’ Bible is the best resource for clothing, bike repair & equipment, and tool/gear lists. A hardtail is a good option if you plan to only ride the standard route made up of dirt and jeep roads. If you want to ride the singletrack, most riders prefer ‘cross country’ or ‘trail’ full suspension bike.

Do I bring my own bike or rent?

We recommend you bring your own bike. If you choose to rent a bike, we list some bike rental shops on our Travel Resources page that are familiar with our routes. If you decide to rent a bike, consider whether you’ll need to ship or shuttle the bike back to the rental shop. Moab has limited shipping options on the weekend. Some bike shops are willing to ship your bike for you if it is packaged, labeled, and billing arrangements have been made.

What are the huts like and what about food and water?

Our cozy huts are equipped with bunk beds and pads, sleeping bags, propane-powered lights and cook stoves, cookware, food and water. There is no plumbing or bathing facilities, though streams and ponds are found along the route for washing.  Composting toilets are located adjacent to each hut.  The food supply is regularly replenished so you’ll never need to worry about running out of food.  Drinking water is stored in 5-gallon containers.

Will my cell phone work at the huts or along the route?

There is no guaranteed cellular service along the routes and service varies by device and service provider. Gateway Hut on the Telluride to Moab Route is located near the Gateway Canyon Resort and telephone service is available there. On the Durango to Moab Route at the Paradox Hut, located near the Paradox Bed & Breakfast, you may find telephone service at the Paradox Mercantile or the Paradox B&B.  The huts do not have electricity so no charging of cell phones, laptops, or GPS units. Two-way satellite devices from companies like Spot and Delorme are a good emergency communication option.

Are support vehicles available?

No vehicular assistance is provided or allowed along either of our routes due to the nature of our USFS/BLM/Private Ranch Special Use Permits.  San Juan Hut Systems is not responsible for difficulties due to weather or natural conditions, equipment failures or medical emergencies and any associated rescues. This being said, San Juan Hut Systems will do our best to help with any emergency situation and non-emergency situations.