Telluride to Moab - San Juan Huts Systems

The Route

This is the original mountain bike hut route enjoyed by generations. This classic tour takes seven days and stays in six huts, linking Telluride, Colorado, to Moab, Utah.

Beginning high in the San Juan Mountains, the route spans the Uncompahgre Plateau, descends into the Unaweep Canyon, crosses the La Sal Mountains, and terminates in epic fashion, dropping into the canyon country of Moab, Utah.

The standard route totals 190 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. Whichever option you choose, the 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 northside 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, there are short wooded single track trails that 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 a wild country with some of the most expansive views in the Colorado southwest. 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 epic 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 Hut

As you drop down and out of the alpine ecosystem, you’ll descend into red rock canyon country, enjoying standard singletrack routes. The Gateway Hut sits between the Dolores River and the towering Palisade rock formation, in the shade of cottonwood trees.

Telluride to Moab-DAY-5-Graph

Day 6

Gateway Hut to La Sal Hut

Climb the infamous John Brown Canyon, cross the Colorado-Utah state line, and enter the cooler alpine terrain of the La Sal National Forest. Towering ponderosa pine trees surround the secluded La Sal Hut meadow.

Telluride to Moab-DAY-6-Graph

Day 7

La Sal Hut to Moab

There’s lots of downhill from here–so enjoy! Take a step back in time and explore trail-side petrified dinosaur tracks. The standard route swiftly winds through ponderosas, pinon pines, and junipers in the morning and then turns into sage brush and the distinct red slickrock canyon country of Moab. Alternate routes include accessing the world-class Porcupine Rim Trail.

Telluride to Moab-DAY-7-Graph

Short on time? Trim off the final two days of riding for a total of 5 days and 4 huts.

INTERACTIVE MAP

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.

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.

The Route

Route Overview by Day

What’s Included

More Questions? Ask a question here or call us.

Biking Trip FAQ