11th Annual Bicycle Tour of Colorado

June 26 through July 2, 2005

Seven fun filled days of road bicycle touring through the beautiful Colorado Rockies with a day off in Crested Butte.

The 2005 tour begins at Snowmass Resort located just outside of world famous Aspen, Colorado. Route highlights include Independence Pass (over 12,000'), the old mining town of Leadville, the town of Salida nestled along the Arkansas River, Monarch Pass, the real ski town of Crested Butte, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, McClure Pass, the town and pool of Glenwood Springs, then finishing back at Snowmass Resort.

Check In Day June 25 is tour check in and the big kick off celebrations at Snowmass Resort near Aspen, CO.
If you would like to arrive early and acclimate, stay over the 4th of July weekend, or just have a soft bed the night before the ride, book a room in Snowmass! Contact the Snowmass Inn at 800-635-3758, Pokolodi Lodge at 800-666-4556, or the Laurelwood condominiums at 1-800-356-7893, or LRLWood@sopris.net.

Day 1 - 62 Miles we will depart Snowmass Village 8,575 ft. June 26th through Aspen over scenic and challenging Independence Pass 12,095 ft. to the historic mining town of Leadville 10,150 ft. Overnight in Leadville.

Day 2 - 59 Miles departing Leadville 10,150 ft, an option of going around Turquoise Lake is available, through Buena Vista along the Arkansas River Valley and the Collegiate Peaks to Salida 7,036 ft. Overnight in Salida.

Day 3 - 92 Miles departing Salida westbound over Monarch Pass 11,312 ft., then we ride the Gunnison River Valley and up to Crested Butte. Overnight in Crested Butte.

Day 4 is a day off in the charming and fun filled ski town of Crested Butte 8,885 ft.!!!
For things to do on your day off check out the website for Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce.
Make your day off from riding a day off from camping too. Contact the Grand Lodge in Crested Butte at 1-888-823-4446 for a place to stay in the Butte.

Day 5 - 104 Miles leaving Crested Butte through the Curecanti National Recreation area over Hermits Rest 9,296 ft. with a fast ride down to the town of Hotchkiss 5,351 ft. along the spectacular Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We overnight in the town of Hotchkiss.

Day 6 - 76 Miles climb over McClure Pass 8,755 ft. and decend along the beautiful Crystal River through Redstone to Glenwood Springs 5,746 ft., known for its hot springs and spas. We overnight in the small town of Glenwood Springs.

Day 7 - 43 Miles past Mt. Sopris to Aspen/Snowmass ending the tour at the slopes of the Snowmass Village at 8,575 ft.

This route offers a scenic variety, town charm, history, hot springs, and a challenging route.