An extraordinary journey: A mountain bike ride across Colorado

This summer I spent 14 days hitting the trail — the Colorado Trail, that is — mountain biking the iconic trail system that connects Denver to Durango.

The trail travels between 486 to 549 miles, depending on the route, offering a unique experience for adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts wanting to experience Colorado's wilderness. In 2024, the Colorado Trail turned 50, and over its life span, it has been walked or biked on by tens of thousands.

Each year, thousands more tackle the trail on foot, by bike or on horseback, with some splitting their journey into segments, while others attempt the more daunting through-hike or through-bike.

Over one, 10-day period, and three, single-day outings, I mountain-biked 13 segments and one wilderness bypass detour of the Colorado Trail.

Taking a closer look via two wheels at impacts to the trail from heavy use to weather to wildfires is something I ventured out to do.

As an avid mountain biker, I've pedaled a multitude of Front Range trails over the years, but never explored and studied segments of the Colorado Trail.

While out biking, I found adventure on these segments, and the journey was extraordinary. I also found unique elements reflective of Colorado's old forests, environmental impacts on the trail and learned a several new things about long-trek mountain biking.

What to expect

• An insider's look at what it's like to experience the trail by bike.

• Perspectives and stories from those met on the trail.

• Information about what it's like to solo bike.

• A look at some "must-see" stops and intriguing vistas along the way.

• And a delve into the trail's history — and a look at the impact that heavy use, insects, weather and wildfires have had on the trail.

Join us on our Colorado Trail adventure.