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Trip Itinerary
Explore Boulder's beauty and culture with a self-guided bike tour in the heart of the Rockies, with incredible cycling through iconic landscapes and a vibrant downtown.
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Where to Arrive
Airport:
Denver International Airport (DIA)
Pick-up location:
St.Julien Hotel and Spa, Boulder Colorado
Pick-up time:
11:00 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Denver International Airport (DIA)
Drop-off location:
St.Julien Hotel and Spa, Boulder Colorado
Drop-off time:
11:00 AM
Additional Arrival Information
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your self-guided Boulder bike tour, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into the Denver International Airport (DIA), approximately 31 miles from downtown Boulder. There is regular service from most major cities in the U.S. to DIA. There are multiple options to travel to Boulder from DIA, such as a local taxi, car rental, the Green Ride Shuttle, or the Skyride Bus. A taxi from DIA ranges from $60-$100, not including gratuity, and the travel time is between 45 and 50 minutes. The Green Ride Shuttle runs every 30 minutes after the hour from ground transportation at the airport. A reservation is not needed from the airport to the hotel. The trip takes approximately 90 minutes. The cost is $40 for the first person and $12 for each additional person, each way. To use this shuttle, proceed to the Green Ride Shuttle ticket counter on the fifth level of the main terminal to baggage claim. From the hotel back to the airport, it is necessary to have a reservation. You can make reservations with them at www.greenrideboulder.com or by calling 720-254-8280. The AB Skyride Bus (AB is for Airport/Boulder) takes approximately 60 minutes to arrive in Boulder. The cost is $10.50 per person. Please have exact cash for the driver. The DIA Transit Center is at Gate 8 found on the lower level of the Westin Hotel. For a copy of their schedule please visit this link to their website.
Your Trek Travel host will meet you at the St.Julien Hotel and Spa (2020 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Depending on number of guests booked for your departure date, it is possible we will ask you to shift your meeting time by approximately 30 minutes. Your host will deliver your Trek bike along with a fitting to ensure you will be comfortable for the week. You will also receive important information about the daily ride options, a safety talk, and the specifics of cycling in the area. Then you are free to set off on your first warm-up ride of your Boulder bike tour.
If you will be late for the meeting or are going to miss it altogether, please inform the Trek Bicycle store (303-413-0228). If for some reason you cannot reach them, please call your hotel, St.Julien Hotel and Spa (877-303-0900), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.
Additional Departure Information
Before your departure, your host will meet you at St.Julien Hotel and Spa to collect your bike and related accessories at 11:00 AM on the last day of your Boulder self-guided bike tour.
Enjoy a warm-up ride through Boulder's eastern plains
Overview
Welcome to Boulder! Your Trek Travel host will meet you at your at your beautiful retreat in downtown Boulder, the St.Julien Hotel and Spa. Your host will familiarize you with your Trek bicycle and make sure you have a comfortable fit for the week ahead. Then, it's off on your first biking adventure. Today you will ride along quiet farm roads as you make your way towards the charming town of Niwot. After exploring the art galleries and cafes in this cottonwood-shaded downtown you can head back to Boulder. Avid riders can continue to the beautiful town of Lyons. Historically a sandstone quarrying town, today Lyons is known for its art, music, culture, and natural beauty, being nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. If you prefer to opt for a less challenging ride, the route to Niwot is a great local ride to settle into your bike and adjust to the altitude. Tonight, get ready to indulge in a tasty dinner from our selection of restaurants, and toast to an incredible first day.
Hotel
St.Julien Hotel and Spa
Meals included
Highlight of the Day
Niwot
Explore the art galleries and cafes of the cottownwood-shaded downtown Niwot
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Hygiene Loop - Approximately 37 mi | 59 km and 1,634 ft | 498 m of climbing
Hike Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Niwot Loop - Approximately 26 mi | 42 km and 1,129 ft | 344 m
Hike Option 3
AVID OPTION:
Hygiene and Lyons Loop - Approximately 44 mi | 70 km and 2,245 ft | 684 m of climbing
Test your legs on a local favorite Left Hand Canyon
Overview
Today is a very special day as you have the opportunity to experience Left Hand Canyon, one of the most popular road rides in Boulder and a top climb in the United States! Left Hand Creek will run alongside the majority of the climb and when you don't see it, you are close enough to hear it or hear the wind blowing through the trees that fill the canyon, making it a very calming and peaceful ride. The grade rarely approaches double digits and while the sustained climb lasts over an hour, it will test your legs without being overwhelming. With a final segment of about one and a half miles at 8.5% gradient, you will reach the top of the climb in Ward, a town that is worth a visit to see remnants of the mining rush and a perfect opportunity to refuel with some food before continuing on. Take a rest here, breathe in the fresh alpine air while enjoying exceptional views of stark surrounding peaks. If you feel like adding a few bonus miles of climbing, the avid option will lead you to a peaceful road surrounded by thick forest reaching Brainard Lake at 10,500 feet above sea level! Take a rest here, breathe in the fresh alpine air while enjoying exceptional views of stark surrounding peaks. Due to its elevation, snow melts late so the avid option is best ridden only in July and August. You will enjoy a long and beautiful descent on your way back to Boulder but be sure to use caution as you're likely be a bit tired after your big climb this morning.
Hotel
St.Julien Hotel and Spa
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Left Hand Canyon, one of the most popular road rides in Boulder and a top climb in the United States!
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Left Hand Canyon to Ward Return - Approximately 42 mi | 68 km with 5,303 ft | 1,616 m of climbing
Hike Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Lee Hill Loop - Approximately 21 mi | 34 km with 2,411 ft | 734 m
Hike Option 3
AVID OPTION:
Left Hand Canyon to Brainard Lake - Approximately 53 mi | 85 km with 6,404 ft | 1,952 km of climbing
Ride a classic Boulder route to the charming town of Hygiene
Overview
Today you'll ride into the quaint town of Hygiene. This route will treat you to gorgeous views all along the way, starting with the Colorado Rockies' front range. If you're hungry or want to hang out with the locals, stop at the Mountain Fountain on your left. Remember to fill up your water bottles here, as this is the last place to do so before returning to Boulder. Avid riders can continue on along the Peak to Peak highway, another classic Boulder road bike ride. After a mile of steady climbing at 8% grade, the road will drop down into a valley around Caribou Ranch. The second and longer climb with a sustained grade of 8% will follow the brief downhill. Climb all the way to the small mountain town of Ward. Then you can enjoy descending down Lefthand Canyon as you return to Boulder. Tonight you will be ready to enjoy a feast in town but it might be hard to select from a wide array of recommendations that are at your fingertips. Whatever you choose, it will be a delicious way to celebrate the accomplishments of the day.
Hotel
St.Julien Hotel and Spa
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Hygiene Loop - Approximately 36 mi | 58 km with 1,632 ft | 497 m of climbing
Hike Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Boulder Reservoir Loop - Approximately 25 mi | 40 km with 928 ft | 283 km of climbing
Hike Option 3
AVID OPTION:
Boulder Canyon Peak to Peak Loop - Approximately 50 mi | 80 km with 5,764 ft | 1,757 m of climbing
Enjoy a final climb up the formidable Flagstaff climb in Chautauqua Park
Overview
It's time to say goodbye to this slice of heaven but don't miss the opportunity of an early morning ride. We saved the most popular one for today, the mighty Flagstaff! Beginning right at the base of historic Chautauqua Park, this iconic climb was once part of the Coors Classic and was put on the cycling map in part by local legend Andy Hampsten. This famous six-mile climb really kicks it up once you have crossed over the stone bridge. You will relish the challenge of switchback after switchback as Boulder and the Flatirons start looking smaller and smaller and your legs get used to the unrelenting ascent. Once you reach the iconic panorama at Sunrise Amphitheater, if you are still looking for a challenge, you can go even further up what's known locally as "SuperFlag" to the mailboxes at the beginning of Boulder Open Space. Don’t be surprised if you see a few pros flying by and making it look easy. The pavement is perfect, the road is twisty, and the views are incredible! Back at the hotel, take a shower and prepare your bags for check out. Your host will meet you at the St.Julien Hotel at 11:00 AM to collect your bike and related accessories.
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Cycling in the historic Chautauqua Park
Views of Flatiron in Chautauqua Park
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Flagstaff Mountain to Amphitheater Return - Approximately 10 mi | 16 km with 1,508 ft | 460 m of climbing
Hike Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Flagstaff to Summit (mailboxes) Return - Approximately 12 mi | 16 km with 2,313 ft | 705 m of climbing
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
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Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
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Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself