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Boulder, Colorado Ride Camp Bike Tour
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Boulder, Colorado Ride Camp Bike Tour 21BOSG - IMG_4998 - 1600x670 21BOSG - Canva 2 - 1600x670 21BOSG - Canva 1 - 1600x670 21BOSG - Canva 6 - 1600x670 21BOSG - Canva 5 - 1600x670 21BOSG - Canva 3 - 1600x670 21BOSG - Canva 4 - 1600x670 21BOSG - IMG_4972 - 1600x670
TRIP STYLE: Self-Guided
  1. Trips
  2. North American Bike Tours
  3. Rocky Mountains Bike Tours
  4. Colorado Bike Tours
  5. Boulder Self-Guided Bike Tour

Boulder Self-Guided Bike Tour

Discover the Colorado Rocky Mountains

Considered the fittest city in the US, Boulder boasts a thriving bicycling culture and its 300 miles of dedicated bikeways make it one of the best places in the country to ride. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this bicycling mecca with the Rocky Mountains, the towering Flatirons, and canyon roads with rocky twists as your backdrop. The epic scenery, sunny climate, vibrant culture, and lively college town will captivate you throughout your self-guided Boulder bike tour. Spend your time off of the bike based out the boutique St.Julien Hotel and Spa located in the heart of Boulder. This forward-thinking town is sure to beguile you as you walk through the historic downtown Pearl Street, among street performers, world-class restaurants, and dozens of independent shops. We have everything planned for you to enjoy a vacation on your own terms, at your own pace. Book your trip with confidence »
Learn if a self-guided trip is right for you »
Flatirons valley in Boulder
From:
$2899 Per Person
Duration:
4 Days & 3 Nights
Rider Level: ?
3 / 4 - Active / Avid Non-riders Welcome
Trip Style: ?
Self-Guided
Hotel Level: ?
Luxury
Reviews:
From $2899 per person View All Details
Close Details
Trip Wows
Stay at a unique boutique hotel perfectly located downtown Boulder and walking distance to acclaimed restaurants and stores
Enjoy riding in one of the most bike-friendly cities, at high altitude and with nearly perpetual sunshine
Tackle Colorado’s mountain roads and savor the most spectacular views of Boulder
Walk through historic and bustling downtown Pearl Street, a brick-paved pedestrian corridor that’s always alive with street performers
Choose to pamper yourself with the elegant ritual of afternoon tea at the Dushanbe Teahouse, an elaborate and creative teahouse where you can take a respite in a warm atmosphere
Watch the Experience
Boulder Flatirons
A very well-conceived trip with fun routes, excellent food, and interesting side tours. We felt Trek was fully behind us whilst enjoying the freedom of self-guidance. And the Trek bikes inspired confidence!
-John, Trek Travel Guest

Dates & Prices

The Earlier You Book, The Greater The Rewards

We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price and date are guaranteed.
Guaranteed 
to run
?
Sold Out/
Waitlist
?
Private/
Reserved
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Limited 
Availability
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Single Occupancy from: +$600
?
Jun 5 – Jun 8 
$2899 / Person, Double Occupancy / Plus 8.85% state and local sales tax Book this date
Jun 12 – Jun 15 
$2899 / Person, Double Occupancy / Plus 8.85% state and local sales tax Book this date
Jun 19 – Jun 22 
Guaranteed Limited Availability
$2899 / Person, Double Occupancy / Plus 8.85% state and local sales tax Book this date
Jul 10 – Jul 13 
$2899 / Person, Double Occupancy / Plus 8.85% state and local sales tax Book this date
Don't see your ideal travel date? 
Call us at (866) 464-8735 for custom date availability
Looking for a one of a kind, once in a lifetime experience?
Look no further. Choose your trip date, get your group together and we will do the rest. Private trip pricing is as follows:

  • 10+ Guests Price as advertised*
  • 8-9 Guests +$750 per person to trip price*
  • 6-7 Guests +$1,500 per person to trip price*
  • 4-5 Guests +$2,000 per person to trip price*
  • 2-3 Guests +$3,000 per person to trip price*
  • 1 Guest        Call us for pricing*


Traveling with a small group? Consider semi-private trips.
For groups of up to six people, semi-private trips offer unique flexibility within a larger Trek Travel guided trip. Learn more »

*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Private pricing is not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Book a Private Trip
Looking for a date that you don’t see?
Look no further. Simply tell us your preferred travel dates and we’ll work together to deliver the same great trip on your custom schedule.
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Custom dates are not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Customize my trip dates
Want to customize this trip?
We've got you covered. We’ll work with you to build your perfect vacation from scratch, including your choice of riding, accommodations and dining options. With the help of our trip designers and travel experts, the world is available like never before.
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Custom trips are not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Book a Custom Trip

Day To Day

See Dates & Pricing Download PDF

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. Those looking for a short ride can loop back to Boulder after exploring the art galleries and cafes in this cottownwood-shaded downtown. Today's ride takes you further along to tiny 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 the charming 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 Lyons via Hygiene is a great local ride that keeps you in the rolling country of Boulder County. Tonight, get ready to indulge in tasty dinner from our selection of restaurants, toasting to an incredible first day.

Today's Ride:

Hygiene Loop
Approximately 36.8 mi and 1634 feet of climbing

Short Option:

Niwot Loop
Approximately 25.8 mi and 1,129 feet of climbing

Avid Option:

Hygiene and Lyons Loop
Approximately 44 miles with 2245 feet of climbing

Hotel:

St.Julien Hotel and Spa

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 of 10,300 feet, snow melts late, and its best visited in July and August. You will enjoy a long and beautiful descent on your way back to Boulder. Be sure to use caution after you'll likely be a bit tired after your big climb this morning.

Today's Ride:

Left Hand Canyon to Ward Return
Approximately 43.8 miles with 5,267 feet of climbing

Avid Option:

Left Hand Canyon to Brainard Lake
Approximately 54.4 miles with 6,378 feet of climbing

Hotel:

St.Julien Hotel and Spa

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Today is a very special day as you have the opportunity to experience Boulder Canyon, and Nederland Colorado, one of the most eccentric and towns in Boulder County.Boulder Canyon is an epic bike ride best done early in the morning, before traffic picks up. Boulder Canyon Drive follows alongside Boulder Creek as the road twists and climbs past sheer canyon walls of granite. The jaw-dropping canyon is a popular tourist destination for cyclists and rock climbers. Along your lung busting climb up the Canyon, you pass Boulder Falls, a 70 fet high waterfall that is fed by spring runoff from Upper Dream Canyon. Boulder Falls is also a transition point, where Boulder Canyon becomes increasingly steep, with a max grade of 10%. After a lung busting climb, the canyon gradually becomes less steep, until the final push over the Barker Reservoir Dam. Ride into the town of charming and eccentric town of Nederland. Stop here and enjoy lunch from one of the many restaurants in town. Avid riders can continue on along the Peak to Peak highway, another is a 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 return to Boulder. Tonight you will be ready to enjoy a feast it might be hard to choose from our array of specialties are at your fingertips in town. Whatever you choose, it will be a delicious way to celebrate the accomplishments of the day.

Today's Ride:

Nederland Via Boulder Canyon
Approximately 34.4 mi | 55. 36 km with 3,224 ft | 982.67 m of climbing

Avid Option:

Boulder Canyon Peak to Peak Loop
Approximately 50 mi | 80.46 km with 5,764 ft | 1757 m of climbing

Hotel:

St.Julien Hotel and Spa

Included Meals:

Breakfast

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.

Today's Ride:

Flagstaff Mountain to Amphitheater and back
Approximately 12 mi | 19.3 km with 1,550 ft | 472.4 m of climbing

Avid Option:

Flagstaff to Summit (mailboxes) and back
Approximately 13 mi | 20 km with 2,355 ft | 717.8 m of climbing

Hotel:

St.Julien Hotel and Spa

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Hotels

hotel image

St.Julien Hotel and Spa

Boulder, Colorado

Luxury Accommodation | Enjoy the luxurious St. Julien hotel located in downtown Boulder. Take in the gorgeous views of the Flatirons from your hotel and when you step out your door you'll find yourself in the heart of downtown Boulder. Perhaps delight in a post-ride craft cocktail on the terrace of T-Zero, St. Julien's onsite bar, or settle in at Jill’s Restaurant, your hotel's restaurant highlighting farm-to-table cuisine. Don't miss out on the award-winning spa, perfect for indulging in a long massage after a great day of cycling. This hotel provides the perfect base to experience Boulder and the surrounding area.
www.stjulien.com

What's Included

For us, the details matter most

Every moment of a Trek Travel self-guided bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More experiences. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that's how we help you create more memories.

bike

Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc

The Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc is the perfect bike for your self-guided trip. Its lightweight aerodynamic frame will have you cruising with ease throughout your day. The Shimano hydraulic brakes give you consistent stopping power and control in any weather. The Emonda SL 5 is equipped with Shimano 105 components, the workhorse group of Shimano's lineup that will keep your focus on enjoying the hills with its buttery smooth shifting. We think you'll like this bike so much, you'll want to get one of your own! Learn More

bike

Trek Electric Assist Verve+ 3

This comfortable bike is perfectly designed to give you that little boost you want. The front suspension will take the edge off any bumps in the road and the Bosch system will keep you smiling from ear to ear. The integrated battery keeps this bike looking sleek as you pedal through amazing terrain. Learn More

bike

Trek Electric Assist Verve+ 3 Low-Step

With its Low-Step frame design, hopping on and off the Trek Verve+ 3 is super easy. The front suspension will take the edge off any bumps in the road and the Bosch system will keep you smiling from ear to ear. The integrated battery keeps this bike looking sleek as you pedal through amazing terrain. Learn More

View all our bikes & gear

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Four nights of accommodation at one handpicked hotel
  • Daily breakfast
  • Daily lunch and dinner recommendations
  • Trek Emonda SL 5 disc road bike, Trek Electric-Assist Verve+3 or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+3 Lowstep
  • Up to three daily route options on riding days
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Each bike is equipped with a Garmin GPS computer, a flat pack containing one tube, two tire levers, CO2 cartridge with inflator, and a patch kit (the flat pack is only large enough for these items so if additional gear is needed, please plan to bring your own bar bag or small backpack for daily rides)
  • A mini frame pump, front and rear lights
  • Bontrager helmet (optional if you do not bring your own)
  • Bontrager saddle (we suggest you bring your own for the most comfortable fit)
  • Shimano clipless pedals or flat pedals (optional if you do not bring your own)
  • A bike lock, all necessary chargers and a floor pump
  • Bike fit on the first day to help you find your optimal riding position, with recreational or avid set-up along with saddle preference
  • Ride With GPS Experience on your phone to get all the information you need on your self-guided adventure

GEAR

  • Trek Emonda SL 5 disc road bike, Trek Electric-Assist Verve+3 or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+3 Lowstep, available in a limited quantity
  • Garmin GPS computer with mount
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, or flat pedals (optional if you do not bring your own)
  • Bontrager helmet (optional if you do not bring your own)
  • Bontrager men's and women's specific saddles
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • Each bike is equipped with a flat pack containing one tube, two tire levers, CO2 cartridge with inflator, and a patch kit (the flat pack is only large enough for these items so if additional gear is needed, please plan to bring your own bar bag or small backpack for daily rides)
  • A mini frame pump
  • A bike lock, all necessary chargers, and a floor pump
  • Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Your coupon will be delivered via email prior to your trip.
  • For the most comfortable ride, you may choose to bring your own pedals, saddle, and helmet on the trip. Your Trek Travel host will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

For self-guided trips you are welcome to thank your host with a gratuity based on your level of service.
  • Airfare and transportation to and from the trip meeting/departing locations
  • Lodging before and after the trip
  • Personal items purchased during the trip
  • Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
  • While we provide daily breakfast, the other meals are not included. On self-guided trips, Trek Travel provides restaurant recommendations and invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.

More Information

Rider Level: 3/4 - Active/Avid?

AVERAGE DAILY MILEAGE:
47 miles
TOTAL MILES:
282 miles
AVERAGE DAILY ELEVATION:
3,688 feet
TOTAL ELEVATION:
22,130 feet
TERRAIN: MOUNTAINOUS
The terrain is varied with rolling, open country roads when you cruise east and challenging climbs into the mountains when you head west. Please note that all rides are above 5,430 feet above sea level and some rides feature gravel sections, which is hard packed dirt. Our self-guided Boulder bike tour is best suited for our Type 4 Riders who enjoy long days on the bike and challenging climbs. Level 3 Riders will enjoy the Short options and a few of Today’s Rides. Also, some rides will give the riders a taste of hard packed dirt/gravel roads. While you may think of gravel as loose, in Colorado they use Magnesium Chloride to keep the surface area hard and intact, while minimizing the loose stones.
NON-RIDING ACTIVITIES:
There are a variety of non-riding options on this trip for riders who want to take the afternoon off or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Except as specified in the itinerary, expenses and transportation to these activities are not included in the trip price. Some non-riding options on our self-guided Boulder bike tour are:
  • Hiking
  • Tea Company Factory Tour
  • Brewery and Distillery Tours
  • Visit the Farmer's Market on Saturdays and Wednesdays
  • Shopping
  • Visit Museums
  • Climbing

See itinerary for specific daily ride distances and elevation options. On all of our vacations, Trek Travel seeks to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or Trek Travel's local experts to improve the trip experience.

Averages and totals are calculated from our "Today’s Ride" options.

Travel Details

How to Get There

FLY INTO:
Denver International Airport (DIA)
MEETING TIME:
11:00 AM
MEETING LOCATION:
St.Julien Hotel and Spa

Say Farewell

FLY OUT OF:
Denver International Airport (DIA)
DEPARTING TIME:
11:00 AM
DEPARTING LOCATION:
St.Julien Hotel and Spa

All Details

Arriving

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 http://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: http://www3.rtd-denver.com/schedules/getSchedule.action?routeId=AB

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. 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, safety highlights, 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). You will receive an email a week before the trip start with all the contact details. 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.

View our pre hotel recommendations

Leaving

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.

View our post hotel recommendations

Planning For Your Trip

Packing and Weather

Spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit Boulder, as the skies are typically clear and blue, the humidity is low (10-20%), and precipitation is minimal. Daytime temperatures can be pleasantly temperate to quite hot (high 70’s to high 90’s) with evenings dropping to the high 30's. Rain is fairly infrequent, but it’s always good to be prepared for the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. The elevation in Boulder is about 5,325 feet above sea level (about 1,620 meters), and the riding takes you up even higher. Please be aware of any altitude sensitivity and prepare yourself physically for strenuous exercise at altitude. Packing List

Before and After Your Trip

before

Before & After: Denver, Colorado

The Mile High City is a big-city getaway with a mountain-town edge. Visitors come here from all over the world for its laid-back feel and cosmopolitan scene. Visit the recently completed Union Station downtown for a hip vibe and world-class restaurants with plenty of patio seating in the crisp, mountain air. Or venture to the foothills, minutes away by car, for a trip to Red Rocks Amphitheater, Lookout Mountain, or the wild west town of Golden where gunslingers still walk the streets. Don't be surprised if you're completely transformed by this unique city, where outdoor activity is more than a hobby. It's a way of life. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre- and post-trip hotel:

Customer Reviews

Why Trek Travel

Our Bikes

Our unrivaled selection of Trek Bikes sets the bar for quality and comfort. From the ultra-smooth Trek Domane SL 7 to the Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, you deserve the best ride on your vacation. Plus, we offer a range upgrade options to take you the extra mile.

Our Guides

Our guides are trained to make your trip magical. They aren't just experts in riding; they're trained in delivering uncompromising service in ways you won't believe. We know that it's the unexpected surprises that make a trip magical. That's why our guides pride themselves on anticipating your needs before you ask.

Your Day. You Decide.

Our vacations are built to deliver the ultimate in flexibility, from extreme relaxers to hard-core roadies. You pick your mileage, itinerary and experiences. We take care of the rest.

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