12 Day Motorcycle Tour of the Colorado Mountain Giants: Fully Guided Tour of Western Mountain States

Overview

Experience Western USA on this 12-day tour. While this route can be ridden throughout the summer, if taken in late summer, you will ride through the Fall Majesty of the mountains of Colorado. At this time of year these areas are well into the cooler weather of autumn, and frosty areas can be found, giving the mountains a bright golden covering as aspen leaves change color. Relax in natural hot springs in mountains settings while you enjoy the beautiful scenery. Ride over multiple 12,000 and 14,000-foot passes and visit some of the outstanding national parks located in this Western riding paradise.

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Aurora
• Ride through some of the finest natural parks in the country
• Ride to the top of 3 of the highest drivable passes in North America
• Ride over 12,000 ft. passes surrounded by amazing scenery
• Enjoy a relaxing soak in thermal hot pools
• Walk over a wooden bridge over a 400’ deep gorge
• Cruise through open mountain meadows and see America's majestic wildlife up close
• 11 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: 25 mi / 42 km (approximately 0.5 hours)

   After arriving at Denver International Airport, you’ll be met at the airport and shuttled to your hotel to check in and then to pick up your bike. Today is set aside to allow you to settle in and rest up before the adventure begins tomorrow. The day will include a safety meeting to review road rules and safety requirements, and a “Get to know you” dinner.

2. Day 2: 160 mi / 255 km (approximately 7 hours)

   After a great breakfast, set out on the road to get used to your bike and head towards the mountains. Today’s introduction will get you right into the fun of riding the Rockies. Lots of elevation changes, amazing views and 1 >14,000 ft. and 1 >12,000 ft passes will give you a fantastic start to your adventure (1 of the peaks is the highest drivable road in North America).

3. Day 3: 150 mi / 240 km (approximately 4.5 hours)

   Today’s shorter day will take you over another >12,000 ft. (>3,657 m) pass with beautiful GoPro scenery and great photo ops. Tight corners mixed with smooth sweepers leads you on to the next amazing view. Your day ends with a soak in hot pools surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Remember to charge those GoPro batteries for tomorrow.

4. Day 4: 215 mi / 355 km (approximately 5.5 hours)

   Following yesterday’s short day, today is a perfect balance; riding the rim above deep canyons, cruising along-side white water rivers, stopping for photo shots and don’t forget your GoPro. Finish the day in a beautiful mountain town.

5. Day 5: 270 mi / 430 km (approximately 6.5 hours)

   Cruise the “Million Dollar Highway” as you begin this day. Lots of amazing scenery and photo ops as you ride this famous route. This is a GoPro day. Looping through the Navajo Nation brings you back to your stop for the night.

6. Day 6: Free day

   Today is a free day for you to catch up on all those important things like sorting out photos, writing down all the key points of your tour so far, and even getting that pesky laundry taken care of. Maybe enjoy exploring the local area or visit the “Old Town”.

7. Day 7: 270 mi / 435 km (approximately 6 hours)

   Set out in the morning, with no objective other than enjoying the ride. This day will have you cruising along-side white water rivers and stopping for photo shots. Don’t forget your GoPro today. Between the riding and stops to enjoy the local flavor you’ll have a great time.

8. Day 8: 200 mi / 325 km (approximately 5 hours)

   Head out to visit a local attraction that just happens to be located on a great riding road, before heading North through a beautiful canyon. Riding on a lightly travelled road brings you to one of the most picturesque locations in central Colorado.

9. Day 9: 170 mi / 270 km (approximately 5.5 hours)

   Riding to the top of a >14,000 ft. (>4,267m) mountain combined with some fantastic twisty canyon riding make today a memorable part of your tour. Have your GoPro and camera ready.

10. Day 10: 120 mi / 200 km (approximately 3 hours)

    Today will take you over the highest through road in North America at >14,000 ft. (>4,267 m). Another GoPro day (there’s a lot of those days, on this tour). On the way, you may see moose and elk in the park, but guaranteed you will see amazing views.

11. Day 11: 110 mi / 175 km (approximately 3.5 hours)

    Today you will ride along the Peak to Peak road as you leave the amazing Rocky Mountain Giants. Arriving in Aurora, you will drop off your bike and catch your shuttle to your hotel for the night. A group farewell dinner ends this; your last day on the trail. If you want to stay on for additional nights, that can be arranged.

12. Day 12: 0 mi / 0 km (approximately 0.5 hours)

    After a relaxing breakfast, and a short shuttle ride, you will arrive at the airport. This shuttle ride is filled with talk about the adventure you’ve just had and the fun experienced. Now is the time to start planning your next tour with Pohutukawa Motorcycle Tours.

Ride Details

Terrain

asphalt

Bike

rental bike (BMW, Indian, Triumph, Harley Davidson, or Kawasaki models)

Mileage

1,715 miles / 2,765 km

Daily rides

25 - 270 miles / 42 - 435 kilometers

Meals

breakfasts and dinners

Accommodation

You will stay at various accommodations during the tour.

Getting There

Begin your tour in Aurora Colorado and looping through the fantastic Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Picking up your bike and leaving Aurora, you will ride the Mountain Giants of Colorado, cruise through the rugged beauty of pristine evergreen forests while soaking in the amazing scenic views, at the same time as sweeping through remarkable corners on fantastic roads. [+](https://www.tripaneer.com/po