Self-Guided Bike Tours - Lizard Head Cycling Guides
   
107 Aurum St, Box 855, Ophir, CO 81426 970.728.5891 info@LizardHeadCyclingGuides.com

Self-Guided Bike Tours

Self-Guided Bike Tours: Basic Overview

Want to get out on a fantastic bike tour but have a limited budget? Lizard Head Cycling Guides offers a service on select bike tours where we will move your gear from one point to another while you enjoy riding on a semi self-guided bike tour between those points. This is a basic bike tour service where you make all the arrangements for your daily lodging (or camping) and meals while we haul your gear plus provide other basic services as outlined below.

Our self-guided tour formula is a hybrid model: we offer a variety of in-tour shuttles, and guide support, in order to keep the riding safe and foster a good “flow” of the tour. The bottom line is simple: on self-guided tours we are there to keep riders safe and comfortable.

Self-Guided Bike Tours: What’s Included

Lizard Head Cycling’s self supported touring options are comprised of the tours in our backyard that we are most familiar with. As a result, we know what advice and limited support clients need on each stage of these tours.

What is a Self-Guided/Self-Supported tour?

On these tours guests ride self-supported between the hotels on their own.

  • In addition to shuttles at the begin and/or end of our self-guide tours, Lizard Head Cycling does include an in-tour shuttle of Day 4 of its Boulder, Bryce & Zion tour (between Bryce & Zion) and on Day 5 of its Moab & The Back of Beyond self-supported tours.
  • Although Lizard Head Cycling does not ride along with guests on its self-supported/guided tours, when we see clients on the road between hotels, we do check in with them – we are out there for our guests. 🙂

What is Included on Self-Guided/Supported Tours?

The shuttle from the meeting hotel to the tour start location, the shuttle at the end of the tour back to the meeting hotel, daily luggage movement between hotels, basic mechanical support at the hotels (floor pump, basic tools, mechanical advice). GPX files of the routes and a list of self-supported water and food locations for each stage.

What should the self-guided client carry?

Full rain gear, pump, tubes, tire irons, multi-tool, food, water, snacks, & sunscreen.

Is there food and water along the way?

The answer is Yes and No… it depends on the stage. We provide clients with a list of self-supported options for each stage.

What about road bike rental?

Road bike rental is $250 per person and includes a water bottle plus a pack with a tube, tire irons, mechanical support and multi-tool. Minimum private group size is 6 riders or paid equivalent. If your group is smaller than 6 riders, we can work to have other riders join your chosen week. Deposit amount is $500 per person.

Self-Guided Bike Tours: Tours Offered

We offer this service on the following bike tours. Please click to each individual tour page for more detailed descriptions on the itineraries so that you can plan your tour with us.

SELF-GUIDED Boulder, Bryce & Zion Road Tour

Boulder, Bryce & Zion

The mountains and high desert of southwest Utah are a cycling and hiking mecca. The Boulder, Bryce and Zion bike tour delivers a combination of nearly car free roads, jaw-dropping scenery and plenty of time to stop and explore.

  • Day 1 – Capital Reef National Park (AM), shuttle, then Larb Overlook to Boulder, UT (PM) (23 miles/770′ of climbing then 23 miles/1,440′ of climbing)
  • Day 2 – Calf Creek Falls Bike-and-Hike (AM) and ride to Escalante, UT (PM) (6 miles/440′ of climbing, then 24 miles/1,780′ of climbing)
  • Day 3 – Escalante, UT to Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Day 4 – Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park w/ midday shuttle (36 miles/2,770′ of climbing then 5 miles/200′ of climbing)
  • Day 6 – Layover Day in Springdale, UT/Zion National Park (option to ride in the National Park, or Out and Back to Kolob Terrace – 70 miles/6,200′)

☛ More info on the Boulder, Bryce & Zion bike tour.

2025 Self-Guided Tour Dates: 6-Day Tour @ $1,595 per person.
Please note that tour discounts do not apply to self-guided tours.

Tour Status Notes: NO STATUS = Date Set, no riders have signed up. TOUR OPENED = Tour Opened, rider minimums not met. TOUR A GO! = Tour is Go, rider minimums met. SOLD OUT = Tour Full, rider maximums met.

Why Should you Sign-Up Now and OPEN a Tour Date?
This is the proverbial chicken and the egg conundrum! We need our cyclists to first commit to the date that works for them so that we can commit to that date.

For starters, when you OPEN a date you get to pick your preferred departure date, and there is no penalty if the tour does not run. Once you pick your tour date, Lizard Head closes nearby dates and funnels all additional riders to your chosen date until the tour meets its 6 rider minimum.

BONUS: As an added bonus, we can also hold a spot for you on another tour date of your choosing. There is no fee to switch to another tour date.

In conclusion, if you want a tour to run, we need you to sign up and not wait for others to do the same! Waiting for others may mean that a tour date takes longer or does not confirm. Just Do It! Once a few riders jump into the proverbial waters, others will follow!

NOTE: In anticipation and encouragement of future tour signups prior to reaching the tour minimum, the Lizard Head Cycling website may be updated to show TOUR A GO prior to actual tour confirmation. So, even if the website says that this tour is a go, please wait for your official Email Confirmation before booking non-refundable travel reservations.

Lodging Options: (subject to availability)

Self-guided guests are on-their-own to secure accommodations in the nightly ending towns. Below are places we stay during our tours to use as a guide and there may be other nearby options available. Please make sure to secure your reservations well in advance as some establishments typically sell out early.

SELF-GUIDED Moab & The Back of Beyond Road Tour

The Moab & The Back of Beyond Tour delves into the heart of redrock canyon country of Southeastern Utah and Southwestern Colorado. Ride through the supernatural landscapes of Arches & Canyonlands National Parks, climb the scenic La Sal Mountain Loop and pedal beneath 800-ft redrock sandstone walls along the Colorado River.

  • Day 1 – Colorado National Monument (AM) and Unaweep Canyon to Gateway, CO (PM) (23 miles/2,750′ of climbing then 38 miles/2,775′ of climbing)
  • Day 2 – Unaweep Canyon Out and Back (up to 47 miles/3,160′ of climbing)
  • Day 3 – Gateway, CO to CampV in Vancorum, CO (44 miles/2,340′ of climbing)
  • Day 4 – Dolores Confluence Ride (up to 40 miles/3,645′ of climbing)
  • Day 5 – Paradox Valley to Utah Border (35 miles/3,000′ of climbing). Shuttle to Moab after the ride.
  • Day 6 – Castle Valley to Bull Canyon Overlook Out and Back (up to 32 miles/4,530′ of climbing). Shuttle to Grand Junction to end tour.

☛ More info on the Moab & The Back of Beyond bike tour.

2025 Self-Guided Tour Dates: 6-Day Tour @ $1,250 per person.
Please note that tour discounts do not apply to self-guided tours.

Tour Status Notes: NO STATUS = Date Set, no riders have signed up. TOUR OPENED = Tour Opened, rider minimums not met. TOUR A GO! = Tour is Go, rider minimums met. SOLD OUT = Tour Full, rider maximums met.

Why Should you Sign-Up Now and OPEN a Tour Date?
This is the proverbial chicken and the egg conundrum! We need our cyclists to first commit to the date that works for them so that we can commit to that date.

For starters, when you OPEN a date you get to pick your preferred departure date, and there is no penalty if the tour does not run. Once you pick your tour date, Lizard Head closes nearby dates and funnels all additional riders to your chosen date until the tour meets its 6 rider minimum.

BONUS: As an added bonus, we can also hold a spot for you on another tour date of your choosing. There is no fee to switch to another tour date.

In conclusion, if you want a tour to run, we need you to sign up and not wait for others to do the same! Waiting for others may mean that a tour date takes longer or does not confirm. Just Do It! Once a few riders jump into the proverbial waters, others will follow!

NOTE: In anticipation and encouragement of future tour signups prior to reaching the tour minimum, the Lizard Head Cycling website may be updated to show TOUR A GO prior to actual tour confirmation. So, even if the website says that this tour is a go, please wait for your official Email Confirmation before booking non-refundable travel reservations.

Lodging Options: (subject to availability)

Self-guided guests are on-their-own to secure accommodations in the nightly ending towns. Below are places we stay during our tours to use as a guide and there may be other nearby options available. Please make sure to secure your reservations well in advance as some establishments typically sell out early.

SELF-GUIDED Northern New Mexico Road Tour

Our “Norte de Nuevo México” (Northern New Mexico) self-guided bike tour is designed for cyclists who seek the Land of Enchantment’s best climbs, enjoy bike-friendly routes, savor the local Chile Verde, and relish luxurious hot springs. This self-guided Northern New Mexico tour runs similar to our standard fully-supported Norte de Nuevo México Bike Tour, but with a few changes to make for a more relaxed overall itinerary.

  • Day 1 – Abiquiu to Ojo Caliente (30 miles/1,910′ of climbing)
  • Day 2 – Out and Back Ride to Canon Plaza (up to 45 miles/2,450′ of climbing)
  • Day 3 – Brazos Out and Back Ride (up to 59 miles/4,800′ of climbing)
  • Day 4 – Shuttle-supported Ride Around the “Enchanted Circle” (multiple options available, standard options is 79 miles/4,130′ of climbing)
  • Day 5 – Optional Ride to Taos Ski Valley (20 miles/2,210′ of climbing)
  • Day 6 – Taos to El Santuario de Chimayo (45 miles/4,050′ of climbing). Shuttle to Santa Fe to end tour.

☛ More info on the Northern New Mexico bike tour.

2025 Self-Guided Tour Dates: 7-Day Tour @ $1,335 per person.
Please note that tour discounts do not apply to self-guided tours.

Tour Status Notes: NO STATUS = Date Set, no riders have signed up. TOUR OPENED = Tour Opened, rider minimums not met. TOUR A GO! = Tour is Go, rider minimums met. SOLD OUT = Tour Full, rider maximums met.

Why Should you Sign-Up Now and OPEN a Tour Date?
This is the proverbial chicken and the egg conundrum! We need our cyclists to first commit to the date that works for them so that we can commit to that date.

For starters, when you OPEN a date you get to pick your preferred departure date, and there is no penalty if the tour does not run. Once you pick your tour date, Lizard Head closes nearby dates and funnels all additional riders to your chosen date until the tour meets its 6 rider minimum.

BONUS: As an added bonus, we can also hold a spot for you on another tour date of your choosing. There is no fee to switch to another tour date.

In conclusion, if you want a tour to run, we need you to sign up and not wait for others to do the same! Waiting for others may mean that a tour date takes longer or does not confirm. Just Do It! Once a few riders jump into the proverbial waters, others will follow!

NOTE: In anticipation and encouragement of future tour signups prior to reaching the tour minimum, the Lizard Head Cycling website may be updated to show TOUR A GO prior to actual tour confirmation. So, even if the website says that this tour is a go, please wait for your official Email Confirmation before booking non-refundable travel reservations.

Lodging Options: (subject to availability)

Self-guided guests are on-their-own to secure accommodations in the nightly ending towns. Below are places we stay during our tours to use as a guide and there may be other nearby options available. Please make sure to secure your reservations well in advance as some establishments typically sell out early.

 

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