Aspen to Santa Fe Bike Tour - Lizard Head Cycling Guides
   
107 Aurum St, Box 855, Ophir, CO 81426 970.728.5891 info@LizardHeadCyclingGuides.com

Aspen to Santa Fe Bike Tour

Please click here to jump to the Overview section with all tour details including pricing.

Aspen to Santa Fe Tour: Highlights

This 11-day Aspen to Santa Fe Tour focuses on the vertical landscapes and mountain town culture of the southern Colorado Rockies. This is a mountain tour that crosses the continental divide on four occasions, meanders along verdant river valleys and seeks out the eclectic lodging, food and the natural hot springs that this region is well known for.

Riding high in the Rockies

All smiles climbing Independence Pass

Keep looking UP to relieve the suffering

Keep looking UP to relieve the suffering

The descent from Independence Pass

The descent from Independence Pass

Aspen to Santa Fe Tour: Dates

Potential tour dates are listed below and not all tour dates will run. Lock in your preferred tour date early as unopened tour dates will be closed. Please see the Spring/Autumn Tour Calendar and the Summer Tour Calendar for confirmed departures. Any unopened date can be a Custom Week (9 riders required). Please contact us via email or call 970.728.5891

To easily register for a particular tour, please click the Book Now! link after the tour date listed below. This will select the tour name and the appropriate date on the registration form.

2024 Tour Dates

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!

Aspen to Santa Fe Tour: Overview

Reptile Rewards

Arrival Airport/Town: Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver, Colorado

Departure Airport/Town: Albuquerque International Airport,  Albuquerque, New Mexico

Tour Length: 11 Days

Total Miles: 450-675 miles: additional mileage options available. (Can I keep up on this tour?)

Ability Level: Upper-Intermediate (3) to Advanced

Tour Cost: $4,465 per person with shared accommodations. Add $995 per person to this Tour Cost for a private room each night of the tour (11-Nights). Group discount of $200 per person for groups of 4 or more.
Please see our Tour Discounts Policy.

Tour Includes: 11-Days guide service, 11-Nights lodging, all meals (except 2 dinners, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch), entry fees, energy food, liquid refreshments, in-tour shuttles, and mechanical support. Alcoholic beverages, bike rental, and massage (if available) are additional.

Non-Riding Spouses & Partners on Tour: If a non-riding spouse or partner would like to join you on tour and they have their own transportation, they can stay in your room for the cost of the tour's single room supplement. Please note that non-riders cannot check into hotels prior to guide arrival as the guides need to manage the check-in process. Checking in a large group can be challenging and take longer than normal, so non-riders need to hang back and be patient. Non-riding spouses and partners are welcome to join the Lizard Head meal plan which includes breakfasts and dinners for $75 per day. Note: Lunches are not included for non-riders driving their own vehicles due to the inherent variability of both lunch timing and locations. It is best for non-riders to plan to explore each day.

Lodging: (subject to change)

Road Bike Rentals

NOTE: The make, model, and specifications of rental bikes may differ from what is described below. Please contact us if you have any specific needs for a rental bike or have any questions about rental bikes.

Lizard Head Cycling Guides is proud to rent Scott Bikes. The Scott Addict 10 Disc was designed from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 10 will be your go to when you’re looking to put the miles in.

The Scott Addict 10 Disc features: Carbon Frame and Fork, Shimano Ultegra 2x11 Drivetrain, 34x32 Compact Gearing, 30mm Tires, and Hydraulic Disc Brakes. Approx. Weight: 16.89 lbs / 7.66 kg (without pedals)

Learn more about our Rental Bikes and Equipment

Road E-Bike Rentals: Click Here for more information on our Road E-Bike Rentals including pricing. Please note that E-Bikes are not available for certain tours including those that involve camping. Please contact us for more information before registering for a tour. NOTE: E-Bikes are great, but our tours are designed to be ridden without motorized assistance. We offer "bumps" along the road so that everyone can stay together.

Tandems and Recumbents: Lizard Head Cycling Guides happily accommodates both tandem and recumbent bikes on our tours.

If you have any further questions, please read more on our Rental Bikes FAQ page. You can also email us at info@lizardheadcyclingguides.com or call us at 970.728.5891

Meals On Tour

Lizard Head Cycling Guides provides most meals on all tours (unless otherwise noted) including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guides will prepare a daily lunch en route for nearly every tour, both road and off-road, as well as provide nutritious snacks at periodic aid stations during the day.

Most of our road tours utilize local restaurants for all meals and occasionally guides may prepare a dinner or two during a tour. Due to the nature of being "off the grid", most of our off-road tours feature guide prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. FUN NOTE: When guides prepare a meal in camp and the guests sit around and watch, this is called "Guide TV". :)

We also pride ourselves on being able to cater to specific dietary requests and needs, so rest assured that you will be able to get the nutrition that works best for you during your tour. Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, or a someone who loves it all – we will keep you well fed during the tour!

Lunches: Lizard Head Cycling Guides prepares healthy lunches to keep you going. We will serve you fresh organic fruits and veggies, salads, hummus, sandwich fixings, nuts, gourmet cheeses and, of course, plenty of salty/sweet snacks such as chips and cookies.

Dinners: On our road tours, Lizard Head Cycling sources our favorite restaurants in each town that we visit. Our guides focus on establishments that offer fresh and local ingredients and guests choose whatever they desire to eat off the menu including: appetizer, salad, entrée, and of course, dessert... yum! :) Also, while on tour if a guest wants to dine early before the group and go to bed, this is fine. We understand that on some days sleep is the most important post-ride element.

Aspen to Santa Fe Tour: Itinerary*

*PLEASE NOTE: Tour itineraries are subject to change and modification based on the group, available accommodations, road construction, road closures, and other unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, landslides and/or other acts of nature. Also, the distances and elevation profiles shown below may not reflect the actual distances and elevations while on tour as these are provided here to give an idea as to the anticipated mileage and terrain. Please view this itinerary, the distances, and elevation profiles as a general outline as to what to expect while on this tour.

Day 0: Arrive in Denver, Colorado

Guests arrive in Denver by driving or by flying to the Denver International Airport (DEN) and then to the meeting hotel listed in the confirmation document provided shortly after booking.

Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport

Downtown Denver, Colorado

Downtown Denver, Colorado

Day 1: Maroon Bells Loop
25 Miles with up to 2,200 feet of climbing

After a morning transfer from Denver into the heart of the Colorado Rockies, the riding starts on a relaxing closed road that climbs gently to the picturesque Maroon Bells, which are the most photographed mountains in Colorado. The road to the “Bells” will have plenty of cyclists to smile and wave to. After the descent, tonight’s lodging is at the Limelight Hotel in the heart of Aspen.

View of the Maroon Bells: Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak.

View of the Maroon Bells: Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak.

Day 1 Elevation Profile

Day 1 Elevation Profile

Day 2: Layover Day in Aspen, Colorado
25-35 Miles

On Day 2 options abound. Cyclists can go on a ride of up to 35-miles in the Snowmass area or they can climb the lower slopes of Independence Pass. Guests should make time to explore Aspen’s shops, spas, nightlife and food culture.

USA Pro Challenge, Aspen

Aspen, Colorado

The Limelight Hotel

Elevation Profile: +2500 ft / -2500 ft

Snowmass Loop (Road) – Elevation Profile: +3000 ft / -3000 ft

Day 3: Aspen, Colorado to Crested Butte, Colorado
40-100 Miles with up to 5,800 feet of climbing

Today’s ride to Crested Butte, Colorado via two 12,000-foot passes, Independence and Cottonwood Passes, is a Colorado classic and has served as the Queen Stage of the USA Pro Challenge bike race. The climb of Independence Pass will take 2 to 3 hours and delivers cyclists to a spectacular above treeline landscape. After a long descent to the Arkansas River Valley the climbing begins again up and over remote Cottonwood Pass. Eventually cyclists arrive in the summer paradise of Crested Butte, which is the wildflower capital of Colorado. We’ll settle into Crested Butte for a two night’s stay in the Elk Mountain Lodge.

USA Pro Challenge, Independence Pass

Climbing Independence Pass: Few cars!

Independence Pass

Crested Butte, Colorado

Crested Butte, Colorado

Day 3 Elevation Profile, Segment 1

Day 3 Elevation Profile, Segment 1

Day 3 Elevation Profile, Segment 2

Day 3 Elevation Profile, Segment 2

Day 4: Layover in Crested Butte, Colorado

A layover day in the wildflower capital of Colorado, Crested Butte! Make this a day for fly-fishing, mountain climbing, a spa day, mountain biking on the 401 Trail, white water rafting or a swim in a mountain lake.

Along the 401 Trail

Along the 401 Trail

Singletrack on the Wagon Trail

The Wagon Trail

Day 5: The Cannibal Classic
70-130 Miles with up to 8,500 feet of climbing

Crested Butte to Creede (8,500′) is a local’s favorite known as the Cannibal Classic and is a tremendous test of endurance for Crested Butte’s hard body locals. NOTE: One DOES NOT HAVE TO RIDE this entire stage!

The Cannibal Classic earned its name from the infamous Alfred Packer, a miner who became snowbound on an ill-fated journey into the San Juan Mountains in the late 1800’s. Come spring, Packer was the only remaining miner alive from his party of six, looking pretty healthy. He had literally eaten his compatriots!

The rides starts in Crested Butte, Colorado’s (9,000-feet) majestic Elk Mountains and starts with a gradual 40-mile descent, after which riders are tested by a 45-mile section with multiple ups and downs that could drain the strength from their legs.

At approximately mile 85, take on one of the steepest paved mountain passes in Colorado, Slumgullion Pass at an elevation of 11,530 feet. This monster is a 7-mile climb that ascends nearly 3,000 feet; its average 7% to 9% grades feels particularly brutal coming at mile 90 of the Cannibal Classic. At the top, you’ll descend 4 miles and then climb another 4 miles at a mere 4% grade to Spring Creek Pass and the Continental Divide. From Spring Creek, it’s just about a 30-mile descent to lodging at Antlers Rio Grande Lodge which sits on the banks of the Rio Grande near Creede, Colorado.

Colorado Cols in September

Colorado Cols in September

Creede, Colorado

Creede, Colorado

Day 5 Elevation Profile, 130 Miles

Day 5 Elevation Profile, 130 Miles

Day 5 Elevation Profile, 70 Miles

Day 5 Elevation Profile, 70 Miles

Day 6: Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa Springs, Colorado
64 Miles with up to 3,400 feet of climbing

From our lodging at Antlers Rio Grande Lodge we ride south over Wolf Creek Pass. At this pont cyclists are pedaling across the remote headwaters of Rio Grande watershed. The largest wilderness area in Colorado, the Weimuniche Wilderness, borders this lush region. After climbing the impressive Wolf Creek Pass (10,863′), cyclists will have climbed over the Continental Divide for the second time in two days.

Next thrill to a 4,000? descent from Wolf Creek to Pagosa Springs, Colorado along the headwaters of the San Juan River. We’ll be in close proximity to New Mexico and get a whiff of the state’s famous and fragrant green chile. Tonight we’ll enjoy a much-needed and deserved soak in towns hot springs at the renowned Springs Resort & Spa.

Wolf Creek Pass, Descent to Pagosa Springs

Wolf Creek Pass, Descent to Pagosa Springs

Day 6 Elevation Profile

Day 6 Elevation Profile

Day 7: Chama, New Mexico to Ojo Caliente, New Mexico
50 to 93 Miles with up to 4,900 feet of climbing

Day 7’s ride serves up yet another beautiful ride over the mountainous continental divide into the state of New Mexico to the exclusive Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. Steeped in myth and legend, these ancient springs have been a gathering place and source of healing for thousands of years. The use of the waters can be traced back to the earliest human migrations in the region. Ancient peoples, the ancestors of today’s Native American Tewa tribes, built large pueblos and terraced gardens overlooking the springs. Surrounding the springs are the ruins of the cities populated before the birth of history.

The Brazos Cliffs

The Brazos Cliffs

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs

Day 7 Elevation Profile

Day 7 Elevation Profile

Day 8: Ojo Caliente, New Mexico to Taos, New Mexico
41 Miles with up to 2,000 feet of climbing

After a relaxed morning at Ojo we’ll ride from the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs to Taos, New Mexico and stay at the Taos Inn. Along the way we’ll cross the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Tonight dine at the Taos Inn’s Adobe Bar is a special experience.  Taos is an artist’s destination of international acclaim and home to the Taos Pueblo Indians.

Taos, New Mexico

Taos, New Mexico

Day 8 Elevation Profile

Day 8 Elevation Profile

Day 9: Layover Day in Taos, New Mexico

Spend the day exploring Taos’ art district, visit Taos Pueblo (the oldest inhabited building in North America), taste the state’s famous of green chile or simply do nothing. This is your day!

Inside Taos Pueblo

Inside Taos Pueblo

El Monte Sagrado

El Monte Sagrado

Day 10: The Enchanted Circle
85 Miles with up to 5,800 feet of climbing

Ride a loop along the fabulous Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway back to the El Monte Segrado. This ride circles the Sangre De Cristo Mountains offering cyclists big mountains views that showcase the topography of northern New Mexico.

We also will have the option for a ride and hike within Río Grande Del Norte National Monument.

Taos Mountain at sunset

Taos Mountain at sunset

Río Grande Del Norte National Monument

Río Grande Del Norte National Monument

Day 10 Elevation Profile

Day 10 Elevation Profile

Day 11: “The High Road” Taos to Chimayo
Standard: 49 miles with up to 4,050-feet: E.F.I: 74-miles

Another highlight ride of the Aspen to Santa Fe tour! The riding starts in Taos taking the scenic High Road amongst the southernmost peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range through pine forests and cottonwood valleys. Today’s ride ends at a special place, the El Santuario de Chimayo, a historical church in the old village of Chimayo. At this location a tiny shrine that is built on the site of what many believe to be a miracle associated with the crucifix of “Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas” (Our Lord of Esquipulas). El Santuario de Chimayo is also the site of “el pocito” the small pit of Holy Dirt which many people attribute as possessing remarkable curative powers.

Tonight’s lodging is steps from the Santa Fe plaza in the quintessential New Mexican lodging of  Chimayo de Santa Fe. Tonight’s farewell dinner at Estevan’s is one of our favorite dining experiences.

San Francisco de Assisi Church

Santuario de Chimayo

Hotel Chimayo’s lovely breezeway

Post Tour: Logistics

After our farewell dinner on Night 11, guests are on their own to explore Santa Fe on post tour Day 12. Since you are positioned only steps from Santa Fe’s historic plaza, art galleries, restaurants and music guests can elect to add an additional night of lodging to their tour so that they have a whole day to experience in Santa Fe.

POST-TOUR Logistics: The Aspen to Santa Fe Tour  ends dinner and lodging on night 11. Guests arrange for their own transportation to the Albuquerque via the convenient scenic Railrunner train or on many regularly scheduled shuttle services. For more information regarding transportation to Albuquerque, please visit www.riometro.org or groometransportation.com

Aspen to Santa Fe Tour: Logistics & FAQs

Bike Shipping

Lizard Head Cycling recommends shipping with BikeFlights.com. Bikes can be shipped either to our partner bike shop in each meeting town for professional assembly or directly to the meeting hotel for self-assembly. Bike boxes can generally be left at the meeting hotel during the tour. Bikes shipped across the continental US should be shipped 8 days prior to your tour.

Tour Support
A 15-passenger van and trailer that carries luggage, food and equipment will support this tour.

General Tour & Cancellation Policies

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with all of our tour and cancellation policies, which can be found by clicking here.

Travel Insurance

If you have not already, now would be a great time to consider adding travel insurance to your tour. You are welcome to use any travel insurance company you would like. We recommend Generali/Trip Mate.

Generally, if contracting COVID causes clients to cancel or interrupt their tour, trip insurance companies would treat it as any other illness as long as it is contracted after the insurance was purchased. Please check your individual plan documentation for details. Please note that quarantine is usually only covered if clients are actually sick with COVID. If a state requires quarantine upon arrival because of standardized state law, coverage is generally not covered. Again, check your individual plan documentation for details.

American Guests - use this link: http://www.generalitravelinsurance.com/get-a-quote.html?partner=LIZA0855

  • The Premium Plan is the only plan which offers Pre-Existing coverage so long as the plan is purchased prior to Final Payment.
  • The Premium Plan is the only plan that offers an optional Cancel For Any Reason - the policy must be purchased within 24 hours of initial trip deposit, the full trip cost must be insured, and if they cancel for Any Reason, it must be 48 hours prior to departure, and the reimbursement for an Any Reason claim is 60% of pre-paid, insured, non-refundable trip cost.
  • Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-874-2442 for coverage questions and policy modifications or to purchase by phone. Agency Code: LIZA0855

Canadian Guests - use this link: https://tripmate.catravelins.ca/?utm_source=lizardhead

 
Translate »