Summer 2025
Colorado Ride
Spend five days cycling through Colorado’s stunning National Forests!
About the Ride
Our Climate Ride Colorado Cols trip is among the finest Colorado bike trips offered
Join the interest list for next time!
Grand Junction, CO
This carefully crafted cycling adventure spins a stunning route through the picturesque Grand Mesa, Gunnison, and White River National Forests plus over some iconic mountain passes (called “cols” in Europe). Visit and spend time in both Crested Butte and Aspen – two different, but equally enchanting Rocky Mountain towns.
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
Climate Ride Colorado Cols explores the beauty of Colorado’s natural splendor and interesting mountain towns. Riding on quiet back roads and remote byways, this Climate Ride will challenge, inspire, and surprise as you pedal and connect with like-minded people dedicated to advancing sustainability.
On Climate Ride Colorado Cols, you’ll spend five days cycling on a scenic journey that explores some of the best that the Rocky Mountains have to offer. We’ll see inspiring scenery, stay at comfortable camps, visit several well-known mountain towns like Crested Butte and Aspen, and experience the thrill of touring by bicycle with a small community united by their passion for sustainability, renewable energy, and bicycles – the ultimate carbon-free form of transportation.
Climate Ride and our outfitter’s staff takes care of all the details, so you can focus on riding the 50-86 miles per day of carefully-planned routes on scenic roads. It’s challenging yet achievable, and you have all day to make it to the next rest stop. Meals, snacks, bike support, luggage transport, and all of the logistics are included when you reach the fundraising commitment. On the road, our support team is always nearby to assist you, keep you happy and healthy, and make your ride worry-free and memorable. Bike rental and E-bike rental options are available.
Proceeds from this event will support Climate Ride directly (no beneficiary selection for this event).
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
Paonia to Crested Butte via Keebler Pass – 47 Miles.
After a short morning shuttle, the first day’s Keebler Pass ride is a spectacular journey into the West Elk Mountains and a climb through pine and aspen forests. Along the way, we’ll ride below the immensely beautiful Marcellina Mountain and then up to Keebler Pass. Most of the ride up to the pass is smooth gravel and on this nearly traffic-free remote back road route, you’ll almost feel like you’re pedaling through the Swiss countryside. From the top of Keebler Pass it’s a quick seven miles into Crested Butte to end the day.
Crested Butte Loop via Ohio Pass – 53 Miles.
Today’s ride runs south through the East River Valley from Crested Butte and then turns north along Ohio Creek before reaching Ohio Pass. From here it is a quick descent back to Crested Butte to relax, explore, and enjoy this quaint mountain town.
Crested Butte to Buena Vista -76 Miles.
Starting from Crested Butte we cruise down the East River Valley and then turn east going past Taylor Park Reservoir to tackle Cottonwood Pass. Descending from the pass the route follows Cottonwood Creek to eventually ends in the town of Buena Vista.
Buena Vista to Aspen-66 Miles.
Beginning the day’s riding from Buena Vista, the route heads north and then west past Twin Lakes to the top of Independence Pass. After a screaming descent from the pass, we end the day in Aspen. What an epic day of riding!
Aspen to Paonia – 86 Miles.
Heading out from Aspen for our final – but big! day, our route takes us along the car-free Rio Grande Trail for the first 23-miles. Departing the trail in Carbondale, we turn left and head into the White River National Forest along the Crystal River and soon find ourselves climbing a 3-mile climb up to McClure Pass. After cresting the summit, we’ll enjoy a nearly 34-mile downhill run into the town of Paonia, passing the Paonia Reservoir along the way. Post-ride, we’ll shuttle back to Grand Junction and say our goodbyes until next time!
Ready to get started?
FAQs and More Info
Meals
This is a road cycling camping trip. You will need to bring or rent a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You can rent these through our outfitter and they will be brought to camp (rental information will be provided the Ride Guide).
Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks are handled by our expert local guides. We serve delicious energy packed meals with lots of fresh ingredients to satisfy all tastes. We can accommodate special diets; just let us know your preferences. We do not provide alcoholic beverages but feel free to bring your own. We’ll provide lots of snacks, and plenty of water.
Travel Information & Accommodations
This trip will meet at up in Paonia, CO. Exact times and dates will be announced soon.
The cycling event will end in Paonia, CO on Day 5 in the evening.
Getting To and From Grand Junction, CO
We recommend arriving in Grand Junction at least one day before the departure of your trip. Cars from home and rental cars can be left in Paonia for the trip.
The nearest airport if flying is Grand Junction international airport.
Airport Code: GJT
Grand Junction Lodging
Grand Junction is a popular summer vacation spot. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible. There are many lodging options in Grand Junction, but we’ll have some recommendations and an official trip hotel listed here soon, and in your Ride Guide once you register.
Cell Phone Service & WiFi
There is limited cell phone access during the day, but there should be service in town. We recommend you enjoy this digital detox!
What do I need to bring on the ride?
All riders need to have a road bike, helmet, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (see camping gear rental info), and a suitcase or duffle containing clothes, toiletries, and anything else necessary for several days on the road. The Ride Guide will contain a more detailed suggested packing list and will be distributed to registered participants before the event. If you have a non-perishable personal favorite snack or electrolyte brand please feel free to bring some along! Bike rental info will be provided in the Ride Guide after you register. There will be E-bikes available to rent.
IF BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: Have your bike tuned up before the tour and have any worn-out parts replaced. You may want to ship your bike ahead of time to our bike shop partner in Grand Junction. There will be an assembly fee, and they can also disassemble and box it up at the end of the trip as well.
What kind of support can I expect on the ride?
Climate Ride has partnered with an outfitter to provide the most experienced and friendliest professional guides. We have rest stops each day with snacks and water, and on-route we have vehicle support that carries luggage, and also functions as a mobile mechanic and first aid station. You can also expect an unlimited supply of camaraderie and encouragement from the Climate Ride staff, the guides, and your fellow riders!
What does my fundraising support and why is it so important?
This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work. Your fundraising on Climate Ride Colorado will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride including our community scholarships for young climate leaders. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. On this special departure, you cannot select from the beneficiary list. All donations are tax-deductible.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
TBD
Transfer Deadline: No transfers are available for this ride. Because of the preparation that is undertaken to create this trip, if you cancel for any reason, your fundraising cannot be transferred to another event but will go directly to support Climate Ride’s work.
Learn more about deadlines and transfers on our Policies page.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!