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  Bikepacking Roots

Plateau Passage Segments

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SEGMENT 1: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA TO ST. GEORGE, UTAH
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  • Highlights
  • Logistics
  • Medical Services
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Sin City and Utah’s Dixie, St. George, two cities with very different histories and very different atmospheres but both built in rather unlikely desert locations. The first segment of the Plateau Passage connects these towns via Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Virgin River corridor, and the rocky Virgin Mountains. It’s dry desert riding through the eastern edge of the Mojave Desert. After riding through the suburbs of Vegas, the route crosses Las Vegas Wash, and suddenly you’re out of town and in barren desert. Twelve miles of 4x4 road through the canyons of Rainbow Gardens is followed by 50 miles of quiet, rolling pavement (the longest paved stretch of the entire route) through Lake Mead National Recreation Area and along the southern edge of the Muddy Mountains. Then the sandstone canyons of Valley of Fire State Park link up to the loose ATV trails through a stunning redrock canyon before the small towns of Logandale and Overton.

Northeast of Overton, the route climbs dirt road onto Mormon Mesa and high above the Virgin River. The Virgin Mountains, the major topographic challenge of this segment, stand mightily to the east. Dropping off Mormon Mesa, a 4x4 track following powerlines for 10 miles leads to 8 miles of pavement to reach the town of Mesquite, known for its casinos and golf courses. It’s buffet dinners and cheap motel rooms might be of more interest to bikepackers. After Mesquite, getting over the Virgin Mountains involves a rugged 5,000-foot climb over 15 miles, a hidden Joshua tree forest, and a nice spring near the top of the climb. From the summit, 40 miles of mostly downhill 4x4 tracks leads into the St. George Basin, home to St. George, its cotton fields, and plenty of great mountain biking. The bustling and rapidly growing town of St. George has become the retirement capitol of Utah given its low elevation and relatively mild climate. Leaving town, the route follows bike path along the Virgin River and then a series of steadily smaller roads heading southeast toward the heart of the Arizona Strip. Through Warner Valley, 4x4 roads meander through very arid badlands and mesas (some relatively short sections of the route in this area get sticky when wet!) before climbing up the Hurricane Cliffs on what is known as the Honeymoon Trail. This steep trail is an old Mormon route used in the late 1800s by newlyweds from the remote regions hundreds of miles to the east traveling to the St. George Temple to have their marriages blessed. The Hurricane Cliffs themselves represent the western edge of the Colorado Plateau region. There’s no reliable water between St. George and Virgin, so plan accordingly.

Once atop the cliffs, the route heads north, joins the popular Gem Trail singletrack, and crosses the Virgin River at the tiny town of Virgin. And then the climbing begins, beginning at 3,000 feet and topping out at over 9,000 feet as the route begins to traverse the high plateaus of central Utah. The route up follows the Kolob Terrace Road through the northwestern part of Zion National Park past towering sandstone cliffs. After some high-elevation gravel roads, trail drops down rapidly to Cedar City. The final part of this segment climbs a paved road up nearly 4,000 feet to join the Virgin River Rim singletrack on the southern edge of the Markagunt Plateau. Midway through this trail is Navajo Lake, a small store, a campground, and a lodge.
Segment length: 203 miles
Total climbing: 15,000 feet
Recommended number of days: 3-4+
 
% Paved (approx.): 45%
% Dirt road (approx.): 20%
% 4x4 road/2-track (approx.): 35%
% Singletrack (approx.): 0%
% Rideable (approx.): 96%
 
Average physical difficulty (1-10): 4-5
Average technical difficulty (1-10): 4-5
Bikepacking challenges: Limited water, limited resupply options, remote, summer heat
Longest stretch between resupply (miles/days): 75 miles / ~2 days
Longest stretch between water sources (miles/days): 40 miles / 1 day (although it is 70 miles from Las Vegas to the next water immediately on route; water is available ~4 miles off route at two different campgrounds in that 70-mile stretch.)

Recommended printed topographic maps:
●      Clark County Trails Map (free PDF download; not particularly useful)
●      Trails Illustrated #204 (Lake Mead National Recreation Area)
●      BLM Arizona Strip Vistors Map West (free PDF download)
●      Saint George/Springdale, Utah Trail Map (free PDF download)
  • Ride out of Las Vegas and immediately into desert mountains
  • Quiet pavement through Lake Mead National Recreation Area
  • Sculpted sandstone landforms and canyons in Valley of Fire State Park and in the Logandale ATV Trail System
  • The Virgin Mountains, their desolate beauty, and their hidden Joshua Tree forests
  • The route leaves the Las Vegas airport, passes several grocery stores, and then heads out the east side of town on bike path and into the hills.
  • Resupply locations include the towns of Overton (mile 98) and Mesquite (mile 128); additional resupply options off route are at Calville Bay (mile 33) and Echo Bay (mile 58).
  • You must pay an entrance fee upon reaching Lake Mead National Recreation Area; once in, camping is limited to Calville Bay (mile 33) and Echo Bay (mile 58) campgrounds along the route
  • You will also pay an entrance fee upon entering Valley of Fire State Park. Camping in the park is limited to the official campground just off route.
  • Water resources are limited on this section, so plan ahead, especially when leaving Mesquite - there’s only one reliable source (mile 160) between there and St. George (mile 203). Fortunately, Cougar Spring virtually at the high point of the segment in the Virgin Mountains.
  • Bike shops are available in Las Vegas and St. George.

  • Las Vegas: Valley Hospital Medical Center, 702-388-4000, 620 Shadow Lane
  • Mesquite: Mesa View Medical Group, 702-346-0800, 1301 Bertha Howe Ln # 1
  • St. George: Dixie Regional Medical Center, 435-251-1000, 1380 E Medical Center Dr.
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SEGMENT 2: ST. GEORGE TO NAVAJO LAKE
  • Description
  • Details
  • Highlights
  • Logistics
  • Medical Services
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The bustling and rapidly growing town of St. George has become the retirement capitol of Utah given its low elevation and relatively mild climate. Leaving town, the route follows bike path along the Virgin River and then a series of steadily smaller roads heading southeast toward the heart of the Arizona Strip. Through Warner Valley, 4x4 roads meander through very arid badlands and mesas (some relatively short sections of the route in this area get sticky when wet!) before climbing up the Hurricane Cliffs on what is known as the Honeymoon Trail. This steep trail is an old Mormon route used in the late 1800s by newlyweds from the remote regions hundreds of miles to the east traveling to the St. George Temple to have their marriages blessed. The Hurricane Cliffs themselves represent the western edge of the Colorado Plateau region. There’s no reliable water between St. George and Virgin, so plan accordingly.

Once atop the cliffs, the route heads north, joins the popular Gem Trail singletrack, and crosses the Virgin River at the tiny town of Virgin. And then the climbing begins, beginning at 3,000 feet and topping out at over 9,000 feet as the route begins to traverse the high plateaus of central Utah. The route up follows the Kolob Terrace Road through the northwestern part of Zion National Park past towering sandstone cliffs. After some high-elevation gravel roads, trail drops down rapidly to Cedar City. The final part of this segment climbs a paved road up nearly 4,000 feet to join the Virgin River Rim singletrack on the southern edge of the Markagunt Plateau. Midway through this trail is Navajo Lake, a small store, a campground, and a lodge.
Segment length: 147 miles
Total climbing: 16,000 feet
Recommended number of days: 4-5+
 
% Paved (approx.): 25%
% Dirt road (approx.): 25%
% 4x4 road/2-track (approx.): 30%
% Singletrack (approx.): 20%
% Rideable (approx.): 97%
 
Average physical difficulty (1-10): 4-5
Average technical difficulty (1-10): 5-6
Bikepacking challenges: Limited water, limited resupply options, summer heat, minimally maintained trails
Longest stretch between resupply (miles/days): 75 miles / 2+ days
Longest stretch between water sources (miles/days): 50 miles / 1+ days
 
Recommended printed topographic maps:
  • Saint George/Springdale, Utah Trail Map (free PDF download)
  • Trails Illustrated #702 (Cedar Mountain, Pine Valley Mountain)
  • Dixie National Forest: Pine Valley and Cedar City Ranger Distracts map is an alternative to Trails Illustrated Maps #702 and #714 (the latter provides coverage of part of Segment 3)
  • Desolate but colorful badland riding just southeast of St. George
  • Reaching the top of the Hurricane Cliffs on the Honeymoon Trail
  • Climbing from low desert into high plateau forests and meadows
  • Views of the white cliffs of Zion National Park and the pink cliffs above Cedar City
  • Descending the technical switchbacks of C Trail into Cedar City
  • The singletrack of the Virgin River Rim Trail
  • Do not attempt the first half of this segment when conditions are wet. Impassable clay mud is everywhere.
  • Resupply locations are available only in Cedar City (mile 115) and at Navajo Lodge and Store (end of Segment 2); meals are available in Virgin (mile 52).
  • The opening dates and hours of the Navajo Lodge are always in flux. It’s best to call ahead (702-646-4197) or visit their website prior to your trip (www.navajolakelodge.com)
  • Reliable water is found at Coyote Spring (a bit limey; mile 22), in Virgin (mile 52), Kolob Reservoir (mile 90), Cedar City (mile 115), a campground just off route at mile 128, and at Navajo Lake (miles 140-147).
  • The Virgin River Rim Trail is often more taxing than riders expect. Plan for slow progress and carry more water than you predict to need.
  • Bike shops are available in St. George and Cedar City. The next bike shop on route after Cedar City is not until Moab.
  • St. George: Dixie Regional Medical Center, 435-251-1000, 1380 E Medical Center Dr.
  • Cedar City: Cedar City Hospital: 435-868-5000, 1303 N Main St.
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 SEGMENT 3: NAVAJO LAKE TO BOULDER TOWN
  • Description
  • Details
  • Highlights
  • Logistics
  • Medical Services
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This segment traverses southern Utah’s most scenic plateaus, the Markagunt, the Paunsaugunt, and the Aquarius Plateaus. Beginning on the Markagunt at Navajo Lake, the route continues on the rugged Virgin River Rim singletrack along the edge of the Pink Cliffs before dropping off the plateau on the Harris Rim ATV track. A gas station at Long Valley Junction provides a simple resupply option before climbing onto the Paunsaugunt Plateau, home to Bryce Canyon National Park. The route follows the edge of the plateau on the demanding Grandview Trail, sometimes up at the rim and other times well below it. Eventually, the route leaves the Grandview Trail, hops on the Skutumpah Road, and heads north into the small town of Tropic, named for its relatively mild winters, uncharacteristic for the region.

Leaving Tropic, a 2,000-foot climb up a highway along the edge of scenic Bryce Canyon National Park is followed by rugged ATV track of the Great Western Trail, leading to Pine Lake Reservoir. A steep forest road climb tops out at over 10,000 feet atop the Aquarius Plateau at a junction for a mandatory side trip out to take in the vista from Powell Point. The views from there are absolutely unparalleled.
 
The final 75 miles of Segment 3 traverses the Aquarius Plateau, first along its edge on gravel roads before dropping off the side and following a mix of backcountry singletrack and 4x4 roads to a final descent into Boulder Town. The views are huge, temperatures relatively cool, water plentiful by comparison to most of the rest of the Plateau Passage, and the singletrack delightfully rideable in places and faint with downed trees in others. Boulder Town itself is a tiny community nestled at the edge of canyon country with a couple tiny stores, a motel, a few restaurants, and a fancy lodge.
Segment length: 213 mi
Total climbing: 22,000 feet
Recommended number of days: 5-6+
 
% Paved (approx.): 12%
% Dirt road (approx.): 20%
% 4x4 road/2-track (approx.): 33%
% Singletrack (approx.): 35%
% Rideable (approx.): 92%
 
Average physical difficulty (1-10): 7

Average technical difficulty (1-10): 6-7

Bikepacking challenges: Limited water, limited resupply options, remote, summer heat, minimally maintained trails
Longest stretch between resupply (miles/days): 106 miles / 2-3+ days
Longest stretch between water sources (miles/days): 35 singletrack miles / <1 day

 
Recommended printed topographic maps:
  • Trails Illustrated #702 (Cedar Mountain, Pine Valley Mountain)
  • Trails Illustrated #714 (Grand Staircase, Paunsaugunt Plateau)
  • Trails Illustrated #705 (Paunsaugunt Plateau, Mount Dutton, Bryce Canyon)
  • Trails Illustrated #267 (Capitol Reef)
  • The less detailed but still very useful Dixie National Forest: Powell, Escalante, and Teasdale Ranger Districts Map covers what Trails Illustrated Maps #714, 705, and 267 cover for this segment.

  • The singletrack of the Virgin River Rim Trail
  • Spectacular views from Powell Point
  • High plateau meadows and forests and cool temperatures at over 10,000’
  • Great Western Trail singletrack beneath the rim of the Aquarius Plateau
  • NOTE: A reroute has been created beginning at mile 191.6 on this segment to bypass trail that is no longer being cleared of deadfall by the USFS. See downloads for a GPX file of the reroute. The reroute is entirely dirt road and pavement, following Hell's Backbone Road into Boulder Town.
  • Water is more prevalent on this segment of the route as more time is spent in high plateau country. In most parts of this segment, water sources are roughly 20 miles apart.
  • Food resupply is available at Long Valley Junction (mile 35) and Tropic (mile 108)
  • The Virgin River Rim and Navajo Lake trails above Cedar City (toward the end of Segment 2) are often covered in spruce deadfall in the early season and may not cleared by the USFS until late June. Contact the USFS office in Cedar CIty (435-865-3200) to check on the condition of these trails. And the Grandview Trail on the south side of the Paunsaugant Plateau can face the same issue. Call the USFS office in Escalante (435-826-5499) for an assessment of current conditions
  • Many sections of trail on this segment become impassable when wet.
  • Cedar City: Cedar City Hospital: 435-868-5000, 1303 N Main St.
  • Panguitch: Garfield Memorial Hospital, 435-676-8811, 200 N 400 E St, Panguich
  • Kanab: Kane County Hospital, 435-644-5811355 N Main St, Kanab
  • Salina: North Sevier Medical Clinic, 435-529-7411, 530 N 250 W, Salina
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 SEGMENT 4: BOULDER TOWN TO MONTICELLO
  • Description
  • Details
  • Highlights
  • Logistics
  • Medical Services
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Segment 5 is the most remote of the Plateau Passage, immediately entering canyon country, climbing over two isolated mountain ranges, and reaching Monticello some 230+ miles later. The scenery is spectacular, and the sheer scale of this Colorado Plateau landscape is difficult to fathom. There are no resupply options between Boulder Town and Monticello, and water is scarce, so careful planning is required.
 
The first 60 miles of the segment follow the relatively famous Burr Trail Road and Notom Road from Boulder Town toward Capital Reef National Park. The riding is generally fairly fast on these mostly graded dirt roads. But then the route turns upward and climbs 5,000 feet toward the peaks of the Henry Mountains on 4x4 roads. This was the final mountain range in the Lower 48 to be mapped. From Bull Mountain Pass, just a few hundred feet lower than the adjacent summits, a 4x4 road descent drops back down 5,000 feet, followed by another 1,000-foot descent on a quiet highway to the route’s Colorado River crossing near Hite. A former townsite, Hite now has little more than a little gas station/store (don't plan on anything fancy, but very basic provisions can be purchased here), a campground, and a ranger station for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
 
After Hite, the route climbs gradually among redrock buttes and narrow canyons on 4x4 roads toward Elk Ridge and the iconic pair of mesas known as Bears Ears. The views off both sides of this long, narrow ridgeline are dramatic, and the riding becomes relatively easy on the well-maintained graded road. Elk Ridge leads to the base of the Abajo Mountains (also known as the Blue Mountains), this segment reaches its terminus at Monticello by skirting around the southern side of the Abajos on graded dirt roads and a few miles of rugged ATV trail. Monticello is another small Colorado Plateau town but has a grocery store, lodging options, and numerous restaurants. 

Segment length: 234 miles
Total climbing: 19,000 feet
Recommended number of days: 4-5 days
 
% Paved (approx.): 20%
% Dirt road (approx.): 30%
% 4x4 road/2-track (approx.): 30%
% Singletrack (approx.): 0%
% Rideable (approx.): 98%
 
Average physical difficulty (1-10): 5-6
Average technical difficulty (1-10): 4-5
Bikepacking challenges: Limited water, limited resupply options, remote, summer heat, minimally maintained trails
Longest stretch between resupply (miles/days): 233 miles / 4-5 days
Longest stretch between water sources (miles/days): 60 miles / 1+ days
 
Recommended printed topographic maps:
  • Trails Illustrated #267 (Capitol Reef)
  • BLM Henry Mountains Map (free PDF download)
  • The free Garfield County ATV and OHV Route Map (see www.utah-trails.com) provides better coverage than the combination of the Trails Illustrated #267 map and the BLM Henry Mountains Map.
  • Trails Illustrated #703 (Manti-La Sal National Forest)
  • Traversing the historic Burr Trail Road through sandstone fins before climbing high into the Henry Mountains
  • A short side-trip up to the summit of Mt. Ellen from Bull Mountain Pass at the top of the Henry Mountains
  • Descending through Long Canyon down to the Colorado River.
  • Following dirt roads across Elk Ridge through Bears Ears National Monument toward the Abajo Mountains in cool temperatures high above desert on either side far below
  • This segment is the crux of the entire Plateau Passage route - summer temperatures can soar to 100+ °F, water sources are widely spaced and require careful planning, and there are no resupply options until the end of this 233-mile section.
  • Water is limited in the first 100 miles of the segment - reliable water sources in that part include only Sandy Ranch (mile 53) and a creek at mile 80. After Hite (mile 121), it could be as much as 80 miles until the next water during drier times.
  • Riding is faster than on previous segments - most of this segment follows graded dirt roads and forest roads that are in decent condition.
  • As with many other parts southern Utah, most stretches of this segment are impassable when wet
  • Salina: North Sevier Medical Clinic, 435-529-7411, 530 N 250 W, Salina
  • Monticello: San Juan Hospital, 435-587-2116, 380 W 100 N, Monticello
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SEGMENT 5: MONTICELLO TO NUCLA, COLORADO
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  • Details
  • Highlights
  • Logistics
  • Medical Services
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Classic Colorado Plateau canyon country continues in Segment 5 of the Plateau Passage with the world-famous landscapes of Canyonlands National Park and the Moab area. It begins in Monticello with an immediate 4,000-foot climb to the crest of the Abajo Mountains. The climb begins on pavement, turns to a graded, narrow gravel road for the second half, and then turns to a steep singletrack for the last grunt to a stunning saddle. Below, one of the greatest singletrack descents in the West awaits, descending 5,000 feet. At the bottom, the route turns west toward Canyonlands National Park. A spur to the Needles Outpost Store provides a water and resupply option, and then the road to Moab leads through Lockhart Basin. This quiet, 40-mile-long 4x4 track traverses beneath towering sandstone cliffs and above the Green River.
 
Rolling into Moab, the bustle of the desert tourist town and mountain bike mecca may be a bit overwhelming after days in the quiet desert. Moab offers just about any amenity needed by a bikepacker, and a 6,000-foot climb into the La Sal Mountains waits just outside of town. The climb is entirely on a quiet gravel road, topping out at La Sal Pass. On the back side of the La Sals, a network of moto singletrack followed by gravel road link up to Buckeye Reservoir and campground. At that point, the route joins what’s known as the Paradox Trail for the remainder of the segment. The Paradox Trail is a series of mostly remote, rough 2-tracks, 4x4 roads, and occasional trail linked together by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association. After a traverse of Carpenter Ridge, the route dives down to the Dolores River on a very rough uranium haul road from the 1950s. The uranium and vanadium mining boom following World War II was huge in this area, and the evidence of the mines (including piles of radioactive tailings) is widespread.
 
The sprawling Uncompahgre Plateau looms above the Dolores River, and the Paradox Trail climbs up the plateau’s flanks before traversing countless drainages. The going is slow, rough, and stark in its beauty, but after 25 miles, the route begins to trend downward on newly-constructed Paradox Trail singletrack leading to just above the tiny community of Nucla, the end of Segment 5. Riders will find little more than a small market, a restaurant one mile off-route in Nucla, and plentiful guns (the town requires by law that every household have a firearm of some sort). But folks are friendly and the pace of life is comfortably slow.

Segment length: 231 miles
Total climbing: 21,500 feet
Recommended number of days: 5-6+
 
% Paved (approx.): 15%
% Dirt road (approx.): 20%
% 4x4 road/2-track (approx.): 50%
% Singletrack (approx.): 15%
% Rideable (approx.): 90+%
 
Average physical difficulty (1-10): 6-8
Average technical difficulty (1-10): 6-8
Bikepacking challenges: Limited water, limited resupply options, remote, summer heat, minimally maintained trails
Longest stretch between resupply (miles/days): 120 miles / 3+ days
Longest stretch between water sources (miles/days): 63 miles / 1-2 days

Recommended printed topographic maps:
  • Trails Illustrated #703 (Manti-La Sal National Forest)
  • Trails Illustrated #501 (Moab South)
  • Trails Illustrated #146 (Uncompahgre North)
  • Trails Illustrated #147 (Uncompahgre South)
  • Robertson Pasture Trail down the north side of the Abajo Mountains is one of the most spectacular singletrack descents in the West
  • The solitude of the canyon country along Lockhart Basin Road
  • Climbing high into the La Sal Mountains and descending singletrack moto trails on the back side
  • Rough, quiet country along the southwest slope of the Uncompahgre Plateau among the remnants of hundreds of abandoned uranium and vanadium mine
  • Resupply options along this segment are limited to the Needles Outpost Store (Mile 48) and Moab (mile 111).
  • Water is available in the Abajo (west of Monticello) and La Sal Mountains (east of Moab). Between the Needles Outpost Store (mile 48) and Moab (mile 111), there is no water, and the summer temperatures along that stretch can be very hot. Beyond the La Sal Mountains, water is likely available every 20-25 miles.
  • Expect slow riding between Buckeye Reservoir (mile 167) and Nucla (mile 228) on old mine roads and ATV trails.
  • The Robertson Pasture Trail high in the Abajo Mountains is closed to bikes from October 1 to May 15. A detour is possible by staying on Hwy 101 until just past Harts Draw Overlook and rejoining the segment at Spring Lake.
  • Call ahead to the Needles Outpost Store (435-979-4007; mile 48) just to verify that they will be open when you pass by.
  • As with many other parts of Utah and western Colorado, most stretches of this segment are impassable when wet
  • Monticello: San Juan Hospital, 435-587-2116, 380 W 100 N, Monticello
  • Moab: Moab Regional Hospital, 435-719-3500, 450 Williams Way
  • Telluride, CO: Telluride Medical Center, 970-728-3848, 500 W Pacific Ave.
  • Montrose, CO: Montrose Memorial Hospital, 970-249-2211, 800 S 3rd St.
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SEGMENT 6: NUCLA TO DURANGO
  • Description
  • Details
  • Highlights
  • Logistics
  • Medical Services
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The end of the Plateau Passage is not far away, but a few spectacular, tall, and jagged mountain ranges stand between Nucla and Durango. Segment 6 begins with a 4,000-foot climb to the crest of the Uncompahgre Plateau on a mix of more Paradox Trail singletrack, gravel roads, and 4x4 tracks. Once on the crest, the gravel Divide Road carries riders southeast toward the mighty San Juan Mountains. A brief descent to near the town of Ridgeway brings the route to the base of the Sneffels Range, and nestled at the base of these craggy peaks is the amazing mountain singletrack of the Dallas Trail. At the east end of the trail is the little town of Ouray, deep in one of the stunning valleys that earned this area the nickname of the American Alps. Ouray offers basic resupply options, restaurants, and lodging.
 
Beyond Ouray, more steep climbing awaits. It begins with a few miles on the scenic Highway 550 before aiming toward the sky and Engineer Pass on rough, popular 4x4 roads. Just before Engineer Pass proper, the route turns south, descends a steadily-improving gravel road to the old mining community of Silverton, and then the climbing resumes. Pavement leads to dirt road leads to a 4x4 track leads to an old pack trail to the summit of Rolling Mountain Pass at over 12,000 feet above sea level, the high point of the Plateau Passage. More singletrack follows, including the well-known Engineer Mountain Trail descent to near Purgatory Resort. A short dirt road climb leads to the ~20-mile-long Hermosa Creek Trail, and from the south end of that trail, there is a mere 20 miles of pavement to reach Durango, the end of Segment 6 and the eastern terminus of the Plateau Passage. Really ambitious riders may opt to begin the Colorado Trail in Durango and continue another 485 miles to Denver through the heart of the Colorado Rockies. But wrapping up the 1,200+ miles of the Plateau Passage will stand as in incredible accomplishment in and of itself.
Segment length: 189 mi
Total climbing: 23,000 feet
Recommended number of days: 4+
 
% Paved (approx.): 15%
% Dirt road (approx.): 25%%
% 4x4 road/2-track (approx.): 25%
% Singletrack (approx.): 35%
% Rideable (approx.): 90%
 
Average physical difficulty (1-10): 6-7
Average technical difficulty (1-10): 5-7
Bikepacking challenges: Limited water, limited resupply options, remote, summer heat, minimally maintained trails
Longest stretch between resupply (miles/days): 94 miles / 2+ days
Longest stretch between water sources (miles/days): <30 miles / <1 day
 
Recommended printed topographic maps:
  • Trails Illustrated #147 (Uncompahgre South)
  • Latitude 40 Southwest Colorado Trails
  • Riding the summit ridge of the Uncompahgre Plateau on the Divide Road
  • Climbing into the San Juan mountains
  • The Dallas Trail in the Sneffels Range and descending straight into the town of Ouray
  • High alpine singletrack around Engineer Mountain
  • Rolling into Durango and completing the Plateau Passage
  • Water availability is much less of an issue on this route after the first 30 miles
  • Resupply options are available in Ridgeway (5 miles off route from mile 69), Ouray (mile 94), and Silverton (mile 118)
  • This segment boasts ample mountain riding, steep climbs, and exposed topography above treeline. Plan carefully and avoid being up high during afternoon thunderstorms.
  • Options to travel to and from Durango include shuttles and flights.
  • Telluride, CO: Telluride Medical Center, 970-728-3848, 500 W Pacific Ave.
  • Montrose, CO: Montrose Memorial Hospital, 970-249-2211, 800 S 3rd St.
  • Durango: Mercy Regional Medical Center, 970-247-4311, 1010 Three Springs Ave.
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