Take plenty of liquid and calories, and be prepared for wind, rain, sleet, and hail. Molas Pass provides you uninterrupted views of peaks in the Needles and Grenadiers Ranges, as well as Twilight Peak. The drive from Durango will take about an hour. The San Juan Skyway is designated as an All-American Road, a National Forest Scenic Byway and a Colorado Scenic & Historic Byway. Super fun! No hard feelings, no screaming back and forth....let’s just call our business concluded. Molas Pass is traversed by U.S. Highway 550 south of Silverton, also known as the Million Dollar Highway, and is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. No action shots, 'cuz it's hard to convince friends to do an 75 mile/8500' mountain bike ride, much of it in alpine during an active monsson season. You could also hike south along the trail a short distance from the TH and pitch a tent. Head North on US 550 to Coal Bank Pass Summit--mile 34 During the trip, the temperature will vary up to 15 degrees between valleys and mountaintops with an accompanying change in flora and fauna at different elevations. Took a 3 hr. Our planned trip with this outfit was ruined by a very unpleasant exchange with one of its employees, who lost his temper over a minor issue, and canceled a multi-person trip. Durango, 41.2 miles to the south Silverton, 10.1 miles to the north. Beautiful CO scenery, but that's about it... Hotels near Durango Adventures and Zipline Tours, Hotels near Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum, Hotels near (CEZ) Montezuma County Airport, Hotels near University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Durango, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Durango, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Durango, Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum. The San Juan Mountains are the largest and most rugged collection of mountain peaks in Colorado with thirteen of the peaks above 14,000 feet. NEARBY TOWNS. Mission accomplished! I explained that I would be meeting my Dad and little brother in Durango and that we wanted to go for a fun casual cruise. COPYRIGHT © 2018 BICYCLE PASSPORT. Molas Pass Trailhead To Andrew’s Lake: From 9th Street & Main Avenue, head north on Main Avenue (Hwy 550). Four of us from Tucson wanted to come to Durango and do our own version of the Ironhorse ride to... A true gentleman.Knowledgeable, helpful, yet unobtrusive, the Hermosa Tours staff just wanted to facilitate an awesome ride. We were bush-wacking for 3 hours. Park at the Molas Pass overlook and carefully cross the highway to the trailhead a couple of hundred feet downhill. From Durango, drive north on U.S. Highway 550 for 35 miles to Coal Bank Pass. Hermosa Day Tours: Molas Pass to Durango - See 12 traveller reviews, 2 candid photos, and great deals for Durango, CO, at Tripadvisor. The ride is considerably less intimidating than Red Mountain Pass located on the same highway. Naturally, the rep suggested the Hermosa Creek Trail as a good fit. We were mislead and I would not recommend this service to anyone. Day two customer service terrible. imagine that. All experienced riders and bike packing enthusiasts, we had a great trip in the area anyway. Five of us rode the four-day/three-night Kokopelli Trail, semi-supported tour. No doubt the scenery and overall downhill nature of the ride was highlighted. FUN FACTS “Molas” is Spanish for moles. Our "guide" was a complete JERK, offering nothing resembling human interaction. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Later, I had to refuse payment and write a strong letter to my credit card company before receiving a promised refund. (Partner Pass: Coal Bank Pass), Begin your ride in Durango Day two customer service terrible. bike tour in Sedona, AZ with Hermosa Tours. I described our skill level as thus: I live in Flagstaff and bike to class but have never been mountain biking, my dad and brother live at sea level...nuff said. read more, I have used Hermosa Tours both in Arizona and Colorado for either day shuttles or in the case of... Then came back into town with our supplies sitting in the rain under the steps behind the bike shop. The pass is traversed by the Million Dollar Highway. This would include recommendations, guidance, a smile, or thanks when he took our $75 for driving us up a hill. From Matt"... let’s just all agree you guys and Hermosa Tours are not a good fit. A random online choice directed me to Hermosa Tours. Continue on US 550 to Molas Pass Summit--mile 41 more. Moles burrow in the soft dirt and live in their tunnels around Molas Lake at the pass. Silverton, 10.1 miles to the north. Turn west just north of the pass onto a dirt road that leads to parking for the Pass Creek Trail. After cresting Molas Pass, the turnoff for the trailhead will be 1.1 mile further north and on the right. Do not rely on for trail knowledge. The guide was highly knowledgeable in all aspects of the region as well as a crazy strong rider. Alternately, you can use the parking area near Little Molas Lake. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. read more. (1/2 day) mt. Roughly 40 miles north of Durango on U.S. Highway 550, turn right onto Andrew’s Lake Road and follow to the trailhead at the end of the road. I have used Hermosa Tours both in Arizona and Colorado for either day shuttles or in the case of... Day one the Trails were amazing. He was spot on about the view, but I think he was a bit off with his assessment of our qualifications (basically none) to take on a 20 + mile jaunt through semi-technical rocky single track which concluded with a two mile climb. While the grades are forgiving, this is a serious trail. Molas Pass, about midway between Ouray and Silverton, in the strip-mined heart of old mining country, offers a breathtaking, 360-degree panorama of mountains, lake and sky that's worth pausing to savor at length. “Molas” is Spanish for moles. The San Juan Skyway travels over four mountain passes (Molas, Coal Bank, Red Mountain, and Lizard Head) through two National Forests (Uncompahgre and San Juan), and provides a view of many different climate zones. The guide had no attitude, he just wanted to ride us around to our ability. Moles burrow in the soft dirt and live in their tunnels around Molas Lake at the pass. Durango, 41.2 miles to the south Mile for mile, the strip of Colorado US Highway 550 from Ridgecrest to Durango contains some of the most thrilling landscape in the entire Rocky Mountain West. "Look for other options. The road over the pass, officially called U.S. Highway 550, is asphalted. We were bush-wacking for 3 hours. Yesterday I did Molas Pass to Durango on the Colorado Trail. Then came back into town with our supplies sitting in the rain under the steps behind the bike shop. Unprofessional and Rude!! Day one the Trails were amazing. The scenic San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile state highway maintained through the mountain range. Click here to learn more or control your settings. When we stress our concerns this was the response we received. The Pass usually stays open during the winter season. I've never done a ride like this before, and thought you folks may like it. Molas Pass provides you uninterrupted views of peaks in the Needles and Grenadiers Ranges, as well as Twilight Peak.