The full route of the 35th annual Ride the Rockies has been unveiled.
The six-day trek through Colorado, scheduled from Sunday, June 14 to Friday, June 19, will begin and end in Durango, Colorado.
For the second year in row, the Ride the Rockies route will be a loop. The 2020 event will be a 418-mile clockwise loop traveling through Cortez, Norwood and Ouray County. Lizard Head Pass, Red Mountain Pass, Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass are some of the challenges riders will face on the route’s total 28,484 feet of climb.
The ‘Prologue’ will include a ride from Durango to Pagosa Springs.
Prologue
Saturday, June 13
Durango to Pagosa Springs
Southern Ute Reservation, Navajo Reservoir, Chimney Rock National Monument
The Prologue is an optional ride. From the Ride the Rockies website:
Riders seeking a little extra challenge (and an amazing finish) should sign up for the Ride the Rockies Prologue, which starts in downtown Durango and heads east toward Pagosa Springs. In between is an ever-rolling route through the scenic Southern Ute Reservation, past the shimmering waters of Navajo Reservoir, and underneath the shadow of the famed Chimney Rock National Monument.
Just past Chimney Rock, before the route turns onto US160, riders will have a choice: jump in a luxury shuttle for the final 17 miles or keep pedaling all the way to the end. Either way, your final destination is the famed Springs Resort and Spa in Pagosa Springs where you’ll enjoy a gourmet meal and VIP access to the hot springs. It’s the perfect way to start a great week on the bike.
Riders will begin the Ride the Rockies main loop the following day.
Day 1
Sunday, June 14
Durango Loop
Animas River, Southern Ute Reservation, La Plata Mountains
Day 2
Monday, June 15
Durango to Cortez
Lake Nighthorse, Cheery Creek Loop, Mesa Verde
Day 3
Tuesday, June 16
Cortez to Norwood
Lizard Head Pass, San Miguel River, Norwood Hill
Day 4
Wednesday, June 17
Norwood to Ridgway
San Miguel River, Dallas Divide, San Juan Mountains
Day 5
Thursday, June 18
Ridgway Loop
Ridgway State Park, Uncompahgre Plateau, San Juan Mountains
Day 6
Friday, June 19
Ridgway to Durango
Ouray, Red Mountain Pass, Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass
To see a day-by-day breakdown, visit RidetheRockies.com.