Galloping Goose Downhill Ride

Trip Description:  The “Goose” features 17-miles of flowing, single-track riding. The trail is almost all downhill and always amid spectacular mountain vistas.

The ride begins at the 10,222’ summit of Lizard Head Pass and follows historic path of the Galloping Goose railway. The path was once home to the famous narrow-gauge railroad connecting Telluride with Durango.  Dropping gently down from the pass, the route circles two beautiful lakes before descending into the Ilium Valley. The trail traverses beneath scenic 500’ tall cliffs of the Ames Wall. Numerous artifacts of the area’s historic mining days line the route. We’ll make a few stops for photos and snacks along the way. The spectacular ride culminates along the South Fork of the San Miguel river, deep in the Ilium Valley, where we’ll have refreshments before heading back to Telluride.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider, the scenery and potential of this trail are hard to beat. Galloping Goose is suitable for families aged 10 and up, as well as group rides.

Price:  $180 per person, with a maximum of 12 people.

Please note that we do require a minimum of three riders, but these trips often book at the last minute.  If you book this trip ahead of time, we will notify you at least 48 hours before your planned departure date, and, if it looks like we won’t have a sufficient number of riders, to discuss options.

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Custom Guided Rides

TelluRiders is permitted on a number of great trails around Telluride, and for the adventurous, we’ll put together a full or half-day of riding that connects every level of rider, from the first-time family, to the seasoned single-track charger with their perfect local trails.

Price:  $190 per person, with a maximum of 5.

Some of the most spectacular local rides we can take you on include:

Alta Lakes Ride

Alta Lakes offers some of the most stunning terrain in the Telluride area, and presents fun challenges for the experienced, single-track rider.  With the new expansion in 2018/19, the Alta Lakes trails have something for all levels of riding.

We start near the Alta Lakes ghost town, at an elevation of about 11,000’.  Soaring, craggy ridges ascend above us to the summit of Palmyra Peak, almost a half mile above.

The trails descend through a mix of tall coniferous forest, open meadows full of verdant ferns and glades of aspen trees.  This is true single track, with flowy, rolling sections and a few short, steep climbs.  It is absolutely beautiful country and super fun riding!

Thunder Trails Ride

The Thunder Trails, located outside of the rural community of Norwood, Colorado offer some diverse multi-use single and “two-track” riding that can accommodate bikers of all abilities.  This is a new trail system for riders in the Telluride and San Miguel County region, completed by our local US Forest Service in 2014.

The Thunder Trails are comprised of four interconnected loops of single and “double-track” that are linked together to provide 19 miles of fun riding!  The east-side loops are more flowing, following mellower terrain through Ponderosa forest and open meadows.  The western side is more technical, with some tricky, rocky sections as the trail follows the rim of the San Miguel Canyon.

Mill and Deep Creek Rides

For the technically proficient and fit rider, we offer some fun, challenging rides, such as the Mill and Deep Creek trails.  Both involve steep climbs as well as rooty and rocky single track.  These are not for the inexperienced or for anyone who is not a fit, strong rider.  If you are – you’ll find some truly great riding along the mountainsides above Telluride!

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New in 2020!

Wilson Mesa Trail

Wilson Mesa Trail – The new epic in Telluride. This trail gives you a bit of everything riding in the San Juans has to offer. Big views off the mesa, great climbs fun descents. There’s even a chance to stop for a beer at the Telluride Brewery at the end of the ride.

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Wasatch Trail Loop

Wasatch Trail Loop – One of the biggest rides in the area. With a combined total of over 8000 feet of climbing and descending its a classic loop. Climb up to Bridal Veil Falls, then continuing up you follow the trail past Blue Lake. Ending with a descent into the famous Bear Creek back to Telluride.
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Mountain Biking Lessons

We offer instructional mountain biking lessons for individuals or groups. Whether you are a first time rider or are advanced in your skill set, we have the lesson or tune-up for you. Our certified guides can have you reach your mountain bike goals. We will work with you to customize your full or half-day lesson to maximize your experience on the Telluride trail systems. Let us know what you want and the goals you have to further your riding ability. We’ll adapt our lesson to your needs
and help accelerate your biking potential.

Full-day Lesson: $405
Half-day Lesson: $255

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Contact us for group rates.

Telluriders After School Mountain Biking Program

Want to get your kids in a fun outdoor activity? Telluriders and San Juan Mountain Bike Guides LLC late summer youth mountain bike clinic is a great way to introduce your child to biking or further their blossoming skills as well as gain confidence and progress quicker in a positive safe environment. Telluriders will focus on proper ready riding position, shifting, braking and good cycling habits all while maintaining the fun we can have on our bikes in beautiful Telluride CO. Clinics are for children 7 and up.

  • Groups will be determined by age and riding ability.
  • All bikes must be 20” wheels with hand brakes( no coaster brakes) Bikes available at Box Canyon Bikes, Telluride Sports or Mountain Adventure Equipment in Telluride or Mtn Village.
  • Helmet, gloves and closed toed shoes required (Telluriders can provide gloves if you do not have a set)
  • Protective pads recommended
  • Hydration is essential. Please bring hydration packs or water bottle and back pack.
  • Temperatures may vary. Please plan proper attire for your child’s safety and comfort.

Telluriders will do a van pick up in front of the Telluride Intermediate School, 725 W Colorado Ave Telluride CO 81435. Van departs at 3:30pm and returns 6:00pm to the same location.

COST: $105.00

NOTE: If booking more than one date, please select each date, “Add to Cart” and then repeat for each other date.

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Galloping Goose Shuttle

We will pick you up at 8am for in Elk Park downtown Telluride next to Box Canyon Bicycles and drop you off on the top of Lizard Head Pass. The rest is up to you. Follow the scenic Gallpoing goose to the Illium junction and home to Telluride for a epic day.$35/prsn maximum 10ppl. Locals punch card available call for details.
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Wilson Mesa Shuttle

Schedule upon request minimum three riders. We will drop you off at Woods Lake trailhead. From there it is across the mesa, down into the Illium Valley and home to Telluride. With fast single track, great climbs and wide open views it is the new Telluride epic. $50/prsn maximum 10ppl.
Book a Shuttle

Schedule Coming Soon

Schedule Coming Soon

Considerations

Please prepare accordingly for the effects of altitude before your bike trip. Telluride itself is situated at nearly 9,000′, and most of our rides take place at even higher elevations. Bikers should drink more water than usual on the days leading up to their trip and alert their guide if they are feeling nauseous or light-headed. Mountain biking is inherently a high-impact and dangerous activity. Bikers should assume a certain level of risk. TelluRiders guides will do their best to mitigate the risk level and respond to any emergencies that occur on the trail. Prospective bikers should have a reasonable level of physical fitness.

What’s Included

The trip price includes shuttle service from downtown Telluride, as well as top of the line, full-suspension mountain bike, helmet, gloves, snacks, refreshments and our knowledgeable and experienced guides. Lunch is also included on full-day mountain biking trips.

Personal Gear (Biker must bring)

We ask that all bikers come prepared. Please bring your own closed-toed athletic shoes, a waterproof rain jacket or shell, sunglasses, sunscreen and breathable, athletic clothing.

Optional/recommended: We also recommend bike shorts, a small daypack, hydration system, camera, extra snacks and clothing layers appropriate for weather conditions.

Timing

The Galloping Goose Ride and the Custom Half-Day Mountain Biking take around 4.0hours. The trips can take place in either the morning or afternoon. Morning trips have a pick-up time at 9:00 am. Afternoon trips meet at 2:00 pm. Full-day Thunder Trail rides take approximately 8 hours, with a morning pick-up time of 9:00 am.

Please meet us in downtown Telluride at Box Canyon Bicycles before your ride.

Permits

TelluRiders, LLC is a permittee of the Uncompahgre District of the United States Forest Service.

San Juan Rides

Click here to see our San Juan Mountain bike trips.