DAY 6: If you have the energy, you can choose to bike the optional ride to Maroon Bells Scenic Wilderness Area. Maroon Bells is the name given to two of the highest peaks in the Elk Mountains and is reputed to be one of the most photographed spots in the country.

Or give your biking muscles a break and hike Maroon Lake instead. You can also spend the day exploring Aspen. Though best known for the famous clientele that flock to the ski resort, Aspen has a small-town atmosphere with an idyllic combination of beauty, arts and culture. Tucked away at the southeast end of Roaring Fork Valley and surrounded by towering Elk Mountain, the Collegiate Peaks and White River National Forest, you won’t want to leave. 0 or 21 miles.

DAY 7: We rise in the morning to head up over Independence Pass, voted “Best Imitation of a Tour de France Climb” by Bicycling magazine. This steady climb adjacent to the Roaring Fork River reaches a summit of 12,095’ before descending into the beautiful valley of Lake Creek and on to Twin Lakes. Then we head to Leadville, where we will spend the night. At 10,000’, Leadville is the highest city in the U.S. It dates back to 1860 with the discovery of gold in the area, and still has the rustic flavor of an old mining town. 60 miles.

DAY 8: On our final ride, we head back to Frisco over Fremont Pass and past the Climax Molybdenum Mine. Just outside of Leadville, you may choose to do an optional loop around Turquoise Lake, a gorgeous reservoir named for the stone mined there in the 1930s. Then we will rejoin the Ten Mile Canyon National Recreation Trail back to Frisco. We’ll celebrate our accomplishments over our final dinner together tonight. 31 or 50 miles

DAY 9: After breakfast, we say our good-byes. WomanTours will provide a complimentary shuttle back to the Denver airport, arriving by 11:00am. Or you can take a commercial shuttle at your leisure. 0 miles.

One of our favorite guides, Michelle, lives here and designed this tour for us. Headquarters of the national cycling organization, and several pro cycling teams, races, and bike companies, Colorado has some of the best roads and most beautiful scenery in the world for bicycling. Come with us as we explore some of the best that the Rocky Mountains have to offer: challenging climbs, alpine lakes and the beautiful towns of Aspen, Vail and Glenwood Springs.

DAY 1: We meet in Frisco, known as Main Street of the Rockies. After a rental bike fitting at 3:00pm and an orientation at 5:30pm, we’ll have our first dinner together. With a Main Street lined with colorful shops and cafes, Frisco makes a perfect starting off point for our tour. 0 miles.

DAY 2: After breakfast together, we’ll begin our tour with a warm-up loop around scenic Lake Dillon. Then a bike path will take you over Swan Mountain to Breckenridge for lunch on your own. Along the way, enjoy the stunning view of the lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. If you’re too tired to bike after lunch, you can choose to take the free bicycle-friendly Summit County bus back to Frisco. 22 or 32 miles.

DAY 3: Today we start by cycling the Ten Mile Canyon National Recreation Trail from Frisco to Copper Mountain over Vail Pass. This paved bike path is renowned for its gorgeous views. Our climb to the 10,600’ pass will be rewarded with a picnic lunch at the summit.

From there we’ll continue through the beautiful town of Vail. Explore the shops along the quaint cobblestone streets before continuing on to Avon, where we’ll spend the night, nestled in the Eagle River Valley. 42 miles.

DAY 4: Today we ride the 16-mile Glenwood Canyon Recreational Trail, a gorgeous paved bike path that winds along the roaring Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon. Just before the end of the ride, you can choose to take an optional 2-mile hike to Hanging Lake, an emerald gem hidden in the side of Glenwood Canyon.

Then you can explore downtown Glenwood Springs, located where the Colorado and Fork Rivers converge. The town is home to the world’s largest natural hot springs pool, legendary for its healing powers. 49 miles.

DAY 5: After breakfast we begin our gentle climb to Aspen along the Rio Grande Trail. This 42-mile paved rail-to-trail follows the Roaring Fork River. Formerly known as Thunder River, it earned its name from the waters that cascade down thousands of feet. 43 miles.