HISTORY - Ride The Rockies

RTR History

In 1986, The Denver Post created the premier Ride The Rockies (RTR) Colorado Bicycle Tour. Over 1,500 riders came from around the country to participate in the six day, cross-state tour. The Tour was an immediate success, and The Post produced the ride for over 34 years. Cyclists represented all fifty states and several foreign countries.

In 1987, the registration limit was raised to 2,000 cyclists, and in 1989 a lottery registration system was implemented to keep pace with the event’s ever increasing popularity.

Since 2001, RTR gave back to the hosting towns by providing grants to deserving nonprofit organizations providing services to low-income children and youth. Since 2011, the grants were presented through The Denver Post Community Foundation to support nonprofit agencies working to improve and enrich the lives of those in their communities. More than $585,000 has been presented to nonprofits in the following communities: Alamosa, Aspen, Avon, Boulder, Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Cañon City, Carbondale, Castle Rock, Chama, Colorado Springs, Copper Mountain, Cortez, Craig, Crested Butte, Delta, Denver, Durango, Edwards, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Frisco, Georgetown, Glenwood Springs, Grand Lake, Golden, Granby, Grand Junction, Greeley, Gunnison, Hotchkiss, Idaho Springs, Leadville, Manitou Springs, Montrose, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Ridgway, Rifle, Salida, Silverton, Steamboat Springs, Telluride, Trinidad, Vail, Walsenburg, Westcliffe and Winter Park.

In November of 2021, the ride was acquired by Ventures Endurance, a subsidiary of Gannett’s USA TODAY Ventures event team. The new team remains dedicated to the legacy of Ride the Rockies.

Past Routes

2019 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 434 MILES

Crested Butte to Gunnison, 65.1 miles, 2492′, Taylor Reservoir
Gunnison Loop – 1 Day Option, 69.6 miles, 3261′
Gunnison to Buena Vista, 83.2 miles, 5393′, Monarch Pass
Buena Vista to Snowmass, 73 miles, 5’779′, Independence Pass
Snowmass to Carbondale, 38 miles, 2529′
Carbondale to Hotchkiss, 65.4 miles, 3958′. McClure Pass
Hotchkiss to Gunnison, 79.1 miles, 6861′, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Gunnison to Mt. Crested Butte, 31.2 miles, 2086′

2018 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 418 MILES

Breckenridge to Edwards – 77 miles, 4,429 ft.
Edwards to Steamboat Springs – 79.6 miles, 5,055 ft.
Steamboat Springs to Steamboat Springs – Loop Day – 48.4 miles, 3,317 ft.
Steamboat Springs to Grand Lake – 93.8 miles, 6,202 ft.
Grand Lake to Winter Park – 32.1 miles, 1,745 ft. – Optional Berthoud Pass, 28.9 miles, 2,725 ft.
Winter Park to Breckenridge – 87 miles, 5,187 ft.

2017 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 447 MILES

Alamosa to Pagosa Springs – 93 miles, Wolf Creek Pass – 10,856 ft.

Pagosa Springs to Durango – 68 miles, Yellowjacket Pass – 7,785 ft. & Chimney Rock National Monument

Durango Loop – 39 miles, Hesperus Hill – Southern Ute Reservation – 12,468 ft.

Durango to Ridgway– 83 miles, Coal Bank Pass – 10,640 ft., Molas Pass – 10,910 ft. & Red Mountain Pass – 11,018 ft.

Ridgway to Montrose – 32 miles, Government Springs Out-and-back Challenge

Montrose to Gunnison – 65 miles, Cerro Summit – 8,042 ft. & Blue Mesa Reservoir – Curecanti National Recreation Area

Gunnison to Salida – 66 miles, Monarch Pass – 11,312 ft.

2016 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 403 MILES

Carbondale to Aspen – 50 miles, Rio Grande Trail

Aspen to Copper Mountain – 85 miles, Independence Pass – 12,095 ft. & Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft.

Copper Mountain Loop – 79 miles, Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft., Tennessee Pass – 10, 424 ft. & Vail Pass – 10,662 ft.

Copper Mountain to Grand Lake – 85 miles, Ute Pass – 9,165 ft.

Grand Lake to Estes Park – 49 miles, Trail Ridge Road – Rocky Mountain National Park – 12,183 ft.

Estes Park to Fort Collins – 51 miles, Horsetooth Reservoir – 5,420 ft.

2015 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 464 MILES

Grand Junction Loop – 47 miles, Colorado National Monument
Grand Junction to Hotchkiss – 96 miles, Grand Mesa
Hotchkiss to Gunnison – 79 miles, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park & Blue Mesa Reservoir
Gunnison to Crested Butte – 27 miles
Crested Butte to Salida – 102 miles, Cottonwood Pass – 12,126 ft.
Salida to Canon City – 66 miles, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Canon City to Westcliffe – 47 miles, Hardscrabble Pass – 9,085 ft.

2014 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 471 MILES

Boulder to Winter Park – 89 miles – Berthoud Pass – 11,315 ft.
Winter Park to Steamboat Springs – 95 miles – Muddy Pass – 8,772 ft. & Rabbit Ears – 9,426 ft.
Steamboat Springs Loop – 54 miles – Twenty-Mile Rd.
Steamboat Springs to Avon – 82 miles – State Bridge
Avon to Breckenridge – 74 miles – Battle Mtn. – 9,231 ft., Tennessee Pass – 10, 424 ft. & Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft.
Breckenridge to Golden – 77 miles – Swan Mtn. – 9,520 ft., Loveland Pass – 11,992 ft. & Lookout Mtn. – 7,374 ft.

2013 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 545 MILES

Telluride to Cortez – 75 miles – Lizard Head Pass – 10,222 ft.
Cortez to Durango – 65 miles
Durango to Pagosa Springs – 87 miles
Pagosa Springs to Alamosa – 93 miles – Wolf Creek Pass – 10,850 ft.
Alamosa to Salida – 84 miles – Poncha Pass – 9,019 ft.
Salida to Canon City – 94 miles – Hardscrabble Pass – 9,085 ft.
Canon City to Colorado Springs – 47 miles

2012 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 442 MILES

Gunnison to Hotchkiss – 79 miles – North Rim of the Black Canyon – 8,311 ft.
Hotchkiss to Carbondale – 68 miles – McClure Pass – 8,755 ft.
Carbondale to Leadville – 83 miles – Independence Pass – 12,095 ft.
Leadville to Granby – 94 miles – Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft. & Ute Pass – 9,165 ft.
Granby to Estes Park – 63 miles – Trail Ridge Rd. – 12,183 ft. & Milner Pass – 10,758 ft.
Estes Park to Ft. Collins – 55 miles – Horsetooth Reservoir – 5,420 ft.

2011 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 412 MILES

Crested Butte to Buena Vista – 76 miles – Cottonwood Pass – 12,126 ft.
Buena Vista to Edwards – 76 miles – Tennessee Pass – 10,424 ft. & Battle Mountain – 9,231 ft.
Edwards to Steamboat – 80 miles – Yellow Jacket Pass – 7,428 ft.
Steamboat Loop Ride – 52 miles – 20 Mile Rd.
Steamboat to Granby – 78 miles – Rabbit Ears Pass – 9,426 ft. & Muddy Pass – 8,772 ft.
Granby to Georgetown – 50 miles – Berthoud Pass – 11,307 ft.

2010 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 543.5 MILES

Colorado National Monument Loop – 45 miles
Grand Junction to Delta – 94 miles – Grand Mesa – 10,839 ft.
Delta to Ouray – 67 miles
Ouray to Durango – 75 miles – Red Mtn. Pass – 11.090 feet, Molas Pass – 10,899 ft. & Coal Bank Pass – 10,640 ft.
Durango to Pagosa Springs – 87 miles
Pagosa Springs to Alamosa – 91.5 miles – Wolf Creek Pass – 10,857 ft.
Alamosa to Salida – 84 miles – Poncha Pass – 9,019 ft.

2009 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 380 MILES

Glenwood Springs to Hotchiss – 80 miles – McClure Pass – 8,755 ft.
Hotchkiss to Gunnison – 80 miles – North Rim of the Black Canyon
Gunnison to Salida – 65 miles – Monarch Pass – 11,312 ft.
Salida to Leadville – 60 miles
Leadville to Aspen – 55 miles – Independence Pass – 12,095 ft.
Aspen to Glenwood Springs – 40 miles

2008 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 435 MILES

Durango to Cortez – 49 miles
Cortez to Telluride – 77 miles – Lizzard Head Pass – 10,222 ft.
Telluride to Montrose – 65 miles – Dallas Divide – 8,970 ft.
Montrose to Crested Butte – 92 miles – Cerro Summit – 7,950 ft. & Blue Mesa Summit – 9,288 ft.
Crested Butte – Rest Day
Crested Butte to Buena Vista – 75 miles – Cottonwood Pass – 12,126 ft.
Buena Vista to Breckenridge – 77 miles – Trout Creek Pass – 9,348 ft. & Hoosier Pass – 11,542 ft.

2007 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 422 MILES

Frisco to Steamboat Springs – 99 miles – Rabbit Ears Pass – 9,426 ft.
Steamboat Springs to Craig – 44 miles
Craig to Rifle – 90 miles – Nine Mile Gap – 7,485 ft.
Rifle to Glenwood Springs – 35 miles
Glenwood Springs to Aspen – 42 miles
Aspen to Leadville – 61 miles – Independence Pass – 12,095 ft.
Leadville to Frisco – 52 miles – Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft.

2006 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 419 MILES

Cortez to Durango – 48 miles
Durango to Pagosa Springs – 87 miles
Pagosa Springs to Chama, New Mexico – 50 miles
Chama, New Mexico to Alamosa – 83 miles – Cumbres Pass – 10,022 ft. & La Manga Pass – 10,230 ft.
Alamosa to Salida – 84 miles –Poncha Pass – 9,020 ft.
Salida to Cañon City – 67 miles

2005 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 405 MILES

Grand Junction to Grand Junction – 45 miles – Colorado National Monument Loop
Grand Junction to Delta – 91 miles – Grand Mesa – 10,839 feet
Delta to Montrose – 34 miles
Montrose to Gunnison – 65 miles
Gunnison to Salida – 66 miles – Monarch Pass – 11,312 feet
Salida to Leadville – 59 miles
Leadville to Breckenridge – 45 miles – Fremont Pass – 11,318 feet

2004 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 431 MILES

Boulder to Estes Park – 56 miles
Estes Park to Granby – 63 miles – Trail Ridge Road – 12,183 ft.
Granby to Steamboat Springs – 100 miles – Gore Pass – 9,527 ft.
Steamboat Springs – Rest Day/Optional Ride – 65 miles
Steamboat Springs to Frisco – 98 miles – Rabbit Ears Pass – 9,426 ft.
Frisco to Idaho Springs – 49 miles – Loveland Pass – 11,992 ft.

2003 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 404 MILES

Cortez to Telluride – 77 miles – Lizard Head Pass – 10,222 ft.
Telluride to Montrose – 65 miles – Dallas Divide – 8,970 ft.
Montrose to Delta – 32 miles
Delta to Gunnison – 102 miles – North Rim, Black Canyon of the Gunnison – 9,130 ft.
Gunnison – Rest Day
Gunnison to Buena Vista – 69 miles – Cottonwood Pass – 12,126 ft.
Buena Vista to Copper Mountain – 83 miles – Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft.

2002 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 489 MILES

Alamosa to Pagosa Springs – 99 miles – Wolf Creek Pass – 10,850 ft.
Pagosa Springs to Durango – 67 miles
Durango to Silverton – 51 miles – Coal Bank Pass – 10,640 ft. & Molas Divide – 10,899 ft.
Silverton to Montrose – 59 miles – Red Mountain Pass – 11,090 ft.
Montrose to Gunnison – 65 miles
Gunnison to Salida – 65 miles – Monarch Pass – 11,312 ft.
Salida to Alamosa – 83 miles – Poncha Pass – 9,019 ft.

2001 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 432 MILES

Crested Butte to Buena Vista – 75 miles – Cottonwood Pass – 12,126 ft.
Buena Vista to Edwards/Avon – 75 miles – Tennessee Pass – 10,424 ft.
Edwards/Avon to Steamboat Springs – 81 miles
Steamboat Springs to Granby – 80 miles – Rabbit Ears Pass – 9,426 ft.
Granby to Estes Park – 65 miles – Trail Ridge Road – 12,183 ft.
Estes Park to Boulder – 56 miles

2000 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 458 MILES

Trinidad to Walsenburg – 82 miles, Cucharas Pass – 9,941 ft.
Walsenburg to Alamosa – 74 miles, North La Veta Pass – 9,413 ft.
Alamosa to Salida – 83 miles, Poncha Pass – 9,010 ft.
Salida to Leadville – 59 miles
Leadville to Frisco – 35 miles, Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft. (plus optional 15-mile ride around Turquoise Lake)
Frisco to Granby – 71 miles
Granby to Idaho Springs – 54 miles, Berthoud Pass – 11,315 ft.

1999 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 437 MILES

Durango to Cortez – 48 miles
Cortez to Telluride – 76 miles, Lizard Head Pass – 10,222 ft.
Telluride to Montrose – 66 miles, Dallas Divide – 8,970 ft.
Montrose to Gunnison – 65 miles
Gunnison to Salida – 65 miles, Monarch Pass – 11,312 ft.
Salida to Canon City – 67 miles
Canon City to Colorado Springs – 50 miles

1998 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 353 MILES

Boulder to Estes Park – 57 miles
Estes Park to Granby – 63 miles, Trail Ridge Road – 12,183 ft.
Granby to Steamboat Springs – 80 miles, Rabbit Ears Pass – 9,426 ft.
Steamboat Springs – rest day
Steamboat Springs to Avon – 89 miles
Avon to Frisco – 64 miles, Tennessee Pass – 10,424 feet & Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft.

1997 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 418 MILES

Grand Junction to Delta – 90 miles, Grand Mesa – 10,839 ft.
Delta to Montrose – 34 miles
Montrose to Gunnison – 65 miles
Gunnison to Salida – 65 miles, Monarch Pass – 11,312 ft.
Salida to Leadville – 59 miles
Leadville to Frisco – 35 miles, Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft.
Frisco to Golden – 70 miles, Loveland Pass – 11,992 ft.

1996 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 410 MILES

Cortez to Durango – 48 miles
Durango to Pagosa Springs – 70 miles
Pagosa Springs to Alamosa – 89 miles, Wolf Creek Pass – 10,857 ft.
Alamosa to Salida – 83 miles, Poncha Pass – 9,010 ft.
Salida to Canon City – 67 miles
Canon City to Colorado Springs – 53 miles

1995 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 380 MILES

Glenwood Springs to Rifle – 36 miles
Rifle to Craig – 89 miles – Nine Mile Gap – 7,485 ft.
Craig to Steamboat Springs – 45 miles
Steamboat Springs to Granby – 80 miles – Rabbit Ears Pass – 9,426 ft.
Granby to Idaho Springs – 55 miles – Berthoud Pass – 11,315 ft.
Idaho Springs to Boulder – 75 miles

1994 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 403 MILES

Trinidad to Walsenburg – 82 miles, Cuchara Pass – 9,941 ft.
Walsenburg to Alamosa – 75 miles, North La Veta Pass – 9,413 ft.
Alamosa to Salida – 80 miles, Poncha Pass – 9,010 ft.
Salida to Leadville – 59 miles
Leadville to Frisco – 32 miles, Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft.
Frisco to Golden – 72 miles, Loveland Pass – 11,992 ft.

1993 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 428 MILES

Fort Collins to Estes Park – 47 miles
Estes Park to Granby – 63 miles, Trail Ridge Road – 12,183 ft.
Granby to Steamboat Springs – 80 miles, Rabbit Ears Pass – 9,426 ft.
Steamboat Springs to Vail – 98 miles
Vail to Frisco – 68 miles, Tennessee Pass – 10,424 ft. & Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft.
Frisco to Golden – 72 miles, Loveland Pass – 11,992 ft.

1992 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 430 MILES

Durango to Silverton – 51 miles, Coal Bank Pass – 10,630 ft. & Molas Divide – 10,910 ft.
Silverton to Montrose – 60 miles, Red Mountain Pass – 11,008 ft.
Montrose to Gunnison – 64 miles
Gunnison to Salida – 65 miles, Monarch Pass – 11,312 ft.
Salida to Canon City – 68 miles
Canon City to Manitou Springs – 56 miles
Manitou Springs to Castle Rock – 66 miles

1991 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 443 MILES

Cortez to Durango – 46 miles
Durango to Pagosa Springs – 60 miles
Pagosa Springs to Alamosa – 90 miles, Wolf Creek Pass – 10,850 ft.
Alamosa to Salida – 82 miles – Poncha Pass – 9,010 ft.
Salida to Leadville – 59 miles
Leadville to Frisco – 33 miles, Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft., optional ride around Turquoise Lake, 19 miles
Frisco to Golden – 73 miles, Loveland Pass – 11,992 ft.

1990 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 391 MILES

Craig to Steamboat Springs – 46 miles
Steamboat Springs to Granby – 82 miles, Rabbit Ears Pass – 9,426 ft.
Granby to Idaho Springs – 56 miles, Berthoud Pass – 11,315 ft.
Idaho Springs to Estes Park – 80 miles
Estes Park to Greeley – 67 miles
Greeley to Boulder – 60 miles

1989 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 361 MILES

Grand Junction to Montrose – 67 miles
Montrose to Gunnison – 66 miles
Gunnison to Salida – 65 miles, Monarch Pass – 11,312 ft.
Salida to Leadville – 59 miles
Leadville to Frisco – 32 miles, Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft., optional ride around Turquoise Lake, 19 miles
Frisco to Golden – 73 miles, Loveland Pass – 11,992 ft.

1988 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 391 MILES

Craig to Steamboat Springs – 45 miles
Steamboat Springs to Vail – 100 miles
Vail to Frisco – 68 miles – Tennesse Pass – 10,424 ft. & Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft.
Frisco to Granby – 75 miles
Granby to Idaho Springs – 56 miles – Berthoud Pass – 11,315 ft.
Idaho Springs to Golden – 47 miles – Juniper Pass – 11,140 ft.

1987 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 403 MILES

Durango to Silverton – 49 miles, Molas Divide – 10,910 ft.
Silverton to Montrose – 59 miles, Red Mountain Pass – 11,008 ft.
Montrose to Gunnison – 65 miles
Gunnison to Buena Vista – 83 miles, Monarch Pass – 11,312 ft.
Buena Vista to Breckenridge – 59 miles, Hoosier Pass – 11,541 ft.
Breckenridge to Denver – 88 miles, Loveland Pass – 11,992 ft.

1986 RIDE THE ROCKIES – 305 MILES

Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs – 90 miles
Glenwood Springs to Aspen – 42 miles
Aspen to Leadville – 59 miles, Independence Pass – 12,095 ft.
Leadville to Frisco – 40 miles, Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft.
Frisco to Idaho Springs – 37 miles, Loveland Pass – 11,992 ft.
Idaho Springs to Denver – 37 miles