Learn more about our trips:

White Water Rafting Trips

Rafting trips on six rivers from 1/4 day to 10 days in length.

Salt River Trips, Arizona

World-class whitewater near Phoenix & Tucson.

Arkansas River White Water Rafting Trips, CO

America’s most popular river near Denver & Colorado Springs.

Family Rafting Trips

Choose from a variety of family & group-friendly rafting trips.

Royal Gorge & Numbers

The most challenging rafting trips on the Arkansas River.

Multi-Day Getaways

Rafting combined with riverside camping or bed & breakfasts.

Land-Based Adventures

Enjoy a horseback ride, Jeep tour or downhill mountain bike trip.

Rafting Packages

Package a raft trip with a horse, bike or jeep trip.

Colorado Downhill Mountain Biking Tours

Bike Tour for the Family – Cycle Downhill from 12,000′ on the Continental Divide

Our specialty is providing high quality, exciting mountain bike trips for families and groups. The best part of our (mostly) downhill mountain biking adventures is that you can enjoy the thrills of mountain biking in Colorado’s majestic Rocky Mountains with the company of an experienced guide! You’ll experience spectacular views of the Arkansas River Valley’s numerous 14,000-foot tall peaks as you soar through pristine aspen groves and high mountain pine forests. This is a family adventure that is sure to be the highlight of your Colorado vacation!

All of our mountain biking guests are equipped with size appropriate state-of-the-art Trek mountain bikes. Each regularly maintained bicycle is equipped with front suspension and mechanical disc brakes. A helmet and biking gloves are provided to each rider. You will receive detailed safety instructions. Our guides are all experienced mountain bikers and are First Aid and CPR certified and each trip carries a two-way radio or phone for use in case of an emergency.

We have two biking options…

Option 1- A full speed downhill paved road option descending from the 12,126 foot summit of Cottonwood Pass on the Continental Divide all the way down to Buena Vista at the bottom of the valley at 7,950 feet. A drop of over 4,100 feet. Small groups are followed by a support van which offers guidance and support. Larger groups have a lead guide on a bike and a safety van following the group. Our Cottonwood Pass ride usually travels at a fast exciting pace.

Option 2- Explore the historic Midland Railroad Grade option– a quiet mountain dirt road and single track trail with slower speeds, but more technical maneuvering between rocks with occasional sandy sections. The slower pace allows time to absorb the surrounding alpine beauty. This ride begins at 9,400 feet in elevation and ends at our office at 7,850 feet. A drop of over 1500 feet. Several short sections are steep where old railroad trestles over gulches have been removed. Most people walk those short sections. We like to extend this ride on a dirt road as it passes directly above the town of Buena Vista where views of the 14,000 foot Collegiate Peaks are stunning. If we ride this downhill 2-mile extension to the end of the road, there will be an equal uphill return ride on this easy historic 4% railroad grade.

The Details:

Where to Meet:	Wilderness Aware Headquarters, Buena Vista, CO (Get Directions)
Daily Launches:	Late May to September 3
Length:	Half Day; flexible mileage
Difficulty:	Cottonwood – Beginner; Midland – Beginner/Intermediate
Experience Level:	Suitable for Everyone
Departure Time:	9:00 AM & 1:30 PM
Adult Price:	$65
Child Price (Ages 10-12):	$52
Please arrive at least 15-30 minutes prior to departure time. This allows you time to check in, relax, and enjoy our complimentary breakfast before your trip leaves. Breakfast is available 7:30 am to 10:00 am. Price listed does not include land and water access fees. Book a group and every 14th member of your group bikes for free! Group Rates!

Downhill Mountain Biking Resources:

>>> Downhill Mountain Biking Pre-trip Information – Midland Tour
>>> Downhill Mountain Biking Pre-trip Information – Continental Divide Tour

Downhill Mountain Bike Rentals:

We also offer complete local mountain biking trail information and a full range of mountain bike rental options for outfitting your own summer adventure.

Bike Rentals include a helmet.

Wilderness Aware Rafting is proud to offer mountain biking products and services in partnership with The Trailhead of Buena Vista, Colorado. The Trailhead offers TREK & Litespeed bikes as well as a full service repair shop with professional mechanics on hand to tune your bike and answer your mountain biking questions.