Mesa Verde National Park

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Despite the fact that Southwestern Colorado has some of the most spectacular mountain biking to be found anywhere in the United States, biking is permitted only on paved and designated roads in Mesa Verde National Park.

For those craving a taste of off-roading in Anasazi country, it is recommended that they contact the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, which covers 125,000 acres along a 25-mile stretch of the Mancos River southeast of Mesa Verde. Access to the park is restricted to visitors who secure a reservation, pay a fee, and are accompanied by a Ute Mountain tribal guide. Mountain bike tours can reportedly be arranged for one- to four-day trips, and are said to be a combination of moderately challenging riding and hiking.

For those interested in biking this region, it is highly recommended that they contact the park several weeks in advance to secure a spot. Write to the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Towoac, CO 81334 — phone 303-565-3751 ext. 282, or 800-847-5485.

Good biking near the park is also available in the La Platas Mountains. See "Loose in the La Platas" for more information.