DURANGO BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Riverside Cruisin': A laid‑back pedal along the Animas River from Durango’s south edge to Oxbow Park
A 2–3 hour private, beginner‑friendly guided bike tour on the paved Animas River Trail that finishes with a stop for local organic ice cream.
Riverside Cruisin': A laid‑back pedal along the Animas River from Durango’s south edge to Oxbow Park.
This is Durango without the big‑mountain fuss: an easy, customizable cruise north along the paved Animas River Trail from the town’s southern edge to Oxbow Park & Preserve, with time to soak your feet and an ice‑cream stop downtown before an easy downhill return. Guides outfit riders with daypacks and snacks, handle bike pickup and drop‑off, and prioritize safety while keeping the pace relaxed and social.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Animas River Trail to Oxbow Park
The tour follows the paved, multi‑use Animas River Trail upstream to Oxbow Park & Preserve — a compact riverside refuge where riders can rest, snack and cool off in the shallows before turning back downstream.
A cruisy, beginner‑friendly pedal
This is Meraki’s easiest biking tour: relatively flat paved trail with only a slight incline northbound and a gentle decline on the return, designed for newer riders or anyone who’d rather savor the river views than hunt vertical gain.
Guides, gear and a local finish
WFR‑trained guides provide route support, snacks, Osprey daypacks and transportation logistics; the ride includes a stop for organic ice cream (vegan options available) and coordinated pickup/drop‑off of rental bikes and helmets.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
Expect an easy, social outing that begins south of town and rolls upstream along the Animas River Trail for roughly five miles before a riverside pause at Oxbow Park & Preserve; after a snack and a chance to cool off you’ll let gravity help on the downstream return, detouring into downtown for a scoop before finishing back at the start. The tour is highly modifiable to match your group’s pace and preferences.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The typical private outing lasts about 2–3 hours and follows a roughly 10‑mile round trip (about 5 miles each way, with stops).
Pack a rain jacket and layered clothing, hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, appropriate footwear (avoid flip‑flops), trail snacks, and 1–2 liters of water; a large water jug is available at the vehicle to top up.
Included: Osprey Daylite Plus daypacks, snacks, transportation within 5 miles of Durango city center, pickup/drop‑off of rental bikes and helmets, an included ice cream, and a WFR‑trained biking guide. Not included: bike rental fee ($25–40), personal rain jacket and layers, lodging, personal snacks, water bottles (ability to carry 1 L required), and guide gratuity.
Meraki will pick you up from lodging within 5 miles of Durango’s city center or arrange an established meeting spot for those farther out; for mixed‑group bookings expect multiple pickup stops and be on time for your scheduled pickup.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need to be in good physical shape to do this tour?
No — the tour is highly modifiable and designed for newer riders; you should be able to carry a light backpack and ride for the tour duration with multiple breaks. Fill out the health profile accurately so guides can tailor the outing to your needs.
Is there a minimum age for participants?
There is no minimum age for private tours; for non‑private outings guests should be at least 5 years old and able to bike the entire duration. Any guest under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
How does tipping work?
Gratuity is not expected but appreciated; typical tips range from 15–20% of the tour price for excellent service.
Are bike rentals included and how much do they cost?
Bike rental is not included; Meraki partners with 2nd Avenue Sports and rental costs are an additional $25–40. Meraki coordinates pickup and return of rented bikes and helmets.
Can guides pick me up from my lodging?
Yes — Meraki will provide pickup and drop‑off from lodging located within 5 miles of Durango’s city center; groups staying farther out will be assigned an established meeting spot and mixed tours may require multiple pickup stops.