adventure vacation idea: Camp and Mountain Bike at Altitude in Colorado, Utah or Northern Arizona

!adventure vacation ideas Searching for some new family adventure vacation ideas for summer but you've already done the beach to death? Want to camp under the stars with everything included, like backcountry gourmet meals, yet still seek challenge and adventure? This summer, try a camping-based mountain bike adventure in the Rocky Mountains, on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon or near Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. Fill your vacation with singletrack trails like nothing you've seen before. You can do it on your own. Usually, that means doing a lot of research to find a multi-day route that will challenge but not break you (or your bike,) buying gear and supplies, having a vehicle that can haul it all cross-country (and possibly over some very rough terrain.) Some people love the challenge of planning, outfitting, rigging, cooking, and wrenching bikes. Some don't. For those that prefer to relax during their summer vacation, they can go with one of several available backcountry outfitters who specialize in family mountain bike adventure vacations. One of the first, and still the best in the business, is Rim Tours, based in Moab, Utah. Moab is situated in the high desert of the Colorado Plateau. During spring and fall, Rim conducts tours close to home, in the canyons and on the mesas of Western Colorado and Southeastern Utah. But during the summer, in order to escape the heat, Rim shifts its operations to higher elevations. In June July, August and early September, Rim operates tours at 8,000 feet and higher, based out of the Colorado mountain towns of Durango and Crested Butte. And, based out of St. George, Utah they also operate high altitude summer tours on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and on the Markagunt Plateau between Zion and Bryce National Parks. On these tours, during the day riders enjoy some of the best singletrack riding in the United States, with expert coaching from some of the most experienced guides in the business. At night, guests relax in comfort while the expert guides prepare amazing back country gourmet meals and tune each bike for the next day's adventure. During the day, gear is hauled on specially outfitted vehicles designed for the punishing terrain. If you're hunting for good family adventure vacation ideas and you want an alternative to the beach, this may be just what you're looking for. END ORIGINAL CONTENT -->

This Summer Stay Cool by Getting High

The best summer mountain biking in the American West happens at altitude — above 8,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains, on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and on the high plateaus between Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. While desert trails bake in triple-digit heat, alpine singletrack stays cool, the wildflowers are blooming, and the riding is world-class. Rim Tours operates guided, camping-based mountain bike tours at these high elevations from June through early September, with everything included — expert guides, backcountry gourmet meals, gear hauling, and bike maintenance.

Why High-Altitude Summer Riding

Most people associate Rim Tours with Moab’s desert canyon country, and that’s where we operate during the prime spring and fall seasons. But Moab in July can hit 105 degrees — not exactly ideal for all-day riding. So we do what smart riders have always done: go up.

At 8,000 to 10,000 feet, summer daytime temperatures typically range from 65 to 80 degrees — perfect for sustained riding. The air is crisp, the trails are lined with wildflowers and aspen groves, and the scenery shifts from red rock desert to alpine meadows and dense conifer forests. It’s an entirely different riding experience, and many of our repeat guests say these summer tours are their favorites.

Summer Tour Destinations

Durango, Colorado

Based out of the mountain town of Durango, these tours access some of Colorado’s premier singletrack. The riding ranges from flowy forest trails to technical rocky descents, with constant views of the San Juan Mountains. Durango has a deep mountain biking culture and the trails here rival anywhere in the state.

Elevation: 6,500 to 10,000+ feet Season: June through September Character: Alpine forest singletrack, mountain meadows, technical and flowy terrain

Check out the Durango Colorado Trail Singletrack tour for a taste of what this area offers.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” Crested Butte offers arguably the most beautiful summer mountain biking in the Rockies. The trails here wind through vast wildflower meadows at 9,000 to 12,000 feet, with views of the Elk Mountains and the Maroon Bells Wilderness. The riding is varied — from smooth, fast trails to challenging high-alpine singletrack.

Elevation: 8,900 to 12,000+ feet Season: Late June through September (snowpack dependent) Character: Wildflower meadows, alpine singletrack, iconic mountain views

North Rim of the Grand Canyon

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most unique mountain biking experiences anywhere. Based out of St. George, Utah, this tour accesses the Kaibab Plateau at 8,000 to 9,000 feet — a dramatic contrast to the 110-degree heat of the canyon floor below. The riding combines forest singletrack with jaw-dropping views into the Grand Canyon that few visitors ever see.

Elevation: 8,000 to 9,000 feet Season: June through September Character: Ponderosa forest, canyon rim views, moderate singletrack

Bryce to Zion, Utah

The Markagunt Plateau between Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks offers exceptional summer singletrack at 8,000 to 10,000 feet. With three days based at Navajo Lake and a final day on the legendary Thunder Mountain Trail, this tour delivers alpine riding with views down into Zion’s northern canyons.

Elevation: 8,000 to 10,000 feet Season: June through August Character: Alpine singletrack, cliff-edge views, forested terrain

What’s Included on a Guided Tour

Rim Tours’ camping-based mountain bike tours are fully supported adventures. Here’s what you can expect:

Expert guides: Experienced riders and instructors who know every trail, provide coaching during the ride, and handle all logistics
Backcountry gourmet meals: Our guides are skilled cooks who prepare meals you’d be proud to serve at home — not freeze-dried packets
Gear hauling: Specially outfitted support vehicles carry all camping gear, food, and equipment over rough terrain so you ride unencumbered
Nightly bike maintenance: Guides tune and inspect every bike each evening for the next day’s ride
Camping gear: Tents, sleeping gear, camp furniture — everything you need for comfortable backcountry camping
Bikes available: Full-suspension rental bikes available if you don’t want to bring your own

DIY vs. Guided: Making the Choice

You can absolutely plan your own high-altitude summer mountain bike trip. It means researching multi-day routes, buying or renting camping gear, having a vehicle capable of hauling everything over rough terrain, planning meals, and handling all logistics yourself. Some people love that challenge.

For those who’d rather focus on the riding and the experience — arriving at camp to find dinner cooking, waking up to coffee ready, and having someone else worry about route-finding and bike maintenance — a guided tour is the way to go. It’s a genuine vacation rather than a logistics exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How physically demanding are these high-altitude tours?

Expect to ride 4 to 6 hours per day on singletrack, with significant elevation changes. The thin air above 8,000 feet adds to the challenge — even fit riders notice the altitude. We recommend a solid fitness base and at least a month of regular riding before your tour. Our guides set a pace that works for the group and provide coaching for less experienced riders.

What about altitude sickness?

Most people adjust well to 8,000 to 10,000 feet within a day or two. Arrive a day early if possible, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol the first night, and eat well. Our guides monitor riders for altitude-related issues and adjust the pace accordingly. If you live at sea level and have never been to altitude, let us know when booking so we can plan appropriately.

Are these tours suitable for families with kids?

Some tours can accommodate younger riders, depending on fitness level and riding experience. Contact us to discuss your family’s abilities and we’ll recommend the best option. The Bryce to Zion tour tends to be the most accessible for strong intermediate riders.

When should I book a summer mountain bike tour?

Book as early as possible — summer tours have limited departures and fill up faster than you’d expect. Spring booking (January through March) is ideal. Popular dates on tours like the North Rim and Bryce to Zion sell out months in advance.

What if I’ve never done a multi-day mountain bike tour before?

These tours are designed for riders who are comfortable on a mountain bike and reasonably fit, but you don’t need expedition experience. Our guides handle all logistics, cooking, and camp setup. Your job is to ride, eat well, and enjoy the scenery. Many of our guests are first-time multi-day riders and come back year after year.