Two Harleys. Seven Days. One Epic Colorado Ride.

7 Days, 1,500 Miles, and Endless Colorado Views: Our 2018 Harley Adventure

In the summer of 2018, we packed up our Harleys, hitched the trailer, and pointed the truck south. Our starting point: Sudbury, Ontario. Our destination: the mountains of Colorado—legendary roads, thin air, winding passes, and scenery that photos can barely do justice to (even though we certainly tried).

With another couple joining us, the adventure stretched into a full week of exploring small towns, iconic parks, and some of the best motorcycle roads in North America. And before we even touched Denver pavement, we'd already collected a few hundred photos from our trip down. When you’re excited, on the road, and surrounded by new landscapes, the shutter button becomes irresistible.

This is the story of our seven-day ride through Colorado: two couples, two Harleys, one trailer, seven hotels, and over 1,400 photos each.

Day 1 — Denver to Pike’s Peak, Ending in Manitou Springs

After 1.5 days of driving from Sudbury to Denver, we unloaded the bikes, shook the stiffness from our legs, and rolled out toward one of Colorado’s crown jewels—Pike’s Peak, “America’s Mountain.”

Switchback after switchback, the elevation climbed, the temperature dropped, and the views expanded into forever. Riding a Harley above 14,000 feet is something every motorcyclist should experience at least once. At the summit, the air was thin, but the smiles were big.

We descended into Manitou Springs, a quirky, artsy mountain town tucked beneath the cliffside. Dinner, a stroll through town, and an early night wrapped up Day 1.

Day 2 — Manitou Springs to Chipeta Springs (Ridgway)

Before leaving the area, we explored Garden of the Gods, where towering red rock formations frame perfect motorcycle shots. We also visited Cave of the Winds and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, each offering a unique combination of history, geology, and Instagram-worthy cliffs.

The ride toward Ridgway took us past wide-open country, rolling hills, and the emerging ruggedness of the San Juan Mountains. We settled into Chipeta Solar Springs Resort, a peaceful oasis of hot pools and sunset silhouettes.

Day 3 — Ridgway to Durango via the Million Dollar Highway

If we could relive one day from the trip, this might be it. We rolled out early, stopping in Telluride, a postcard-perfect alpine town where the mountains seem to rise straight out of the streets.

From there, the infamous Million Dollar Highway (US-550) awaited—a stretch of road carved into cliffs, twisting and climbing between Ouray and Silverton. No guardrails. No margin for error. Just raw beauty and adrenaline.

Durango welcomed us with history and western charm, and for this night we stayed somewhere unforgettable: the historic Strater Hotel, its hallways decorated with antiques and its rooms echoing the Old West.

Day 4 — Durango to Glenwood Springs

Before leaving Durango, we detoured to Mesa Verde National Park, home of ancient cliff dwellings that make you feel like time has folded in on itself.

The ride north took us through high desert, canyons, and eventually deep into mountain country again. By the time we reached Glenwood Springs, we were ready for a soak—hot springs after a long ride are magic.

Day 5 — Glenwood Springs to Breckenridge

We cruised through Aspen, a perfect blend of wealthy glamour and breathtaking peaks. Further north, the scenery softened into rolling mountains and wide valleys until we reached Breckenridge—a charming ski town that becomes a vibrant summer hub.

Coffee shops, patio dinners, wandering the streets—this was a relaxing evening stop after several intense riding days.

Day 6 — Breckenridge to Grand Lake via Loveland Pass

This was a day for elevation. Instead of taking the tunnel, we rode up and over Loveland Pass, one of the most beautiful high-altitude rides in the Rockies. Snow patches. Jagged ridges. Endless views.

We drifted down toward Grand Lake, a peaceful lakeside town bordering the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Dinner with a waterfront sunset ended the day perfectly.

Day 7 — Grand Lake Through Rocky Mountain National Park Back to Denver

We saved one of the best rides for last: crossing Rocky Mountain National Park via Trail Ridge Road—the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. We rode above treeline, past elk herds, across alpine tundra, and down into Estes Park for a final stop.

Then it was back to Denver, where the truck and trailer waited for the long haul home.

Seven days. Countless curves. Miles of memories.