Odyssey 2013: JEWELS OF THE SOUTHWEST Cycling Trip

The hardest part of planning the Odyssey is waiting for May 2013, we want to do it now. Let the anticipation build! So where are we going? Well the Odyssey has taken us north to Canada for the past two years cycling trips, so we are going to change it up and head to the American Southwest for this years cycling tour.  The natural wonders transition from alpine vistas to deep canyons, Bryce’s startling hoodoos, and the rock temples of Zion. This extraordinary adventure is planned of the end of May when average temperatures are in the 70's and with accommodations at the great lodges at the parks; we will be in a rare treat.

From tuques to turquoise, hockey to wild horses herds, it is not just the landscape that is startlingly different from our northern expeditions, it is the heritage and culture of the region. The region is home to a wonderful and vibrant mix of anglo, latino, hispanic, and American Indian traditions making it one of the more diverse and interesting corners of America with regards to history, landscape and culture. Nowhere in the world are these cultures so integrated in daily life. Bodegas, Native American jewelry stands and Cracker Barrel restaurants sit side by side in this truly unique territory. We will be front and center experiencing this fascinating region, which will net us opportunity for unique jewelry, hard to duplicate pottery and most importantly good eats.

Edward Abbey set his 1975 novel, The Monkey Wrench Gang in this stunning part of the country.  You can relax, we are not planning the campaign of destruction as in the novel, rather we will soak up the spectacular landscape and culture of the region.  The tour will meet in Grand Junction, Colorado, then we move to Moab for three days (that's right no early morning packing) enjoying the great road riding in the area.  Next we head off to an enviable list of parks; Natural Bridges National Monument, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, and Capital Reef as well a visit to Lake Powell.  You will be able to check off scads of items on your bucket list by the time we wind up this years cycling tour.  

In the office we constantly debate the best way to experience a National Park, "tis it nobler to hike or cycle"?  Heck why choose?  Each offers an insight unlike the other.  So we have included four fabulous hikes at the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and Capital Reef on our layover days. As always with a Timberline trip the layovers are yours to command, so there are cycling options available or you can relax and “put your feet up”.

So, here we are, on the brink of our 31th Timberline season, we invite you to join us on something truly special. In the course of 19 days, we’ll ride nearly 1000 miles, always immersed in some of the Southwest’s most breathtaking, jaw-dropping world famous natural attractions. Contact us for details, a day-by-day itinerary or whatever, but most of all, join us for what we believe will be a cycling trip for the ages. If you have missed out on earlier Odyssey's this is the one to jump on and "get your feet wet”.  

Total cycling mileage — 1,020
Total hiking mileage —

^ Top