From “Follow the Snow” to “Follow the Sun” - A Roadtrip Through Utah & Colorado

Dr Jess Klain
1 day ago
4 min read

I love a good adventure plan. Especially when it involves loading up the car, chasing snow storms, and skiing at whatever mountain resort has the best snow (for this trip we were limiting it to Colorado or Utah). This past weekend was supposed to be a classic “follow the snow” roadtrip. But this year had other ideas: record-low snowpack and record-high temps in the Rocky Mountains. There were plenty of bluebird days in the forecast, but there was barely anything to ski. So we pivoted. Instead of chasing winter, we leaned into what the mountains had to give us and turned it into a “follow the sun” adventure filled with dirt, desert, and hot springs.

First stop: Fruita.

The Kokopelli trail system is exactly what we needed: sun-soaked miles of smooth, flowy singletrack with just enough punchy climbs to keep things interesting. Plus, amazing views of the Colorado River. This is the kind of terrain that reminds me how good it feels to move well - quads burning and heart pumping.

Physio takeaway: You can be generally fit and strong - lifting regularly, running, or staying active year-round - and still feel completely out of shape on your first mountain bike ride of the season. That’s because mountain biking taps into very specific demands: sustained time in the saddle, repeated short anaerobic bursts on punchy climbs, and stabilizing muscles that don’t get fully activated in most other workouts. Even strong legs can feel heavy when they’re not used to spinning, and core and upper body fatigue shows up quickly from handling rough terrain. On top of that, there’s the simple reality of saddle soreness, which no amount of gym fitness really prepares you for. So while general fitness is great, mountain biking fitness is its own thing, and it always takes a few rides to wake those systems back up.

Next up: Moab. Where things got more technical.

It's been over a decade since I mountain biked in Moab. Since then, a few new trails were built and a friend told me they were a must ride. The Raptor trails brought the spice: mostly flow with a few rock features, some slick rock, shear drops, and tight turns. These newer trails offer a slightly different take on classic Moab riding, with a little more flow and speed with more approachable technical features, all on purpose built singletrack. Full disclosure, there was still some bike walking! Riding in Moab isn’t just cardio - it’s coordination, balance, fitness, and endurance all working together.

Physio takeaway: Spring riding can be deceptive. Just because the calendar says March doesn’t mean the desert agrees. Temperatures can be hot (90+ degrees last weekend!), the sun strong, and the dry air can accelerates dehydration before you even realize it. Additionally, early-season efforts can feel harder than expected, and between heat, sun, and those first hard efforts of the year, your body burns through resources quickly. It’s always worth packing more water and food, even on shorter rides. A little extra weight in your pack is a small price to pay for staying fueled, hydrated, and able to enjoy the ride instead of just surviving it.

Then: A Sunset Hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

We traded bikes for trail runners and hiked to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park for sunset. A fairly easy, 3 mile round trip trek on a well marked trail is a perfect way to spend an evening in Moab. It’s one of those experiences that slows you down whether you want it to or not. The light changes, the air cools, and the views are spectacular.

Physio takeaway: Mixing up activities like biking and hiking isn’t just a way to keep things interesting, it’s genuinely better for your body. Each sport challenges you in different ways: biking builds sustained leg strength and cardiovascular endurance, while hiking engages stabilizing muscles, joint mobility, and weight-bearing strength that biking doesn’t fully engage. By rotating between them, you can reduce overuse injuries, improve overall balance and coordination, and give certain muscle groups a chance to recover while others step in.

My Favorite: Mountain Biking at Phil's World in Cortez, Colorado

Hands down, one of my favorite trail systems anywhere. Endless rollers, perfectly built berms, and that “pump track meets trail riding” feel that keeps you smiling the entire time. And while the town of Cortez is pretty simple and boring, the trails are the real destination. And just 40mins down the road is Durango, a fantastic Colorado town with great food, energy, and Durango Hot Springs Resort.

Phils World - Amazing mountain biking in Cortez Colorado

Physio takeaway: This is movement efficiency at its finest and most fun: generating speed without pedaling, using timing, body positioning, and kinetic energy to get the most out of the trails.

Ridgway, CO: A Quick Ride at Sunrise Before Heading Home

Typically, I am not a morning person. Especially a morning work-out person. But this was the only opportunity to get a quick ride in before spending 6 hours on the road to get back home to Denver. Shockingly, it was a perfect ride. Scenic view of the San Juan mountains, crisp air, and exactly enough movement for my mind and body at that point in the trip.

Recovery Stops: Hot Springs & Small Town Fuel

Between rides and hikes, we prioritized recovery:

Hot springs soaks (& a few cold plunges) in Durango and Ridgway
Coffee and sweet treat stops in Idaho Springs, Silverton, Ouray and Montrose

Because movement and recovery go hand in hand.

Physio takeaway: Heat exposure, hydration, and proper fueling are not “extras”, they’re essential for performance. Recovery isn’t just physical. Taking time to down-regulate your nervous system through recovery and quality sleep are just as important as your workouts.

If your body could use some post-adventure care, or you’re training for your next one, PYW is here to help you move better, recover smarter, and keep doing what you love.

Book an Appointment here.