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Yes, Colorado's a certified mountain-biking Mecca. What else would you expect in a state where thousands of miles of trails and dirt roads crisscross the high country? The thing is, you can take your pick of any number of one-day trips here, but those garden variety out-and-back or loop rides plunk you back at the car all too quickly for that unavoidable re-entry into reality.

What you may not know is that there is a select league of public-land routes that out-distance and out-climb the rank-and-file trails used by most mountain-bike day-trippers. These epic tracks serve up a gluttonous menu of tasty opportunities for multi-day mountain-bike tours.

Here are Colorado's best—each one taking riders miles from the nearest towns. More likely than not, cell phones won't work. And it goes without saying that careful planning is required. So are intermediate or above-average bike-handling skills, as well as experience with bike repairs and basic medical emergencies.

If you can swing the considerable logistics, these "Fab Four" bike tours are some of the most exhilarating rides you'll ever experience.