Explore the best rated trails in Cortez, CO, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Galloping Goose Trail (CO) and Animas River Trail . With more than 2 trails covering 30 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Our first experience with our e-bikes. Rode north and south twice it was so nice. Even saw a deer on the path . We should have brought a picnic along if we thought about it earlier. Well maintained and marked, follows the river so not much uphill to get tired over. We were staying in town so just rode to the river and turned right but saw several places to park and access the trail.
Excellent bike trail. I rode the entire length north to south and back. Beware, the asphalt sections have some serious ruts in them..and the area around W. 9th has a few sketchy folks and their dogs. A great ride!
Gorgeous views everywhere! Trail is perfect for an easy ride or hike.
It's pretty easy to find and follow. Lots of non bikers on the trail as well. Underpasses to protect from street crossings. Scenic Animas river views. Lots of lifted trail from tree roots makes for a rough ride.
My husband and I rode this trail from the north end (parking along the street behind City Market), but there is a parking lot further north on River Bend Rd. This trail is about 75% concrete and 25% asphalt in need of some repairs. But over all it was a great trail along the Animas River through parks and neighborhoods. Easy to moderate. Watch for people coming into trail on foot. Many places to stop along the trail to sit by river or have a beverage.
I rode this trail with one of the local tour outfitters. (There are at least two companies that organize bike tours out of Telluride and Mountain Village.) I highly recommend doing this, especially if you are new to mountain biking like I am. The guides haul everyone's bike up to the Lizard Head Pass trailhead, and from there it is downhill to Iium.
The tour company advertised this as a ride that is good for beginners and families. Take that with a grain of salt, and realize that this is rugged country - what the locals consider "easy" feels challenging to someone without mountain bike experience and who comes from a flat state like Illinois. Also realize that there are a couple of steep (but short) descents, and a few places where there are steep side slopes. If you are not comfortable being near the edge of a drop-off, there are places on this trail where you might be a bit nervous. (You could always dismount and walk the bike on these sections.)
Those caveats aside, this was one of the most memorable bike rides I've taken, and the scenery is spectacular! I would do it again.
Started at the south end, parking lot across the river behind Home Depot. It had rained/misty conditions, and did not encounter many people. To label this RailsTrails might be misleading where I started; you expect that at most you encounter a slow grade increase or decrease with R to T, but the first 3 miles included several hills to travel up or down the river bank. Then the trail levels out though I turned around about 7 miles. STILL quite scenic, concrete sections very smooth, and asphalt sectins a bit bumpy.
The bike shop in Telluride runs guided trips and shuttle on this trail.
The Animas River Trail, as its name implies, is a paved trail that runs along the Animas River for about 7 miles (one way).
We started the trail at the La Plata Fairgrounds and headed north into town. The trail through town is narrow and is busy with cyclists, walkers, joggers, and people pushing baby carriages. You need to pay attention on this section of the trail because it also has a number of large cracks and tree roots on the path. If you are a history buff, there are a number of interpretive signs along the trail. There are also a number of restaurants and cafés along this section of the trail. The trail also passes through several parks.
The trail passes through Santa Rita Park which has a visitor center and nice areas for picnicking. The trail continues on for about 3.5 miles from the park and this section of the trail is the best. The trail looks newer. It is wider and has more ups and downs than the northern section. The trail ends abruptly at a scenic overlook. Overall, it was an enjoyable ride.
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