Explore the best rated trails in Glenwood Springs, CO, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Atkinson Canal Trail and Midland Avenue Trail . With more than 13 trails covering 123 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.
This ride has to be on your bucket list for the gorgeous canyon rocks with I-70 weaving in between. The concrete path was well maintained and not blocked between Grizzly Creek and Bair Ranch. The traffic noise wasn’t even so bad on the day we came.
Please be aware that Class 1 and Class 2 Ebikes are allowed on the trail from Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs (the north end of the trail) down to Basalt. But from Basalt to Aspen is only Class 1 Ebikes. We did not ride this part so not sure if it is enforced. Kind of discouraging as we are old (78) and very respectful and responsible riders. We use our throttles sparingly but I find it so helpful especially taking off from a stop.
We rode this trail Monday, July 15, 2024 We parked at Exit 119 which is the No Name Exit and Rest area. Right next to Glenwood Canyon Resort. A great place to park. We rode East on the trail right (literally) along the river. What fun. The river was really running with rapids and there were a lot of rafts/boats/and even 3 paddleboarders! braving the rapids. The SAD part is that we got about 5 miles on the trail and at the Shoshone Hydro Plant the trail was completely fenced and closed due to high water the sign said. What a disappointment. So we turned around and headed back to the Rest area and continued on -it looks like there is a break in the trail on Traillink but you ride down a rural road and pick up the trail again-this time riding higher above the river. Then you come to the crazy wire covered overpass over I-70. We rode across but then immediately the trail turns west and runs right along I-70. No shade and lots of traffic. So we turned around again. Would be an unbelievable ride if the whole trail was open.
This was a fabulous ride! We took the train from Denver to Glenwood Springs, biked to our overnight accommodations then shuttled to Aspen in the morning. VelociRFTA L or BRT allows bikes (eBikes < 60 lbs allowed) after 7a. 2-3 bikes per bus, first come, first served. Shuttle to Aspen $5 w/bike, seniors free. ~90 min to Aspen. Breakfasted in Aspen, then set out on spectacular fall-colored, 42mi ride. If you only have 30mi in you do Aspen>Carbondale, the last 12mi are not particularly memorable.
A unique experience on a scenic trail. We loaded the bikes on the front of the RFTA bus and rode 1 1/2 hour t from Glenwood Springs to Aspen for $3. Biked a gentle decline for 40 miles with great views along the Roaring Fork River. This trail should be in the hall of fame. Buses were running about every 20 minutes, can load bikes after 7am, and no e-bikes. You can get latest on the bus at the Glenwood Springs visitors center.
This is a beautiful ride along the Colorado River. Most of the trail you are just a few feet from the river. With the wind today we could experience some spray from the river. Fun to watch the the Rocky Mountaineer train pass on the other side of the river. NOTE: Currently the trail is closed from Shoshone Plant to the west, due to high water.
April 26!!! We heard the prettiest part of the Rio Grande Trail was from Carbondale down to Aspen. Unfortunately about 3 miles out of Carbondale the trail had a gate and was closed seasonally from Dec 1 through April 30 with detour sign that routes you through El Jebel and Basalt, approx 4 miles!! Several of those detour roads were very heavy traffic and not near as pleasant as the trail!! So RIDER BEWARE Dec 1 - April 30
My wife and I rode this today. Beautiful weather, perfect temperature. Gorgeous ride from Glenwood Springs up the canyon. Mild uphill grade for 12 miles (1540 elevation climb). Coming back you can almost coast all the way. This is my favorite ride now.
We rode 16 miles up, with 950’ elevation gain, then 16 back down, and thoroughly enjoyed the easy ride next to the enchanting Colorado River. The canyon changed character as we rode. It was spectacular. We saw dozens of rafters engaging the rapids, along with calmer stretches. While it was fun being next to (and under) I-70, a few times the traffic noise was distracting. We enjoyed our time in Glenwood Springs in this Western Slope of Colorado, and recommend this trail, and the Rio Grande.
This became one of our top ten trails around the country. We got on the RFTA bus in Glenwood Springs at the 27th Street bus stop for a 75 minute ride up to Aspen, with our bikes on the front bike holders. After exploring Aspen town, the ride down (mostly level valleys and 1% to 2% downhills) was an nice four-hour rail-trail ride covering 42 miles. Loved it!
My husband and I took the Amtrak to Glenwood Springs with our bikes and a back pack. The ride from Glenwood Springs to Carbondale on day 1 scenery was fair to good. A gradual approx 16 mi ascent to Carbondale. No water on this stretch and feels like dessert riding so be prepared. Left for Aspen early the next morning. This is beautiful and moderate to strenuous riding. You rarely stop pedaling and will encounter a few switchbacks. We stopped at Woody Creek for lunch. Nice place to have a drink and a little nourishment. You do have to leave the trail onto woody creek road or you will miss it. There is a very short stretch of gravel/ dirt we handled fine with our road bikes. If I could do it over we would take the RFTA to Aspen and ride all downhill to be able enjoy the beauty more .
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