Seasonal Closure: To protect wintering wildlife, the Rio Grande Trail between Rock Bottom Ranch and Catherine Bridge closes seasonally from November 30 to April 30. A detour route is noted at the Hooks Lane and Catherine Bridge trailhead parking lots during this time. The detour is along county roads. The closure applies to all trail users, including anglers and hunters. In addition, dogs are prohibited on this section of the trail year-round.
Overview
From Glenwood Springs to Carbondale, the 42-mile Rio Grande Trail follows the course of the Roaring Fork River, nestled between the river and Route 82 before heading east to continue paralleling Route 82 to Aspen.
About the Route
Trail users will find a scattering of picnic tables and benches along the route but there is no potable water. Vault toilets are found at various places. For those wishing to bike portions of the trail, you can also take an RFTA bus to and from various trailheads between Aspen and Rifle; bike racks on the buses are provided. You will have to pay a nominal fee to bring your bike in addition to the bus fare.
When winter snowfall exceeds 3 inches, the trail is plowed between Glenwood Springs and Main Street in Carbondale. Certain other sections may be groomed for cross-country skiers.
Connections
In Glenwood, the trail also connects to the equally stunning Glenwood Canyon Bike and Pedestrian Path.
Trail History
Colorado's Rio Grande Trail is built upon the Aspen Branch of the former rail corridor of Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW). Trains stopped running between the 1960s and the mid-1990s, after which the corridor was purchased by a cooperative of local government entities and organizations. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority was created in 2001 to, in part, help manage the trail.
The Rio Grande Trail runs between Two Rivers Park (Glenwood Springs) and Herron Park (Aspen), both of which offer parking.
Parking is also available at:
There are numerous parking options along the route, please visit the TrailLink map for all parking options and detailed directions.
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 parked at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. You can access the start of the trail within the park. It is 13 miles to Carbondale where you can have lunch right on the trail at Dos Gringos Burritos. So a nice 26 mile round trip. It doesn't look like it but it is a very gentle uphill grade on the way to Carbondale and an easy downhill glide back to the park. You are somewhat along the river part of the way and thru rolling ranch land. and some along the road. Not much shade. Lots of stuff to look at - beautiful homes along the river/cemetary (I like them)/big tree farm/hayfields. All in all a really nice ride.
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.
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