Map of bike paths / walking paths in the Roaring Fork Valley, Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Canyon area

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Recreational trails for walking, running and cycling in the Roaring Fork Valley and Glenwood Canyon, Colorado

The Roaring Fork Valley is located to the south of Interstate 70 in the western mountains of Colorado. The headwaters of the Roaring Fork River are the fourteen thousand foot peaks to either side of Aspen. The river flows down a wide lush valley with steep hillsides and colorful cliffs to either side.The Roaring Fork River flows into the Colorado River at Glenwood Springs. The Rio Grande Trail follows a historic abandoned railroad route up the floor of the valley from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. Much of the route of the trail is away from roads and travels past ranches and golf courses.

Glenwood Canyon is located to the east of Glenwood Springs. Dark majestic limestone cliffs line the narrow canyon on either side of the powerful Colorado River. Active railroad tracks follow the south wall of the canyon and Interstate 70 follows the north wall of the canyon. The Glenwood Canyon Recreational Trail winds through the canyon, often situated below the interstate. The trail allows its visitors to view the cliffs and the rushing river as well as the wildlife that lives in the natural area alongside the river. There are also hiking trails that head into the side canyons to glimpse waterfalls that cascade down the canyon walls.

There are other recreational trails within Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Aspen as well. All of these trails allow residents and visitors to enjoy this beautiful area of Colorado in a healthful and leisurely fashion.

Rio Grande Trail

The Rio Grande Trail is a 42-mile long wide mostly paved trail that spans between Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Aspen in the mountains of Colorado. Much of the route is located near the Roaring Fork River and there are lovely groves of willows and abundant wildlife. The trail goes up the gentle grades of the valley floor and there are numerous horse ranches and a few residential areas. There are bits of railroad history along the way and glimpses of the fourteen thousand foot peaks at the south end near Aspen.

The trail is paved and well maintained from Glenwood Springs to the south of Woody Creek. There is a stretch that remains unpaved and has a graded surface of packed gravel to the south of Aspen and may not be suitable for all types of bicycles. The trail also becomes steeper in this area.

Read more about the Rio Grande Trail

Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path

The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path is a 16-mile long paved path that extends from Glenwood Springs to Dotsero. The trail goes through the majestic Glenwood Canyon with its dark and dramatic limestone cliffs rising above the powerful Colorado River. The trail connects the rest areas along Interstate 70 and often travels below the roadway. Interstate 70 is tiered in the narrow canyon. Trail users can view the rushing river and the natural areas along each side. There are chances to see the train travel along the opposite bank of the river. Hiking trails head up into several of the side canyons and lead to waterfalls.

Read more about the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path

Crystal River Trail

The Crystal River Trail is a 6.75-mile long paved pathway that starts in Carbondale and heads up the valley toward Redstone. The trail intersects the Rio Grande Trail near Highway 133 and Village Road in Carbondale, near the park and ride. The Crystal River Trail heads to the south traveling alongside the river and Highway 133. There are pretty views of the meadows and aspen groves along the river with the steep sides of the valley to each side.

Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the recreational trails located in the Roaring Fork Valley in Western Colorado.