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Trail Length

42 miles

Trail Start and End Details

The Rio Grande Trail follows the historic Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad route from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to Aspen, Colorado.

Description and Tips

This mountain valley trail follows the roaring Forks River for a good portion, getting more wooded as it approaches Aspen. The elevation gain when traveling from Glenwood Springs to Aspen is about 2,000 feet, which you’ll experience via a steady 2-3% grade as you ride. There are restaurants and pubs along the way in Basalt, Carbondale, and Woody Creek. Rest areas are fairly frequent between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, and less so between Carbondale and Aspen. There is no water along the trail and in the upper section rest stations are far apart. There is a big visitor center in Aspen with nice rest facilities, water, and bike racks, and bus service with bike racks is available in Aspen, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. At Aspen you’ll find a first-class ski town experience.

Submitted By

Kirk Sticken, Tim Cook