I just finished biking the Glenwood Canyon Trail (16 miles each way) on Friday and the Rio Grande Trail (42 miles) today. They were both awesome but completely different.
The Glenwood Canyon Trail followed the Colorado River and I-70 through Glenwood Canyon from Glenwood Springs to Dotsero, Colorado. It was all concrete, very smooth and a gradual but steady climb going east. It had quite a bit of shade as it actually dove under the highway in numerous spots. I’m not just talking tunnels that intersect the highway, but it actually ran parallel underneath the highway in spots. Also being in a canyon and beside a river helped, but it still got hot. You’ll definitely want to take lots of water even though there is a good water fountain at the Hanging Lake rest stop.
The Rio Grande Trail followed the Roaring Fork River from Glenwood Springs, CO to Aspen. It was 42 miles of varying trail. It was mostly asphalt, but had about 10 – 11 miles of gravel. Despite going through a populated area, there were few water stops, so once again, come prepared w/ lots of water. As you get closer to Aspen, there are plenty of beautiful views to see. They included a secluded canyon, scenic river crossings, gorgeous houses w/ ample landscaping, and even an art museum just as you enter Aspen.
I highly recommend these trails. If you are coming from Denver or anywhere else near the Zephyr Railroad line, I recommend getting to Glenwood Springs on the Amtrak train. It’s quite an experience, but don’t expect it to be on time. It rarely is. Our train was 10 hours late.
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