Biking Colorado's Rio Grande Trail

I began at Glenwood Springs' Two River Park.  The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority manages the greatest portion of the Rio Grande Trail which runs from Glenwood Springs to Aspen,  42 miles of continuous multi-use trail protected from vehicular traffic except at intersections. 

The Rio Grande Trail is a rails-to-trails project which is built on the Aspen Branch of the historic Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Train operations ceased and in 1997 the corridor was purchased with a combination of funding by local governments, Great Outdoors Colorado, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, and the Colorado Department of Transportation.

From the Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs, the trail crosses the Colorado River...

...and then briefly hugs the Roaring Fork River as it heads to Carbondale...

 The trail then parallels Highway 82 to Carbondale before heading east along 82 to Aspen. Near the start, a narrow gravel single track trail for mountain bikes parallels the paved trail.

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. The buses have bike racks but you will have to pay a nominal fee to bring your bike in addition to the bus fare.