Biking Glenwood Springs | Abundant Road and Mountain Biking Trails
Photo Courtesy of Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association
Biking has always been a favorite activity throughout Colorado, and Glenwood Springs is certainly no exception. The large network of trails and paths throughout Glenwood Springs provides an unmatched selection of road and mounting biking opportunities ideally suited for any skill level.
There are several great outlets to rent a front or full suspension mountain bike, or a variety of road bikes from in Glenwood Springs.
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Glenwood Canyon Resort 1308 County Road 129, Glenwood (800)958-6736 |
Book all your activities at the Front Desk
of the Hotel Denver and the Hotel Glenwood Springs
From Glenwood Springs, the Glenwood Canyon path takes you from town, on a paved trail, 17 miles to the eastern entrance to the Glenwood Canyon following the Colorado River. Along the path there are rest areas, drinking fountains, and abundant places to sit on the shore of the Colorado River and take in the scenery or enjoy a picnic. If you’re looking for a way to mix up the day, combine your biking adventure with a hike up to Hanging Lake, located along the Glenwood Canyon path.
If mountain biking is your style, the pinnacle of mountain biking rides in Glenwood Springs is the Scout Trail. This can be done as an out and back single track ride starting in town, but will require a steep technical climb from the start. A gentler option is to circle around the southern slope of Lookout Mountain on country roads to reach the top of the trail. This route will take you approximately two hours, but once you reach the top, prepare for an exhilarating descent. The views are incredible and far reaching, but be very careful! There are several places on the trail with potentially deadly exposure. In one place the trail comes within 10 feet of a 1000 foot sheer drop to the Colorado River. A heads up rider who stays within their limits will have no problems.
A less technical option to the Scout Trail is the ride to the cross on Red Mountain. This trail ascends the opposite side of the valley facing the Scout Trail and is equally rewarding. The Trail climbs the service road of the historic Historic Glenwood Springs Ski Area. You’ll see old lift towers and cable, but the chairs are long gone. The first half mile is a bit steep, but don’t fear, the grade will get much gentler as you pass the water tower. About 2/3 of the way up you’ll come to a bench with great views of Capital Peak, Mount Sopris and the Elk Range. The trail terminates at a private property gate, but you can follow the fence line to the left for one final view before you descend the way you came.
