The Beautiful Bike Path of Glenwood Springs, Colorado

This is breathtaking family biking trail winds along the Colorado River and meanders through famous Glenwood Canyon. The trail is 10 feet wide and paved and perfect for all types of biking, roller-blading, walking and more. There are 4 rest areas along the trail that offer restroom facilities, fresh drinking water, telephones, and picnic areas. Because the trail follows the Colorado River, if you ride it in the western direction you will enjoy a comfortable downhill pace. The trail was completed in 1995 as part of the million-dollar a mile, highway construction through Glenwood Canyon. Riders will delight in the rugged, towering canyon walls, as well as the thrill of the roaring Colorado River.

If riding 16 miles in the downhill direction is not enough exercise for you, try an adventure at one of the rest stops such as: Hanging Lake Trail. This hiking trail winds 1.2 miles up the side of a mountain. It rises 1020 feet in elevation. At the top, enjoy a spectacular natural lake formed many years ago when a geological fault caused the hillside to fall away. As the nearby streamflow deposited carbonates over the fault, a rim was formed. Today the lake is 25 feet deep and as fragile and pristine as years ago.

Continuing in a westerly direction, at approximately 9 miles you will find the Shoshone Hydro-Electric Plant. This plant was built in 1909. It is still operational and in near original condition. This plant generated electricity for Glenwood Springs even before places like New York City and San Francisco. The Shoshone rest area is also the launch for exciting whitewater rafting. The river rapids here typically rate a class III (of course depending on water levels).

Ride on further west to the Grizzly Creek rest area where you can enjoy another popular hike on the Grizzly Creek Trail. This is an overnight hike to trails end, but it is a nice hike to just go up and come back down depending on the amount of time you have. You are almost to Glenwood Springs now. About 14 miles into your trip you will encounter the only real hill on the trail. This is the No Name rest area. You will often find a pack of Bighorn Sheep somewhere between here and town. Sometimes they tower above upon the canyon walls only to be found if you notice small pebbles and debris falling onto the trail. Other times they saunter across the trail on their way to a dip in the cool waters of the Colorado. These animals are NOT aggressive, so not to worry. After riding through the town of No Name you will be 2 short miles from Glenwood Springs. The trail drops you out on the easternmost end of sixth street. Simply ride west one more block and you will find yourself at the historic Hotel Colorado. Bike rentals and canyon shuttle rides are available at Canyon Bikes located in the lower level of the hotel.

Information from www.trailcentral.com