Name: Rio Grande Trail
Rating: 4.3

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Plan in onX Backcountry

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Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Family Friendly Almost flat paved with plenty of access points to allow for short out-and-back rides throughout the Roaring Fork valley.

To help protect wildlife habitat, no dogs are permitted at any time between Catherine Bridge Trailhead and Rock Bottom Ranch. In addition, this particular section of trail is seasonally closed Dec. 1st, 5pm to April 30th, 5pm.

Need to Know

For cyclists wishing to ride a point-to-point section of the path, bikes are permitted on certain RFTA bus lines. Please check the website for the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority for more information.

Description

The Rio Grande Trail spans the length of the Roaring Fork Valley, use it to connect to numerous singletrack networks, as well as downtown Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. One non-paved, hard-packed gravel section of trail remains near Aspen, but that's only for the better if you're on a gravel bike (when the trail is dry this section offers no challenge to all types of bikes).

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority manages the greatest portion of the Rio Grande Trail, while Pitkin Open Space and Trails manages the up valley portion. The Rio Grande has 42 miles of continuous multi-use trail and is completely 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 in the corridor ceased in phases, between the 1960s and the mid 1990s.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE
Cyclists must use an audible signal when overtaking other trail users. .
Pet waste must be disposed of properly.
Respect private property - stay on the trail at all times.
All dogs must be on leash (dogs are not permitted between Catherine Bridge and Rock Bottom Ranch).
Bicyclists and pedestrians yield to equestrian.