Colorado’s favorite hot springs town also happens to be a hub for premier fall cycling. Blacktop to backcountry rides, biking in Glenwood Springs is a golden experience.
Whatever kind of cycling appeals to you, feel the freedom that comes with a great ride in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Trails range from high-precision singletrack to fast-paced flow on the open road; you’ll find it all from paved family-friendly paths to rugged mountain terrain tough enough to challenge even the most experienced riders. In addition to an abundance of ultra-satisfying rides, the Roaring Fork Valley where Glenwood Springs is located is also a designated Gold-Level Ride Center. Not only that, the town’s three hot springs—Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves—add the perfect finisher after a day in the saddle.
Glenwood Springs Trail Blazers
With a plethora of trails popping up, increased connectivity between them, and hot springs options to soak fatigued bodies after a ride, Glenwood Springs is steadily gaining traction as a Colorado destination for off-road riding.
Thanks in large part to the Roaring Fork Mountain Biking Association and its stakeholder partners, the rapid growth of new trails has pinpointed the hot springs town as a place to gear up for a great ride. Working off a trails master plan, the nonprofit group has ushered in several new trails that have put Glenwood Springs on the state’s cycling map.
- Grandstaff Trail. Part of the Red Mountain Trail system, Grandstaff is a fast, flowy ride with big views and bermed turns. The lower portion of the trail is downhill only; ride the Jeanne Golay Trail uphill, then connect to Grandstaff for the descent.
- Wulfsohn Trails. A network of trails located behind the Glenwood Springs Community Center they range from straightforward to tricky. The variety of terrain is perfect for blowing out the cobwebs after a long week at the office or school.
- Scout/Forest Hollow. Considered a Glenwood Springs classic ride. You’ll have earned your beer and a long soak in the hot springs after this 18-mile loop ride.
- South Canyon Trails. Located just west of Glenwood Springs, these trails are ever-expanding. Currently they encompass over 8 miles of riding bliss.
Biking Designation Offers a Golden Glow
It’s no wonder Glenwood Springs has achieved bucket-list status with dirt trail riders. The International Mountain Biking Association designated the Roaring Fork Valley as a Gold Level Ride Center in recognition of the large-scale trail systems that reach all the way to Aspen. The evaluation criteria for the designation are comprised of key markers that make for an amazing mountain biking destination such as the variety of trail types, overall trail mileage, quality of trail experiences, destination best practices and local services.
Calling all Road (Biking) Warriors
When it comes to hitting the pavement for a good long ride, road bikers also have a trifecta of excellent options when they visit Glenwood Springs, with even more roadways to explore if they head to towns south of Glenwood Springs including Carbondale, Basalt and Aspen.
- Rio Grande Trail. With 42-miles and approximately 2,100-feet in elevation gain, this rails-to-trails route is ideal for a long ride. With many access points along the way, it’s also family-friendly for those with shorter bursts of energy.
- Four Mile Road to Sunlight. This is an excellent training ride that climbs from the valley floor in Glenwood Springs to the base of Sunlight Mountain Resort. The scenery, which includes views of Mt. Sopris and historic ranches, is spectacular, especially in autumn.
- Ironbridge to Carbondale. There’s nothing like riding country roads to help you appreciate the joy of cycling. Follow County Road 109—the Hardwick Bridge Road—for a paved route from Ironbridge to Carbondale and a pleasant moderate incline.
Add Glenwood Springs to your Colorado mountain and road biking hot list today! Learn more, make plans and gear up for your best ride ever at VisitGlenwood.com.
Download the official Glenwood Springs Travel Guide
