Whether biking, jogging, or taking your furry friend out for a stroll, having the right mindset on Glenwood Springs trails helps ensure everyone enjoys their time outdoors.
Sharing the trails in Glenwood Springs makes the outdoor recreation experience better for everyone! It also helps protect the environment in line with the Care for Colorado Leave No Trace principles.
Right Way to Ride
Glenwood Springs’ trails can be a thrilling place for cyclists to ride. Those same trails though are also popular locales for runners, hikers, and pet owners. When biking, it’s crucial to watch your speed around others. If you’re riding an electric bike, be extra cautious, as these can often be noiseless and faster than traditional bikes. Always be prepared to slow down or stop for people, pets, or wildlife that might cross your path.
To avoid startling other trail users, it’s good practice for cyclists to announce their presence when passing. A simple ding of your bike bell or a friendly shout of “on your left” can go a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring that trail-user interactions are positive.
Pedestrian Politeness
Hikers, walkers, joggers, parents with strollers, and kids on scooters all have the right-of-way on Glenwood’s many walkable trails. However, this doesn’t mean that folks on foot are exempt from following the rules. To make room for other trail users, stick to the right side and always be aware of your surroundings.
When encountering others on your walk or jog, especially those with pets or cyclists, give them some extra space. Glenwood Springs is a friendly mountain town. You’ll notice that people will smile, nod, and say “hello” as you pass them. Why not return the favor with a convivial acknowledgment?
No Pet Peeves
Glenwood Springs is a dog-welcoming community too. For a positive experience on paved and unpaved paths follow a few key guidelines. First and foremost, keep your dog on a leash. This isn’t just a courtesy; it’s the law in Glenwood Springs. You could get a ticket from a code enforcement officer if your dog is untethered. Keeping your pet leashed ensures your canine companion’s safety and makes other trail users feel more at ease. For those times when your dog needs to run off some extra energy, the dog park located on the Rio Grande Trail behind Glenwood High School’s football stadium is the perfect spot for unbound fun.
Secondly, cleaning up after your pet is non-negotiable. No one wants to step in an unpleasant surprise! Fortunately, Glenwood Springs has made this easy by providing dog waste bag dispensers at access points along the trails. Just be sure to dispose of the bags in the trash bins provided.
Leave No Trace
Beyond respecting each other on the trail, it’s equally important to reverence the local landscape. Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles provide easy-to-follow standards that ensure the state’s beauty remains an enduring legacy. For Glenwood Springs trail-goers, three key points to remember are:
• Stick to designated trails; shortcutting leads to trail erosion,
• Take photos, not flowers; in other words, leave nature as you found it,
• Pack in the views, pack out your trash.
In Glenwood Springs, we’re lucky to have such stunning trails and landscapes at our doorstep. By following these simple local and state guidelines, we can all enjoy the trails while preserving the natural beauty of Colorado for generations to come.
