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Red Mountain Trail

Hard work is rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, Mt. Sopris and the Elk Range in the distance. Views to the north and west include Storm King Mountain.

Hikers, runners, and mountain bikers love the views and trail experiences available on Red Mountain.  The Red Mountain Jeanne Golay Trail (aka Red Mt. Rd.) starts out as paved but quickly turns into a dirt road that is the easiest option for all users on the mountain, and is a good option for side by side social time with friends and family.   The road climbs efficiently, but never too steeply, up above Glenwood Springs to a viewpoint next to “the cross” which is lit up seasonally at night.  The road is named for famed local Jeanne Golay, who trained and raced on this road on her way to winning the National Road Cycling Championships in 1992, 1994, and 1995.

DIRECTIONS

The steep and sometimes rocky Cross Trail is very popular with hikers, especially those looking for a good work out on their way up and down the mountain. A parallel trail on the lower mountain, the Fall Line Trail, offers opportunity for a shorter loop experience on the lower slopes of the mountain.

The Grandstaff Trail is the newest trail experience on Red Mountain, and is quickly becoming a must ride favorite for local and visiting mountain bikers.  With Big views, fun flow, big vertical, and optional air time, it’s no wonder as to why!  While the trail is open to two-way bike and foot traffic, and the open view corridors at most of the turns are designed to minimize conflict between uphill and downhill trail users, most local riders enjoy riding up the Red Mountain Jeanne Golay Trail given its consistent grade and plenty of shady spots… before enjoying Grandstaff on the way back down.  Lower Grandstaff is open to downhill traffic only, ensuring a safe and fun experience for everyone on the lowest slopes of the mountain.

• Uses: Hiking, mountain biking
• Length: 2-7 miles depending on where you turn around and your route selection.
• Ability Rating: Moderate to difficult
• Usage: Heavy
• Dogs permitted, with leash
• Restrictions: Note that the road leads to private property at the top

Hours
Dawn to Dusk

To reach the Jeanne Golay/Red Mountain Trail, follow 8th Street west across the Roaring Fork River. Turn right at the traffic signal onto Midland Avenue. Take first left onto Red Mountain Drive (by Yampah High School). Turn right on West 9th St and park at the trailhead. To reduce crowding at the small parking area, all mountain bikers are asked to instead park at the nearby Glenwood Springs Community Center, and access Red Mt. via the Olsen Trail.

No matter which route you choose, climbing Red Mountain is hard work, but the breathtaking views at the top are well worth the effort. Gaze upon the Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers from above! And don’t miss the views of Mt. Sopris and Elk Range. Take note of the bright orange colored lift towers. They are the relics of Red Mountain Ski Area, Glenwood’s original ski hill which operated from 1941-1952.  A climb of Red Mt. is not complete without a visit to the highpoint and its panoramic views. Nearby, a tall steel cross hints at the long and interesting life of William Grandstaff, who prospected for gold in the area and passed away on the mountain in 1901.

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Mitchell Creek

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