Not only is Glenwood Springs known as a hot springs oasis, it’s a community rich in opportunities for year-round Colorado bicycling. An ideal combination is pool then pedal—or we like to refer to it as “joy then ride”. Soak at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort first to limber up and hit the trails on road, mountain, electric or fat bikes. Or do this in reverse if you prefer!
There are miles of Colorado bicycling trails, ranging from paved and easy-to-ride paths ideal for people of various ages and abilities to singletrack options for beginning to advanced mountain bikers. Glenwood Springs was named a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. The city of Glenwood Springs’ bike route map shows recommended bike routes and indicates what type of riding environment you can expect: a multiuse path, on-road bike lane, sidewalk bike route or on-road route shared with vehicle traffic.
Also, Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley, which begins in Glenwood Springs, has been designated a Gold-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association due in part to the area’s 300 miles of singletrack.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
When staying overnight at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, a complimentary hot breakfast at The Grill is included, so make sure to fuel up for a day on the trails. The Grill is located poolside, making it easy to take a quick dip and enjoy the health benefits of hot springs before heading out. Overnight guests have unlimited access to the world’s largest natural hot springs pool, and day passes are available.
For extra value and convenience, book Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s biking package that includes an all-day electric-bike rental from Canyon Bikes for each guest on the reservation, lodging, breakfast and soaking in hot springs. Ride e-bikes throughout the Glenwood Springs area with ample opportunities for breaks, picnics and side hikes. The package is available April 30 – Oct. 9, 2022.
If you don’t want the hassle of bringing equipment, local bicycling outfitters rent all types of bikes and some offer guided trips and shuttle services.
Road & Paved Trail Biking
From Glenwood Springs, bicyclists can access two of Colorado’s best paved, multiuse trails.
Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path travels east for 16.3 miles to Dotsero and is situated between the Colorado River and Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon. A main trail access point is near Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Yampah Spa Vapor Caves on Sixth Street. For the ultimate experience, bring a fly-fishing rod or picnic to take a break along the route. Before going, make sure there are not closures on sections of the trail.
The 42-mile Rio Grande Trail runs alongside the Roaring Fork River and traverses south to Aspen, connecting Glenwood Springs to communities like Carbondale, El Jebel and Basalt. Look for bald eagles, elk herds and historic ranch buildings along the way. An easy way to bike one way is to ride Roaring Fork Transportation Authority buses with bike racks located on the front that accommodate two to four bikes. The service is offered from select bus stops between Aspen and Glenwood Springs for a $2 fee per bike; there is no bike loading in the winter and e-bikes are not allowed on the racks any time of year.
Other options for great rides, as suggested by Visit Glenwood Springs, are on more traditional blacktop surfaces and include Four-Mile Road to Sunlight Mountain Resort, the back road from West Bank subdivision to Carbondale, and County Road 114 to Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley Campus.
Mountain & Fat Biking
Singletrack and dirt roads provide gear-shifting fun for people who enjoy Colordo mountain biking or want to give it a try. Grandstaff, South Canyon and Wulfsohn are among the newest trails, with Grandstaff quickly becoming one of Glenwood Springs’ signature rides. On the South Canyon trail system, cover 8 miles of singletrack over three trails with more routes in the works. Wulfsohn is shorter with nearly 4 miles of thrills but offers easy access to Red Mountain Trails. Another great option is Boy Scout, a 17-mile singletrack loop that climbs to the rim of Glenwood Canyon and rips down switchbacks through the trees.
During summer, Sunlight Mountain Resort transforms from a favorite Colorado ski area into a mountain biker’s paradise. More than 16 miles of marked trails meander through a woodland landscape that features aspen groves, wildflower meadows, ponds and stream crossings. Sunlight Mountain Resort also hosts the annual Sunlight Showdown in July featuring a 13-mile mountain bike race, 13-mile trail run and half-marathon.
Fat bikes (two-wheelers with extra-wide tires) allow cyclists to ride even in winter. The wide tires combined with low tire pressure enable bikes to float over snow—or sand if you’re on a beach. Sunlight Mountain Resort’s Babbish Gulch has 29 kilometers of fat bike trails that range from easy greens to difficult black diamonds.
Are you ready for “joy then ride”? It’s a winning combination and one Mother Nature of a good time with Glenwood Hot Springs Resort at the ready to soothe tired muscles. Plus, what’s more relaxing than mineral hot springs after a big day exploring Colorado bike trails? Not much, except maybe toasting your achievements with a cold beer at one of three local breweries!