Hiking Project Logo

Rio Grande Trail

Easy
 4.4 (5)

World class paved path connecting Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs.


Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

43.5

Miles

70.0

KM

Point to Point

7,892' 2,406 m

High

5,720' 1,744 m

Low

338' 103 m

Up

2,509' 765 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

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. 1, 5pm April 30, 5pm.

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 section of trail remains near Aspen.

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. Learn more about the trail here.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE
Cyclists must use an audible signal when overtaking other trail users .
Pet wastes must be disposed of properly.
Respect private property - stay on the trail at all times.
All dogs must be on leash
Bicyclists and pedestrians yield to equestrian.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Pritchard

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 5 votes

#6

in Aspen

#8274

Overall
  4.4 from 5 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#6

in Aspen

#660

in Colorado

#8,274

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,044 Since Oct 9, 2017
Easy

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 63 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 18, 2022
Amanda Barnes
3.3mi — 1h 18m
May 4, 2019
B S