Explore the best rated trails in Fairplay, CO, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Dillon Reservoir Recpath and Monarch Spur Trail . With more than 25 trails covering 213 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This trail has two personalities, from the east (Frisco) and from the west (Vail). It's delightful from either direction but can be crowded with rental e-bikes in the summer.
If you're travelling from the east many people park at exit 201 on I-70 near W. Main Street in Frisco. There's a free parking lot to the SE of that exit. Biking on the Tenmile Recpath takes you along Tenmile Creek, passed several ponds and small lakes to Copper Mountain village. You croos Hwy. 91, then pedal through Copper Mountain village and continue west out of Copper Mountain village near Copper Road and Beeler Place. The trail then follows West Tenmile Creek to the west, parallel to I70. Now the trail is called the Tenmile Canyon Recreation Trail. You'll climb fairly gently but steadily now to the summit of Vail Pass (10,666 ft.). Note that this approach (from the east) is a more gentle elevation gain than the approach from the west, covered below.
If you wish to ride up Vail Pass from the west you can start in Vail Village, near Gore Creek USFS campground or elsewhere in the Eagle Valley to the west. If you start near the Gore Creek USFS campground there is a new, large parking area about 1/4 mile to the SW of the campground; parking is free. Vail Village is about 8200 ft. elevation so the gain, biking on the trail from the west is about 2400 ft with 4 or 5 pretty steep climbs. If you start from at Gore Creek USFS campground parking area you'll ascend past the campground, through an open gate and will parallel I70. This paved trail is the former Hwy. 6 before they built I70. You'll pedal passed a few small ponds and creeks through pines and firs, eventually descending briefly to Polk Creek; this is an excellent place to stop in the shade next to a rushing creek. You'll continue under I70 and ascend over new sections of trail, still heading up to Vail Pass. You'll come to Black Lakes where there is usually a primitive port-a-potty. After passing Black Lakes you have a little more uphill and then you're at Vail Pass. Some people continue to the east and then climb back up and back to Vail; it's your choice.
Weather: in the late spring and summer, even into early fall it's usually warm and dry. Pack plenty of liquids due to aridity and elevation - there are no stores or sources of water on the trail, except perhaps at Copper Mountain. Most days from last spring to early fall there will be thunder clouds building up in the afternoons but it rarely rains. Bring a rain coat just in case.
In mid-summer there are groups of ebikes that people rent in Frisco or Vail (or nearby) and many of these non-locals have very little idea of the rules of multi-use trails so watch out for them! There are occasionally walkers and dog-walkers on the trail but usually nearer Frisco or nearer Vail only.
You may see deer, elk, bear (not likely in mid-day), eagles, ospreys, marmots and other typical local creatures. While blasting downhill one side of the pass or the other be aware that you can easily reach speeds of 30-50 mph so watch out for the rare animal on the path - it IS possible! Have fun!
This is a great trail for all! It’s paved and there are some side trails. You can take if you want a mountain bike. I would definitely start the trail clockwise. You can park at the Family Dollar. My friends and I rented bikes and packed lunches. Because of so much history along the way it took us 3 1/2 hours to do 12 miles.
Please be aware that Class 1 and Class 2 Ebikes are allowed on the trail from Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs (the north end of the trail) down to Basalt. But from Basalt to Aspen is only Class 1 Ebikes. We did not ride this part so not sure if it is enforced. Kind of discouraging as we are old (78) and very respectful and responsible riders. We use our throttles sparingly but I find it so helpful especially taking off from a stop.
We parked at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. You can access the start of the trail within the park. It is 13 miles to Carbondale where you can have lunch right on the trail at Dos Gringos Burritos. So a nice 26 mile round trip. It doesn't look like it but it is a very gentle uphill grade on the way to Carbondale and an easy downhill glide back to the park. You are somewhat along the river part of the way and thru rolling ranch land. and some along the road. Not much shade. Lots of stuff to look at - beautiful homes along the river/cemetary (I like them)/big tree farm/hayfields. All in all a really nice ride.
This was a fabulous ride! We took the train from Denver to Glenwood Springs, biked to our overnight accommodations then shuttled to Aspen in the morning. VelociRFTA L or BRT allows bikes (eBikes < 60 lbs allowed) after 7a. 2-3 bikes per bus, first come, first served. Shuttle to Aspen $5 w/bike, seniors free. ~90 min to Aspen. Breakfasted in Aspen, then set out on spectacular fall-colored, 42mi ride. If you only have 30mi in you do Aspen>Carbondale, the last 12mi are not particularly memorable.
Great hike with a nice easy incline. Fantastic views!!
A unique experience on a scenic trail. We loaded the bikes on the front of the RFTA bus and rode 1 1/2 hour t from Glenwood Springs to Aspen for $3. Biked a gentle decline for 40 miles with great views along the Roaring Fork River. This trail should be in the hall of fame. Buses were running about every 20 minutes, can load bikes after 7am, and no e-bikes. You can get latest on the bus at the Glenwood Springs visitors center.
We rode this trail as Stage 3 of our Tour de Great Plains and Colorado. Started at the “Big Easy” Trailhead and went west four miles - it’s only open four miles. The pavement is in good shape and about 10 feet wide. The trail is uphill going west and a nice downhill ride back east. There are nice restrooms at the trailhead and plenty of paved parking. This is a beautiful trail and not very crowded. When all segments (65 miles) are completed this will be one of the best trails in the US.
This is a scenic ride. From Frisco it is a steady slow climb which, given the elevation, was a challenge for me (and many others). The views are worth it! Coming downhill was a blast!
This bike path is stunning and steep can be a rough ride if you’re not seasoned
Beautiful views and easy cycle as mostly downhill
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