Explore the best rated trails in Paonia, CO, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail and Atkinson Canal Trail . With more than 14 trails covering 125 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.
We drove 2 hours from Durango to ride this trail and were wanting to ride a round trip of 20+ miles. When we arrived we parked at the state park, which includes a parking fee of $10, and started riding south to Ridgway. Much to my surprise, we arrived after riding only 3.5 miles. We did not ride to the southern trailhead, about four blocks south, due to traffic.
I was surprised by the brevity of the ride so we rode back to the northern trailhead, stopping intermittently to check our map location, and arrived back to the car with only seven miles on my bike computer.
After riding farther than the trailhead I came across two riders and asked if they were locals. They confirmed that they were and I explained our dilemma. When I told them this was listed as a 12+ mile ride they laughed and said that wasn't even close. They did state that you can ride above the lake on a single track, but none of that is on the Traillink map.
Riders beware!! This is not even a quarter of the length listed so plan on a short ride or plan on doing multiple circuits to get in some miles.
For those rail trail enthusiasts who prefer consistent crushed gravel, this trail offers that for a bit. Close to Slate River it turns to big rocks and tree ruts. Definitely a mountain bike trail not a rail trail.
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.
We rode this trail Monday, July 15, 2024 We parked at Exit 119 which is the No Name Exit and Rest area. Right next to Glenwood Canyon Resort. A great place to park. We rode East on the trail right (literally) along the river. What fun. The river was really running with rapids and there were a lot of rafts/boats/and even 3 paddleboarders! braving the rapids. The SAD part is that we got about 5 miles on the trail and at the Shoshone Hydro Plant the trail was completely fenced and closed due to high water the sign said. What a disappointment. So we turned around and headed back to the Rest area and continued on -it looks like there is a break in the trail on Traillink but you ride down a rural road and pick up the trail again-this time riding higher above the river. Then you come to the crazy wire covered overpass over I-70. We rode across but then immediately the trail turns west and runs right along I-70. No shade and lots of traffic. So we turned around again. Would be an unbelievable ride if the whole trail was open.
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.
I started at the Ridgway park and rode the trail to Ridgway State Park. When the trail dead ends into a street, go right and you’ll hook up with the trail again. You can watch me go along this trail on our YouTube channel called Traveling Marlins.
This trail is really really nice. The concrete is wonderful. There is a small section of blacktop but is in the world to be replaced with concrete. The trail can be a little confusing but once you get the hang of it, it is easy to follow. Beautiful views along the entire trail. Most people follow the simple rules to make it nice for everyone to enjoy.
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.
Trail is cement and wide. Very few people so we could ride as fast as we wanted.
This is a beautiful ride along the Colorado River. Most of the trail you are just a few feet from the river. With the wind today we could experience some spray from the river. Fun to watch the the Rocky Mountaineer train pass on the other side of the river. NOTE: Currently the trail is closed from Shoshone Plant to the west, due to high water.
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