Find the top rated hike trails in Hotchkiss, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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.
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.
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.
April 26!!! We heard the prettiest part of the Rio Grande Trail was from Carbondale down to Aspen. Unfortunately about 3 miles out of Carbondale the trail had a gate and was closed seasonally from Dec 1 through April 30 with detour sign that routes you through El Jebel and Basalt, approx 4 miles!! Several of those detour roads were very heavy traffic and not near as pleasant as the trail!! So RIDER BEWARE Dec 1 - April 30
We have done the majority of the trail.
This became one of our top ten trails around the country. We got on the RFTA bus in Glenwood Springs at the 27th Street bus stop for a 75 minute ride up to Aspen, with our bikes on the front bike holders. After exploring Aspen town, the ride down (mostly level valleys and 1% to 2% downhills) was an nice four-hour rail-trail ride covering 42 miles. Loved it!
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