South Canyon Trail

The South Canyon Trail is an in-progress project that will one day extend from Glenwood Springs to New Castle. The first phase of the paved pathway was completed in 2009, running 0.7 miles along the Colorado River in West Glenwood Springs. A 1.8-mile gap sits between this segment and the second section of the trail, completed in 2011, which stretches 0.4 miles. Although adjacent to a major roadway (I-70), the trail does offer a beautiful backdrop of mountains.

The trail is part of another ongoing effort called the Lower Valley Trail (LoVa Trail) which will continue along the Colorado River, connecting New Castle, Silt, Rifle, and Parachute on a paved 47-mile route.

Parking and Trail Access

Near the east end of the trail in Glenwood Springs, a trailhead parking lot is available at the intersection of Devereux Road and Midland Avenue. To reach the trail from the parking lot, follow Midland Avenue across the Colorado River; the trail starts on the north bank of the river at the bridge and follows the river heading west.

Stink, Stank, Stunk

July 2020 acewickwire

Location: Glenwood Springs, CO
Parking: South Canyon Bridge & Devereux Rd
Trail Condition: S Canyon Bridge segment (western) is wide paved trail with a lot of debris thrown on to it from the adjacent interstate, needs maintenance. The eastern segment has nice wide path and well maintained.
Signage: None
Comments: Not much to say about the S. Canyon Bridge segment (western), it is short and unmaintained. TrailLink map implies that the old bridge can be accessed but is not the case anymore. A metal bar has been placed across the bridge entrance. A faded signs states no jumping from bridge and close by is a memorial site for a young man, did he jump from the bridge? The eastern segment travels behind a number of businesses and hotels, with the river on the other side of the trail. There are lots of shade trees, some benches, and picnic tables. At the western end of this segment of trail there is a sewage treatment plant and you go right past the nasty smelling tank with icky brown sludge being stirred up. On a warm day it is not a place you want to be. The trails at the edge of the interstate.

Someday this will be a great trail

June 2017 dwright3

There are big plans for this trail - but they have not happened yet. Today this is a one mile stretch of paved trail that does not link with any other trails.