Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley is Designated a Gold-Level Ride Center

by the International Mountain Bicycling Association

With more than 300 miles of high quality single-track to explore, the Roaring Fork Valley provides an incredible breadth of experiences for both local and visiting riders seeking beauty and exhilaration. The IMBA Gold-Level evaluation criteria is comprised of key aspects that make for an amazing mountain bike destination and include a variety of trail types, overall trail mileage, quality of trail experiences, destination best practices, and local services. The Roaring Fork Valley’s system of trails scored high marks in each of these categories, contributing to the IMBA Gold-Level designation . With the growth of mountain biking and its mountainous slopes and peaks, down to the valley evolution into a broadly appealing sport, the floor. Favorite rides near Aspen and Snowmass communities of the Roaring Fork Valley have Village include classics like the Government and developed single-track trails to satisfy user Sunnyside Trails, with newer trails at Sky Mountain demands while increasing sustainability. The Park offering a way to link the upper valley trails Roaring Fork Valley’s public and private land together into loops ranging from an hour or two, to managers, including the White River National all-day adventures. While Snowmass offers beauty Forest, the Bureau of Land Management, Pitkin and challenge in all directions, the Snowmass County’s Open Space & Trails, Snowmass Village’s Bike Park’s gondola and chairlift deliver riders Parks & Trails, Aspen’s Parks, Open Space & above 11,000’ and offer descents of over 3,000’ Trails, Glenwood Springs Parks & Recreation, to arrive back at Snowmass Town Park. Exploring Trails & Open Space, and Aspen Skiing Company’s the middle of the valley in Basalt and Carbondale, Snowmass Bike Park, have each studied, approved, riders can find red rock terrain and desert cactus at and built additional mileage and made countless Red Hill, or endless aspen tree groves and massive improvements to the Valley’s single-track trail views of the Elk Mountains range on the Hay Park system in order to attain this triumph. Each of Trail. Red Mountain, one of Glenwood Springs’ these trail approvals was carefully considered in new favorite trail systems, includes the Grandstaff the context of their location. Trail where grand views of Mount Sopris meet fun “Ride Center designations are as much about flow, big vertical drops, and optional airtime. the process as the award. IMBA’s Trail Solutions “As the entrance to the Roaring Fork Valley, team partners with the community to guide and Glenwood Springs offers year-round trail access educate on creating and enhancing amazing places with stunning views of the valley in a laid-back to ride mountain bikes. For the Aspen Snowmass/ atmosphere,” said Lisa Langer, Director of Roaring Fork Ride Center to grow from BronzeTourism, Visit Glenwood Springs. “This new Level to Gold-Level is a remarkable achievement, designation will elevate our area in the eyes and a testament to the community’s dedication of serious mountain biking enthusiasts, and it to mountain biking,” says Dave Wiens, IMBA will encourage riders to experience all that the Executive Director. Roaring Fork Valley has to offer. Of course, after a The Roaring Fork Valley offers incredibly convenient and connected access between the five communities. The Rio Grande Trail, for example, is day on the trails, we recommend restoring those weary muscles at one of our famous hot springs attractions.” a surfaced pathway that connects trail users from In addition to the Gold-Level trails, the Roaring Glenwood Springs, through Carbondale, Basalt, all Fork Valley is home to more than 10 bikes shops the way to Aspen, 42 miles away. As riders traverse that are recognized for quality service and the Rio Grande Trail, they can choose from over product, and some of the best restaurants, bars, 300 miles of easily accessed scenic terrain, from and post-ride hangouts in the state.

Located along the Roaring Fork River, the entire trail is wheelchair accessible. The section of the trail that parallels the river stays mostly flat, but both ends of the trail climb from the level of the river to that of city streets.

The 42-mile trail follows the Roaring Fork River and links Glenwood Springs with Aspen. The trail is paved with the exception of an 11-mile soft-surface stretch from Woody Creek to Aspen.

Located behind the Glenwood Springs Community Center, these single track trails are great for hikers, mountain bikers and bird watchers.

This strenuous and rocky climb offers 12 miles of streamside hiking. Take I-70 East to No Name (Exit 119) and continue a half-mile to the parking area.

Trail begins at Mitchell Creek (Co. Rd. 132) near the Fish Hatchery in West Glenwood Springs. Visitors have the opportunity to observe a variety of trout at diverse stages of maturity. The trail follows the contours of Mitchell Creek for about five miles.

Located on Red Mountain, this new mountain biking trail is becoming a favorite. Lower Grandstaff is open to downhill traffic only.

Located in South Canyon, Glenwood’s newest mountain bike trails include Tramway Trail, Lightning Bug and Coal Camp. Trails range from easy to more difficult.