fattirefreak

I've been trying to research on Google Maps a trail or 2lane road that is ridable from Vail to Glenwood Springs. the map shows little, but searches on the web indicate there is something. Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with a good bike route between these two mountain towns?

fattirefreak

To be completely honest and not beat around the bush, I'm stringing together a route from Morrison to Glenwood or likely Grand Junction to ride. Any specs on this concept would be welcome. Thanks!

mje

There's an intermittant bike path from Vail to Edwards. Google maps' bicycle route shows it pretty well. When the path ends, ride US 6 to Dotsero where the Glenwood Canyon bike path begins. It continues to Glenwood Springs.

fattirefreak

Thanks for that information

eofelis 

Maps of cycling routes in the Grand Junction area:
https://tomorrowhillfarm.com/JohnHodgebicycleMaps.html

mrosenlof

There's an off-road bike path the entire way from Glenwood to Aspen. It's mostly paved, but not entirely. Nice ride.

https://canyonbikes.com/riogrande_trail.html

colorado dale

note the glenwood canyon bike trail dotsero to glenwood springs is closed in winter thru spring run off the cdot travel site
states whether the trail is open or closed

fattirefreak

Good to know. I was hoping it would be open (Glenwood Canyon Trail) by late May.

mje

From CDOT: "CDOT closes the Glenwood Canyon Bike Path each winter, when winter maintenance activities on I-70 above can create unsafe conditions on the path. The path typically opens in April each year, as weather permits."

ka0use

howzabout holy-mack'el,-andy 'road' from central city to idaho springs. it terrifies
folks in 4-tired vehicles, so might be interesting.

mtn.cyclist

Late May should be no problem but the trail is closed from Dotsero to Glenwood now. I live in Gypsum between Vail and Glenwood. If you need any real time updates PM me.

Shifty

A nice route from Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction goes to Carbondale, McClure Pass, Hotchkiss, Delta then to Grand Junction. It may be the only route??? It sure is beautiful.

cyccommute 

Yup. Parallels I-70 the whole way.

On the other side of the Divide, you can follow I-70 most of the way to the bottom of Loveland Pass, then follow the Summit County Trails up and over to Vail. I don't know how construction on the Twin Tunnels is going to impact the bike path along Clear Creek from Hidden Valley to Idaho Springs, however.

West of Glenwood there are also sporadic trails that parallel I-70 as well as US6. Maybe not the best riding but it's direct. And I've ridden far worse.

fattirefreak

Thanx.

fattirefreak

I found a route on backroads from Glenwood to GJ that is used by a bikeshop/touring group in GJ to safely navigate this stretch. It uses I-70 for the first five miles, than its all on county roads. When you mentioned sporadic trails, it got me to thinking. Yet if I can completely avoid the interstate then that is best.

cyccommute 

When I said sporadic trails, I meant ones that parallel I-70 but you don't ride on I-70. I will say, however, that riding on an Interstate is loud but not that unsafe. The shoulders are usually a full lane wide which is wider than most shoulders on side roads.

Jaypkk

From the CDOT Twin Tunnels page: "Upcoming Construction ActivityBeginning in April 2013, eastbound I-70 traffic will be detoured around the tunnel. This detour, will divert traffic from I-70 just west of the Twin Tunnels and return traffic to the highway just west of Hidden Valley. The shift will be in place for about eight months, through late 2013, while the eastbound tunnel is widened. Two lanes of traffic will be open in each direction during high volume traffic periods and pedestrian/bicycle access will continue along CR 314."
As of today, there is a protected bike lane through the construction zone. As before the bike trail starts near Kermits and goes west. The protected lane begins at or near the Hidden Valley Exit.

Miles2go

Riding through Glenwood Canyon is a great visual experience (done it hundreds of times when I lived up in that valley.) If it's not available though, you can go from the south side of Gypsum, over Cottonwood Pass road, which spits you out in Carbondale. This route from Gypsum to Carbondale has about 20 miles of remote riding with little to no services but is a low traffic option. This route would be shorter than going through GS if you are heading over McClure, but I like "the Springs".

Vail to Gypsum all bike path/route 6. Usually windy, either in your face or at your back depending on the day and what time of day. Route 6 has a good bit of traffic on it but it is a bike route. If you're in Eagle for lunch, just off of 6 and Broadway is a great sandwich shop (Red Canyon Cafe).

colorado dale

glenwood canyon trail is open for season https://www.coloradodot.info/news/201...ath-open-today

Miles2go

FWIW: I'd expect it to be pretty dusty due to ongoing construction above the path. I drove through the canyon this week and was surprised to see that the bike path was opening with all they have going on with the interstate.