Rio Grande Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views

The Rio Grande Trail spans the length of the Roaring Fork Valley. Use it to connect to numerous singletrack networks, as well as downtown Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. Its 42 miles are paved except for one section of 2.5 mile non-paved, packed gravel trail just northwest of Aspen.

The Rio Grande has 42 miles of continuous multi-use trail and is completely protected from vehicular traffic except at intersections. Trail users can take advantage of the valley's public bus system to run point-to-point sections of this trail. Please visit the website for the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) to learn more about stop locations, schedules, and fees. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority manages the greatest portion of the Rio Grande Trail, while Pitkin Open Space and Trails manages the up-valley portion.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE
Cyclists must use an audible signal when overtaking other trail users. .
Pet waste must be disposed of properly.
Respect private property - stay on the trail at all times.
All dogs must be on leash (dogs are not permitted between Catherine Bridge and Rock Bottom Ranch).
Bicyclists and pedestrians yield to equestrian.

The Rio Grande Trail is a "Rails to Trails" project which is built on the Aspen Branch of the historic Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Originally used as the primary means to transport materials associated with the mining industry up and down the Roaring Fork Valley, train operations in the corridor ceased in phases, between the 1960s and the mid 1990s.