The best road cycling routes in Garfield County

Garfield County offers a diverse range of road cycling experiences, from easy, paved paths through stunning canyons to challenging routes with significant elevation gains. You'll find routes traversing rugged alpine vistas, high desert mountains, and river valleys, often with views of the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River.

Yes, Garfield County has several easy and family-friendly options. The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path is an easy 5.5-mile paved route through Glenwood Canyon, ideal for all fitness levels. The Rio Grande Trail also offers easy sections, such as the Carbondale Loop, which is a gentle 15.4-mile ride with views of Mount Sopris.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Garfield County provides routes with considerable elevation gain. The Schoolhouse Figure-8 from Carbondale is a difficult 71 km route with over 1,000 meters of ascent. Other challenging options include the Red Canyon Loop and the Missouri Heights Loop, both near Glenwood Springs, and the climb up County Road 114 to Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley Campus.

Many routes offer breathtaking scenery. The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path takes you through dramatic cliffs alongside the Colorado River. You can also enjoy views of Mount Sopris from routes around Carbondale. For specific natural landmarks, consider visiting Hanging Lake Trail (requires a permit) or Rifle Falls, which are accessible nearby.

Yes, Garfield County features several excellent loop routes. The Old Coulter and Missouri Heights Schoolhouse loop from Carbondale is a moderate 53 km option. Another is the New Castle to Rifle Gap State Park loop, a moderate 65 km route offering scenic views. The Rio Grande Trail also connects to various loops, such as the Rio Grande Trail and Cattle Creek Loop.

While specific conditions vary, the warmer months typically offer the best road cycling conditions in Garfield County. The region's diverse landscapes are particularly enjoyable from spring through fall. Winter road biking might be limited due to snow and ice, especially in higher elevations, though some lower-elevation paths might remain accessible.

The routes in Garfield County vary significantly in length. You can find shorter, easy rides like sections of the Rio Grande Trail or the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path, which is about 5.5 miles. Longer, more challenging routes can extend up to 92 miles, such as the Rio Grande Trail: Glenwood Springs to Aspen Loop.

The road cycling routes in Garfield County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 3 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic canyons, river valleys, and mountain backdrops, as well as the variety of options available for different ability levels.

Yes, beyond natural beauty, you can find historical points of interest. For example, the Pioneer Cemetery/Doc Holliday Grave is a notable historical site in Glenwood Springs, offering a glimpse into the region's past. Many routes pass through or near towns with local history.

Absolutely. The Rio Grande Trail is a prime example, offering a continuous multi-use path that spans 44 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, with multiple access points in towns like Carbondale. This allows for longer rides connecting various communities and landscapes, such as the Carbondale to McClure Pass route.

While this guide focuses on road cycling, Garfield County is also known for its gravel cycling opportunities. Routes like the 'Colorado Headwaters bike tour' and 'New Castle-Glenwood Springs via Divide Creek' offer varied terrain for those who prefer gravel, showcasing the county's commitment to diverse outdoor recreation.

Beyond the well-known paths, other popular paved routes for road biking include Four Mile Road, Spring Valley Loop, and Hardwick Bridge Loop. These routes offer additional options for exploring the diverse terrain and scenic beauty of Garfield County.