Near Rio Grande Trail
The Sunnyside Trailhead is marked by this signpost and informative kiosk.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Rio Grande Trail

4.4 (5 Ratings)
41.8
mi
Distance
330
ft
Gain
extreme
Difficulty
Dogs Allowed

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
41.82mi
Distance
330ft
Elevation Gain
2,492ft
Elevation Loss
15%
Max Grade
7,894ft
High Point
5,721ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
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. One non-paved section of trail remains near Aspen. 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. The Rio Grande has 42 miles of continuous multi-use trail and is completely protected from vehicular traffic except at intersections. 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. Train operations in the corridor ceased in phases, between the 1960s and the mid 1990s. Learn more about the trail here. TRAIL ETIQUETTE Cyclists must use an audible signal when overtaking other trail users . Pet wastes must be disposed of properly. Respect private property - stay on the trail at all times. All dogs must be on leash Bicyclists and pedestrians yield to equestrian.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Rio Grande Trail

Classic Hike Route

Rio Grande Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
42.01 mi
+288 ft
Ute Trail to Ajax Sundeck

Classic Hike Route

Ute Trail to Ajax Sundeck

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
5.67 mi
+3,178 ft
Hunter Creek Trail

Classic Hike Route

Hunter Creek Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
7.98 mi
+774 ft
Sunnyside-Radio Tower

Classic Hike Route

Sunnyside-Radio Tower

Fall Colors
strenuous
4.99 mi
+1,573 ft
Conundrum Hot Springs

Hike Route

Conundrum Hot Springs

Birding
strenuous
16.7 mi
+2,691 ft
Intercept Lot to Rodeo Lot via Sky Mountain Park

Hike Route

Intercept Lot to Rodeo Lot via Sky Mountain Park

Birding
moderate
7.72 mi
+1,608 ft
Contributors
onX Maps, Inc