Like the braids of a river delta flowing to the sea, myriad routes lead from Basalt to Glenwood Springs.
The primary, and easiest, trip is on the Rio Grande Trail. From the Wingo Trestle Bridge, at MP 25 on the RG Trail, simply follow the asphalt to MP 0 at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers in Glenwood.
Landmarks along the way: A golf course. An golf cart underpass (MP 23). Basalt High School. A small church, with a porta-potti. Crossing the Sopris Creek Rd as it intersects with HiWay 82, at the Emma Merc restoration. Thru ranch back yards, to the Hooks Ln parking lot (MP 20.5, another porta-potti. Another round of ranch backyards, arriving at MP 18.5 at the most gorgeous section of rail trail, set between a crumbling hillside and the Roaring Fork. (This section is currently closed for repairs, hopefully opening after Labor Day.) MP 16-13, along a ledge parallel to more hay fields. Then, Carbondale, riding through the back alleys of town to a sharp right, then left across the highway, then another right in the midst of a park ‘n ride. A bridge across the river.4-5 miles through an open plateau of sage brush above the now widened and slower moving river.
Then, into town, and a series of stop lights. Past MP 2, the trail turns concrete, and becomes steeper as it heads down to the confluence and a ped bridge across the Colorado. To the left, ball fields, toilets, and water. to the right, a riverside path, left under the freeway, then right behind the Hot Springs pool, aiming eventually for the bike path 20 miles up the Colorado towards Bair Ranch and Gypsum.
Simple enough,but it can get crowded with strollers, leisure bikers, wannabe racers, in-line skaters, et al, especially on weekend. So sometimes, it’s better to take the road, or an alternate path. Here are a few possibilities.
From the Wingo Bridge, head down Hiway 82 to Two Rivers Rd, and the Fisherman’s Park. Ride through town, over the Fryingpan, and turn left back across the river. Right at the Post Office and find the Emma and Basalt/Willits trail, which is actually a combination of road and trail. In a few miles, the trails split. The right fork goes under the highway, and pops out at the junction of the Rio Grande and Sopris Creek Rd. Right takes you on the trail to Hooks Ln, left is the road ride, turning right on Sopris Creek for 50 yards, then right again on Emma Rd. A sharp right turn, and and the road turns into Hooks Lane, back down to the Hooks Ln Parking lot.
The Basalt/Willits trail will cross the Hiway, then follow the river, left across the river at the 3-way stop, and there you are at Hooks Ln lot.
The current detour starting at the Hooks Ln lot, which is signed with orange markers, continues straight on the Willits Lane or the parallel Basalt/Willits trail, going past the City Market and Movieland Theatres, then following the frontage road to County Rd 100, left at Catherine Store. Across the river, the road turns right, and you can either pick up the trail to Carbondale, or ride the road just below the trail (my choice). It can be very windy here.
So one can mix and match routes, choosing to stay on the trail all the way, or provide some variety by hitting the road. But if the trail from MP 20.5 to MP 16 is open, it is much preferred to the detour route, due to both avoiding cars (of which there are few) and the awesome setting of the trail.
Today’s ride: 71 miles/4 hours. TSS = 191.
MapMyRide: Rio Grande Trail: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/47959786
Detour:http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/47962846/