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Cross-country Skiing: Colorado > White River National Forest > Aspen Ranger District

Quick Facts

Rio Grande Trail

Average Time: 1/2 - 1 Days
Difficulty: Easy - This trail is very flat
Other Maps: Cross-Country Ski Trail map - Aspen/Snowmass Area Published by the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council
Recommended Season: Winter The Aspen end of this trail is most reliable for snow.


Outfitters and Guides



Satellite and Topo Map




General Description

The most accessible and popular of all the trails in the Aspen area, the Rio Grande Trail follows the old Denver and Rio Grande Railroad bed along the Roaring Fork River. It is possible to follow this trail along the old scenic railroad corridor all the way from the post office in Aspen to the Upper Woody Creek Bridge. From the post office, the trail leads over two bridges - the first goes over the Roaring Fork River, the second over Hunter Creek. The trail continues along the right (north) side of the Roaring Fork River for several miles. The initial section of the trail has signs every 400 meters (1/4 mile) for a 2.4 kilometer stretch. To the west of Cemetery Lane, the next 2 kilometers are very scenic, as the trail follows the river in a small canyon-like setting. This section of the trail is gravel.

The Rio Grande Trail has recently been extended and paved from the Woody Creek area to Old Snowmass. It then links to a paved path which leads from Old Snowmass, beyond Basalt to Emma.

Seasonal Information:
Normal Winter Season: December through March (NOTE: Cross-country Skiing) .



Current Conditions & Trip Reports
Winter Conditions. Updated: 2002-12-23 14:40:00.0


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Recreation Opportunities
Activity Remarks On Site
ICON Cross-country Skiing Rio Grande Trail
Yes
ICON Mountain Biking Large portions of this trail are paved, making it an easy mountain bike ride.
Yes
ICON Road Biking The Cemetery Lane to Woody Creek portion of this trail is unpaved but smooth gravel. McLain Flats Road would be a paved alternative to this section of the trail.
Yes



More Information

Visitor Information:

Aspen Chamber Resort Association, 425 Rio Grande Pl. , Aspen, CO, 81611, Phone: 970-925-1940






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