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Canyon Coaster™
This is the first of two unsupported, no cost events offered on Thursday to registered participants, friends, area visitors or those considering riding in the festival before the Opening Ceremonies take place. Beginning from the town of Glenwood Springs near the famous Hot Springs and Vapor Caves, this scenic ride takes place on a mostly concrete bike path situated above the river yet well below the often elevated road. The out-and-back route follows the Colorado River near its junction with the Roaring Fork River and winds its way upstream through a spectacular canyon with high granite walls for approximately 15 miles past several three rest areas with water and restroom facilities. Although riders are able to transverse the entire length of the canyon on the path towards the town of Dotsero, we suggest that all riders turn around at the last rest area (mile 12.5) located at Blair Ranch.
The total distance of this unsupervised “warm up” event is will depend on your starting location, inclusion of the hike, and desired turnaround point. For festival participants who must leave the Denver Metro Area later in the day, a great ride can be had by parking the car at No Name (Exit 119) rather than driving the extra 2.4 miles into Glenwood Springs (Exit 116). This option easily eliminates 20 to 30 minutes of time so that you can meet your friends who started riding earlier without missing too many scenic vistas. The best place to park and hike is off Exit 121 at the second rest area located 9.4 miles from Glenwood Springs. If doing a caravan with other friends, you may want to consider the option to park at different exits and ride toward. This will save out-and-back time or car shuttling.
Hanging Lake
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Classification: Moderate |
Another excellent target is at the trailhead for Hanging Lake located about 3.5 miles short of Blair Ranch (Exit 129) and quarter mile after the second rest area. This destination, time permitting, provides an excellent opportunity to get out of the saddle, lock up the bikes and take a hike up to a spectacular turquoise-colored pond and a 20-25 foot waterfall. Although the length of the hike is only 1.2 miles each way, the climb can be strenuous and take 45-60 minutes due the 1000+ feet of elevation change. The route is well marked and maintained complete with rock steps, several bridge crossings and hand grippers. The return hike can take half as long as going up even though we suggest you plan on at least 1/2 hour to enjoy the view and be careful going down the steps.
The ride back to Glenwood is one big coast except for the 300 yard hill up to the parking lot at the town of No Name plus another 200 yard segment on the over-the-highway bridge crossing located a couple miles outside of town. For a pure leisure spin without the optional hike, we suggest that you set aside 2 ½ to 3 hours if riding from Glenwood to Blair Ranch. Although the ride can be done much quicker, the slower place is more fitting for the bike path and provides you with an opportunity to talk with your companions or meet up with other festival participants.
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