This is a longer loop, about 68 miles and 4100’ of climbing. It can be done either direction, and can also start/finish in Gypsum or Eagle. There is a section of unpaved gravel and a section of very chunky pavement, but knobby gravel tires are not a requirement. Some people prefer clockwise, as the descent from the south summit tot he north summit is fairly fast on chunky pavement, and climbing this section is slower and less impacty.
This loops is a gem and has spectacular views, empty roads, and an excellent bike path. It can be ridden in either direction.
From Carbondale, get on the Rio Grande Trail towards Basalt, and follow about 3 miles to the Catherine Store Bridge. You will see a trailside picnic shelter, exit the trail to the left, cross the bridge, then go to the light at Highway 82. Cross at the light and climb Catherine Store hill. You are now climbing to Missouri Heights, a large benchland with a loose grid of roads and nearly non-existent traffic.
Stay on the same road, pass a small fire station, and climb to the crest of Panorama Ridge. After a short descent, continue straight through the T-intersection. After a bit under a mile, bear left at a Y-intersection and then your first left onto Cottonwood Pass. The pavement ends after about 50 feet, then you are onto a packed roadbase surface. Depending on maintenance schedules, this may be butter-smooth, washboards, or loose chips. Durable road tires are usually fine. From here, it’s a 4-mile climb through ranchland to the south summit. To your right are expansive views of the Elk Range, with Mt. Sopris anchoring the west end of the range. Occasional cattle drives on this road lend their name to the Strava segment for this climb.
The south summit is a gentle crest, and the surface changes from roadbase to recycled asphalt. This surface will then go all the way to Gypsum, but in some areas is rough and broken, with some potholes. It changes throughout the year, so keep an eye ahead. Descend into a small valley, then climb up steep ramps of 15% through gypsum outcrops to the north summit. From here, it’s a smooth descent to the town of Gypsum. This area is open range, so you may see cattle on the road at different times of year. There are cattle guards and 2 T-intersections, so look ahead. At both intersections, turn left (north).
At the intersection of Highway 6, there are convenience stores to refill bottles and grab a snack. Turn west on Highway 6 to the roundabout, at the western exit of the roundabout you can pick up a bike path. The path will eventually reconnect to Highway 6, then cross under I-70. There is another roundabout, continue straight through it to Glenwood Canyon. The Highway ends at a parking area and the trailhead.
Glenwood Canyon is a beautiful ride, and you are traveling downstream, so it’s pleasant cruise, although afternoon headwinds are common. The canyon cuts down through millions of years’ worth of seafloor redrock deposits, all the way to the basement rock. Watch for traffic as the trail is very popular, and go slow at the tunnels. There are 3 rest areas with bathrooms and water: Bair Ranch, Hanging Lake, and Grizzly Creek. The canyon itself is about 13 miles long.
Exiting the canyon at Horseshoe Bend, the trail again crosses I-70 and ends at the Glenwood Hotsprings Pool. Cross the Colorado River into downtown Glenwood Springs using the pedestrian bridge. There are many restaurants close to the river, most with outdoor seating. Grand Avenue/Highway 82 is a busy road and not recommended, but crossing it at 8th street and heading west 3 blocks will reconnect you to the Rio Grande Trail. From here, it’s about 12 miles back to Carbondale. Stay on the path into Carbondale and the RFTA park-and-ride, cross Highway 133, then stay on the trail to the intersection of 4th street.
Route is here. (Cottonwood Pass Loop | 68.0 mi Cycling Route on Strava)
More info here.
