Biking Glenwood Canyon: River Views, Canyon Walls, and a Surprise Bighorn Sheep Encounter
Some bike rides are memorable because of the distance. Others stay with you because of one surprise moment that turns a pretty outing into a story you keep retelling.
Justin had been talking about biking through Glenwood Canyon for years so while visiting Glenwood Springs, we rented bikes from a shop in town and to do just that! The route gave us everything we hoped for, smooth riding, huge canyon walls, the sound of the Colorado River beside us, and rafters floating downstream as we pedaled along.
Then, near the end of our return ride back to Glenwood Springs, we came around a bend and found the bike path occupied by something unexpected that became the highlight of the day!
Why Bike Glenwood Canyon?
Glenwood Canyon is one of those places that is beautiful no matter how you experience it, but biking through it gives you the chance to slow down and truly take it all in. While I-70 makes it easy to drive through the canyon, you can miss a lot of the little details when you're focused on the road. The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail follows the Colorado River, winding beneath towering canyon walls and through some of the most dramatic scenery in the area. On a bike, you can take your time, stop whenever a view catches your eye, and really experience the landscape instead of just passing through it.
Biking the canyon is also a great way to experience the area alongside other visitors. During our ride, we passed families out enjoying the views, people walking the trail, other cyclists, and even a few rafters making their way down the river. There's something really fun about seeing the canyon from this slower perspective and watching all of the different ways people are enjoying the outdoors. And, as we would discover later in our ride, you never quite know what you're going to encounter along the way!
Renting Bikes in Glenwood Springs
We rented bikes in town at Sunlight Ski and Bike Shop. Our original hope was to rent e-bikes since we had already been hiking in Aspen that day and our legs were tired but it was later in the day and all the e-bikes were already in use. So leg powered bikes it was! If you know this is an activity you plan to do, I'd highly recommend reserving the type of bike you want ahead of time.
The rental process was easy. They simply had us fill out a form, pay the rental fees, and they helped get us set up on the bikes to make sure they fit properly. Just like that we were off!
Hitting the Trail
The initial part of the ride was a little steeper than I expected but once we got to the river, the path became fairly flat and we were able to pedal along, enjoying the views of the river and the canyon walls around us.
The path does run near I-70 in places, so this is not a silent wilderness ride. You will hear traffic at times, but the canyon is big enough, and the river is present enough, that the ride still feels immersive. The road, the river, the railroad, and the bike path all share the same narrow corridor through the canyon. Rather than taking away from the experience, it reminds you how dramatic this passage through the mountains really is.
The Bighorn Sheep Surprise
The bighorn sheep appeared near the end of our return journey to Glenwood Springs. By then, we were already happy with the ride. We had seen the river, watched rafters, enjoyed the canyon, and started thinking about getting back into town.
Then the path ahead was suddenly full of sheep.
They were standing right on the bike path, completely at ease. Some were close together. Others lingered near the edge. A few looked at us with the calm confidence of animals that knew they had the right of way.
At first we stopped far away and took some pictures assuming they would quickly get spooked and move away from us. But they didn't. We crept a little closer, stopping at a respectful distance to take some more pictures, again, expecting they would soon want to get away from us. As more bikers joined the traffic jam, it became clear that they had no intention of moving so we had no choice but to make some noise to persuade them off the trail. Eventually they did but only just enough to allows us to get through. They knew this was their territory and we were just passing through.
It was so incredible to see them so close. Bighorn sheep are powerful, sure-footed animals, and seeing a whole herd in the canyon made the landscape feel even more alive. That encounter changed the memory of the day. Before that, it had been a beautiful canyon ride. After that, it became the ride with the bighorn sheep.
Wildlife has a way of doing that. It interrupts your plan and improves it.
Why the canyon makes the ride feel special
Glenwood Canyon has a scale that photos simply can't capture. Towering canyon walls rise above the Colorado River, and biking gives you the perfect pace to take it all in. Unlike driving, where the canyon passes by quickly, or walking, where you cover less ground, biking lets you slow down, stop for photos, watch rafters float by, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
The paved trail also makes it easy to tailor the ride to your own adventure. You can ride as far as you want, turn around when you're ready, and treat the journey as a scenic outing rather than a workout. We did exactly that, stopping whenever something caught our eye and taking our time along the way. That relaxed pace is what made the ride so enjoyable and gave us the chance to appreciate the canyon rather than simply pass through it.
What to know before biking Glenwood Canyon
This ride is easy to recommend, but it is still worth preparing for. Glenwood Canyon is popular, and it is a natural area with changing conditions. A little planning helps you enjoy the day without feeling rushed or caught off guard.
The route from Glenwood Springs works especially well as an out-and-back. You can ride into the canyon, turn around whenever you want, and return the same way. That makes it flexible for different riders and different schedules.
Because the path follows the canyon, conditions can vary. Some sections may be sunny and warm, while others are shaded and cooler. Weather can change quickly in mountain areas, so layers are helpful. Wind can also make the return feel different from the ride out.
If you are riding during a busy season, expect company. Glenwood Canyon draws cyclists, walkers, anglers, rafters, and travelers stopping at scenic areas. Keep your speed reasonable, especially around curves and trailheads.
Wildlife is another reason to stay alert. Our bighorn sheep encounter was amazing, but it was also a reminder that the canyon is habitat, not just a recreation corridor. If you see wildlife on or near the path, the best approach is simple:
Stop with plenty of space between you and the animals.
Stay quiet and calm.
Do not feed them.
Do not try to touch them or move them along.
Wait until there is a safe opening before passing.
The goal is to enjoy the sighting without changing the animals’ behavior or putting anyone at risk. In our case, patience was the only answer. The sheep were in no hurry, and that became part of the story.
It also helps to pack the basics, even for a casual ride. Bring water, sunscreen, a small snack, a repair kit, and a phone. If you plan to stop often for photos, make sure your bike is safely off the path when you do.
The ride is scenic enough that stopping is part of the fun. Just be mindful of where you pause. The path can narrow in places, and other riders may come around corners faster than expected.
Visiting Glenwood Springs and Beyond
Glenwood Springs is a perfect home base for exploring the Rocky Mountains. The town sits where the mountains, river, hot springs, trails, and canyon all seem to meet. You can start the morning with coffee, hop on a bike, and be surrounded by canyon scenery within minutes.
Easy Access
Conveniently located along I-70, this town is easily accessible whether your driving through the Rockies, looking to explore nearby Aspen, or simply want to make it a destination all it's own. It's about 3 hours from Denver which makes it easy for a weekend getaway.
Soak in the Hot Springs
My favorite part about visiting Glenwood Springs? The hot springs! There are several in town but my personal favorite is Iron Mountain Hot Springs. With multiple pools at different temperatures and a recent expansion that now includes pools inspired by hot springs around the world, everyone will be able to find the perfect pool for them. There's no better way to relax after a long day of biking!
Plenty of Nearby Hiking
With so many hiking trails nearby, Glenwood Springs is an excellent home base for exploring the Rocky Mountains. One of the area's most famous hikes is Hanging Lake, a must-do if you can snag a timed-entry permit in advance. And if you're looking for even more mountain scenery, Aspen is just a short drive away and offers countless trails with everything from peaceful forest walks to challenging alpine adventures. Whether you're looking for a quick hike or a full-day adventure, you'll have no shortage of trails to explore.
Great Food & Drinks
After a full day of exploring, you'll have plenty of options when it's time to refuel. Glenwood Springs has a great mix of coffee shops for your morning caffeine fix, casual restaurants for a quick bite, breweries that are perfect for a post-hike drink, and plenty of spots for a relaxed dinner.
Explore Downtown Glenwood Springs
Downtown Glenwood springs offers a very walkable experience. From shops and restaurants to historic buildings and local business this is a great spot to wander in the evening when you're done adventuring for the day.
Final Thoughts
After years of wanting to complete this adventure, I'm so glad we could finally make it happen. Biking through Glenwood Canyon was everything I wanted it to be and more. Yes, the scenery was amazing and the bike ride was peaceful but at the end of the day, it really was the surprise bighorn sheep encounter that made this such a memorable experience. But even if we hadn't seen them, this still would have been a perfect day. I'm already looking forward to the next time we can return to Glenwood Canyon, hop on our bikes, and see what adventure is waiting around the next bend.
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