As soon as Old Man Winter loses his grip on the area and the last traces of snow have melted in town, everyone feels the urge to leave the cabin behind and take a hike in the beautiful Colorado spring sunshine. Starting in late April or early May, the buds begin to appear on trees and bushes and many of the trails around Glenwood Springs are ready for travelers. The snow does not leave all of the higher trails until mid-May or sometimes even June, but with a little preparation, the eager hiker can find plenty of trails to roam.

Glenwood Springs has enough trails to offer everyone something they want. Starting with the beginner trails and paved paths, a novice can enjoy the ever-present sunshine. For those more adventurous, the intermediate and advanced trails offer a challenge well worth the effort. Many of the trails are suitable for hikers and bikers, so let's be polite and share the natural wonders.

Before you begin your hike, we suggest that you pick up a Glenwood Springs Hiking and Biking Map available at the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association (1102 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601), the Bureau of Land Management (50629 Highway 6&24, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601), the US Forest Service (White River National Forest, 900 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601) or at the many bike and outdoor recreation shops in Glenwood Springs. For $1, you will get directions and a map to help you get started. The trails listed below should give everyone something to do:

Beginner - These trails feature gentle inclines with little elevation gain, open vistas, and few blind curves or surface obstructions.

1. Coffee Pot Road
2. Donegan Road
3. Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path
4. Spring Valley Loop
5. West Bank to Carbondale

Intermediate - Thes trails feature more grades with medium elevation gain, some steeper climbs, and some surface obstructions or uneven roads. A majority of the trails around Glenwood Springs fit into this category.

1. Burnt Tree Ridge Trail
2. Cattle Creek Loop
3. Dead Horse Flats
4. Deep Creek Trail (hiking only)
5. Deep Lake Loop
6. Doc Holliday's Trail
7. Dotsero-Ute Trail
8. Forest Hollow Trail
9. Hubbard's Trail
10. Keyser Creek Trail (hiking only)
11. Little Grand Mesa Road
12. Lookout Mountain Road
13. Mitchell Creek Trail
14. Red Canyon Road
15. Storm King Memorial Trail (hiking only)
16. Storm King Mountain Road

Advanced - These trails feature significant grades, some major elevation gains and rocky, uneven terrain. Not recommended for young children or the physically challenged, these trails should be considered only by those able handle the rigorous terrain.

1. Boy Scout Trail
2. Dead horse Trail (hiking only)
3. Grizzly Creek Trail (hiking only)
4. Hanging Lake Trail (hiking only)
5. No Name Creek Trail (hiking only)
6. Red Mountain Trail