Canyon Bikes is a good place for renting bikes, especially if you're going to ride the Glenwood Canyon Trail while you're in the area. The bikes are in good shape, the price is reasonable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Their store is located in the lower level of the Hotel Colorado at 319 6th Street and their phone # is 800-439-3043.

This area has affordable hotels & restaurants with easy access to the trail.

This is a good spot to start your trail journey. There are parking lots, restrooms, and resting areas.

At this point, you cross the Colorado River and start heading up the Roaring Fork River. Some people think that they are riding near the Rio Grande River, because of the name of the trail, but that is in southern Colorado.

For the first few miles of the trail, in the Glenwood Springs area, you'll cross some roads with one major crossing. Be careful in these areas and make sure to stop, look all ways, and follow the signal directions if applicable.
As you get into the country, moving toward Aspen, the street crossings diminish then vanish.
The good news ab... Moreout this area is that you will find a couple places for food and beverages, if needed.Less

Recreation abounds in Colorado as bikers and hikers stop at the bridge to watch fishermen float by in their drift boats.

If you venture up Main Street, you're bound to find a nice coffee shop or restaurant in which to relax and get refreshed. During the summer, there is often some type of festival or market going on. This makes a nice spot to stop before hitting the open trail between here and Aspen.

This is one of the first of many nice open trail sections. Although you are still following County Road 100 at this point, you are away from Highway 82, so it is more tranquil in this area.
In wide open stretches like this, you can often see nice views of Mt. Sopris in front of you.

You are never too far from the Roaring Fork River while on the Rio Grande Trail. The wide open trail gives way to a slightly more wooded area that still offers nice views of the surrounding countryside.

Near this point, the trail crosses another bridge over the Roaring Fork River and then shortly after that, a scenic overpass that flies over Highway 82 for a safe crossing of the major road in this valley.

Over the next few miles, you will be amazed by how varied the terrain and landscape can be from one trail section to the next. It will go from lush and green to brown and seemingly barren, back to verdant riverside scenery.
Of course many of the changes are due to distance from the river, elevation, and other geographic differences.
The... Morese changes help to make the Rio Grande such a beautiful and interesting trail.Less

As you pass Woody Creek, you may be tempted to dismiss it as a wide spot in the trail. However, it is home to the famous Woody Creek Tavern and, nearby, it is also home to many celebrities such as Ed Bradley, Don Henley, Don Johnson, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and the late Hunter S. Thompson.
If you visit the Woody Creek Tavern, you c... Morean request a postcard from the bar. Then you can drop it off at the nearby post office. Now everyone will know that you visited the world famous Woody Creek.Less

This museum presents rotating exhibits often showcasing contemporary works of art from well known local and national artists. From this spot you will begin to find tributary trails and roads from which you can access downtown Aspen with its shops, galleries, and restaurants. You can spend lots of money and a little time here or vice versa. Enjoy a ... Moregelato and browse through one of the artist's workshops. Some of the streets require you to dismount and walk your bike for safety's purpose. The wide array of cruiser bikes w/ custom leather seats will fascinate those of you who are bicycle aficionados.
Like I said in the introduction, just because you're in Aspen doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money. There are many sights to see and snacks to enjoy that are free or inexpensive.
For under $10, you should be able to catch a bus back to Glenwood Springs if you'd prefer not to ride your bike back. The transit station is located at Ruby Park near the base of Aspen Mountain on Durant and Mill Streets. Since the Art Museum is located on Mill Street, it's not too difficult to get to the transit station via the road or trail.Less

Although you are still following fairly near to the highway for the first portion of the trip, you can still see beautiful spots of natural splendor, like these flowers, alongside the trail.

When you drop back down to the river, you will be rewarded with intermittent shade, lots of resting spots and varied scenery from wooded glades to interesting little waterfalls.

From this point, you will begin to see some interesting homes ranging from eclectic to beautiful. Take note of the landscaping of some of the trailside gems.