A Guide to e-Biking in the Roaring Fork Valley
on a cloudy Sunday morning in August, I was pedaling slowly up aspen-lined Maroon Creek Road when a gentle whir cut through the quiet and, seconds later, a man on an e-bike glided past me without a glance. His easy pedal strokes and relaxed upright stance made me suddenly aware of the sweat dripping down my nose and the tight throb in my legs as I steadily ground uphill.
Soon came two more equally poised, equally quick e-bike riders, nattily dressed not in Lycra but like they were cruising to lunch. For a split second, I envied their motor-enhanced speed and ease. I had ridden the Rio Grande bike path from Carbondale that morning and was well into hour three of my ride. An e-bike would’ve made the 1,600-foot ascent to the popular Maroon Bells scenic area much easier, and far less sweaty.
Over the past two decades, the popularity and use of electric bicycles, a.k.a. e-bikes, have exploded thanks to more efficient batteries and more powerful built-in electric motors. These days, no matter what kind of riding you do—commuting, sightseeing, road biking, or even venturing off-road on mountain bike trails—there’s a purpose-built e-bike designed specifically for the task.
“E-bikes are great for everybody,” says Doug Stenclik, owner of Basalt Bike and Ski, which rents and sells e-bikes at locations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, “especially people coming from low elevations that want to get exercise but not crush themselves right off the plane. They’re great for people who want to see the dirt roads and high mountain passes without being in a vehicle and for aspiring cyclists who want to maximize all the things they can see and do without getting too fatigued.” They’re also an efficient form of transportation and a way to avoid Aspen’s summer traffic.
With miles of paved bike paths, a plethora of quiet county and US Forest Service roads, inspiring mountain views around every corner, and quaint stops for food and libations along the way, the Roaring Fork Valley is an e-bike rider’s dream offering endless opportunities for exploration. Follow this guide to the valley’s finest routes, along with practical information and advice from local experts and you’ll be humming along on your very own Aspen e-bike sojourn.
Before Your e-Bike Adventure
Where to Rent or Buy | E-Bikes 101 | Etiquette | What to Bring |
Best Routes in the Roaring Fork Valley
Where to Rent or Buy an E-Bike
If you don’t have an e-bike, renting one in the Roaring Fork Valley is a breeze.
Aspen Velo Electric Bicycles
Aspen’s longest-running e-bike rental shop, with a reputation as the friendliest, has a wide selection of bikes for adults and kids, including tag-alongs. Aspen Velo Electric Bicycles is located on the Rio Grande Trail and offers free parking.
Basalt Bike and Ski
With locations in Carbondale, Willits, downtown Aspen, and Aspen Highlands, Basalt Bike and Ski provides e-bike rentals in the up- and midvalley. The full-service shops offer daily, weekly, and seasonal e-bike rentals as well as a robust variety of cruiser, road, gravel, and mountain e-bikes for purchase.
Silver City Cycles
This family-run operation provides full-service packages for e-bike rentals in Aspen and Snowmass. Once you’ve reserved a cruiser e-bike online or over the phone, Silver City Cycles brings it to you. When you’re finished riding, simply park and lock your bike and let Silver City know where to retrieve it.
Four Mountain Sports
Four Mountain Sports’ inventory includes e-mountain bikes. They deliver to homes and hotels in Aspen or Snowmass and offer one-way rentals to any of their locations in downtown Aspen, Snowmass Base Village, Snowmass Mall, or Aspen Highlands.
WE-cycle is an e-bike rideshare program offering unlimited 30-minute rides and more than 60 docking stations in strategic locations between Aspen and Carbondale.
E-Bikes 101
E-bike styles range from cargo-carrying commuter bikes to versatile hybrids, fat-tire bikes, full-suspension mountain bikes, and lightweight road and gravel bikes. Most cruiser e-bike rentals are available as step-through frames, which makes it especially easy to get on and off and start pedaling again once you’ve stopped. Bikes fall into one of three classes, which determine the kind of power each offers, up to how many miles per hour it will assist you, and where it’s allowed to go.
Class 1 These bikes have a pedal-assist motor, meaning you need to pedal for it to kick in. After that, the motor will amplify your effort up to 20 mph. “Class 1 e-bikes are probably all anyone really needs,” says Stenclik. “Twenty miles per hour on a bike is fast and you’ll be going even faster downhill.” Allowed most places, including the Rio Grande Trail and other cycling paths around the valley.
Class 2 These e-bikes are distinguished by a throttle that allows you to accelerate up to 20 mph without pedaling. Paul Hields, owner of the locally designed Wildsyde Electric Bikes in Edwards, considers the throttle an easy start mechanism especially if you’re on a hill or at a traffic light. Allowed on the Rio Grande between Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs and Emma, but not beyond that.
Class 3 These bikes provide pedal assist up to 28 mph and extra oomph to tackle steep hills or headwinds. Their powerful motors are typically reserved for cargo-hauling commuter bikes or road e-bikes and are often banned from bike-specific paths, multi-use paths, and mountain bike trails.
E-Bike Etiquette
The motorized boost of an e-bike might make you feel invincible, but standard bike rules still apply. Even on quiet stretches of pavement, like Maroon Creek Road that are open primarily to RFTA buses, remember to share the road. “During peak season, we see a lot of bad behavior, like people stopping in the middle of the road,” says Pitkin County Public Works Director Brian Pettet, “or riding four abreast and not staying to the right. People use Maroon Creek as a kind of glorified bike path when it is bus and car use as well.”
“The stigma surrounding e-bikes has gotten worse in the past few years as select riders have made a bad name for e-bikers as a whole,” says Lucas Wampler, owner of Aspen Velo Electric Bikes, an e-bike rental shop located on the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen.
Wampler’s advice: When riding on a bike path, always slow down and signal with a bike bell or audible “On your left! [or right]” when you’re about to pass another rider, runner, or walker. And obey traffic signs, including posted 20 mph speed limits on the Rio Grande trail.
The last thing Wampler tells his customers is, “Keep your head on your shoulders. The worst accidents always happen on an easy ride when your guard is down.”
What to Bring on an E-bike Ride
If you’re heading to the Bells, Pitkin County’s Pettet encourages riders to prepare for any weather. “We’ve had people up [in the high country] in shorts, flip-flops, and a T-shirt and there’s a driving hailstorm and the temperature has dropped 40 degrees.” Lack of preparation can quickly escalate a leisurely excursion to a dangerous situation.
Planning for mountain weather means layers—a rain jacket, long-sleeve shirt, and closed-toed shoes like sneakers or hiking boots. Wampler recommends hydrating consistently and wearing sunscreen or a UPF-rated sun shirt to shield your skin from Colorado’s high-altitude ultraviolet rays. You don’t necessarily need the padded shorts and spandex favored by dedicated cyclists unless you want to look the part; most cruiser e-bikes come with padded saddles adequate for any of the following recommended rides.
Other essentials include a helmet (provided by most rental companies), gloves for longer rides, water, snacks, and a repair kit in case you get a flat tire. Even if you don’t know how to use the kit, chances are high that you could flag someone down for help. A bike lock (provided by many rental shops) keeps your bike secure if you stop for a drink or lunch along the way. Speaking of lunch, consider packing a charcuterie lunch (from a local purveyor like Meat & Cheese) for a trailside picnic.
Carol Breen of the Aspen Chamber encourages out-of-town e-bike renters to view “How to: E-bike in Aspen” before hitting the road or trail. The 90-second tutorial covers standard rules of the road, including riding on the right side and riding single file, as well as tips specific to Maroon Creek Road, like watching for cars and being respectful of the RFTA bus drivers who shuttle other users up to the popular recreation area.
E-Bike Routes in the Roaring Fork Valley
1. Rio Grande Trail
Loved by residents, commuters, and visitors, the mostly paved, multi-use Rio Grande Trail follows the old Rio Grande rail line from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. Covering a total of 43 miles, the path ascends a mellow but sustained 2,100 feet—mostly alongside the Roaring Fork River—and offers exceptional views. There are numerous possible starting and ending points, along with a few breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants for mid-ride fuel, or as a destination. The path also follows the Roaring Fork Transit Authority bus route, giving you the option to stash your bike on the rack-equipped bus and take an easier way home.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: Varies
Miles: Up to 43 miles
Elevation gain: Up to 2,100 feet
Transport to trailhead: Not needed if you start in Aspen
2. Maroon Creek Road
With its limited access to vehicles and highly photogenic finish at glimmering Maroon Lake with 14,000-foot Maroon Bells towering above, Maroon Creek Road is the valley’s most popular bike route. Whether you pack a picnic to enjoy lakeside or plan to lock your bike in the parking lot and hike in the Maroon Bells Wilderness, this 11.5-mile, 1,600-foot climb (starting in Aspen) deserves a spot on anyone’s must-ride list. The route is, however, notorious for quick weather changes. Always be prepared with a rain jacket, water bottle, and snacks. And while you’re enjoying the exhilarating downhill back to town, remember to stay to the side of the road and use your right brake first.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1–2 hours
Miles: 23 round trip
Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
Transport to trailhead: Not needed
3. Owl Creek–Brush Creek Loop
Linking to two paved paths into and out of Snowmass Village, the Owl Creek–Brush Creek loop affords some of the valley’s best sightseeing. At 15 miles with roughly 1,400 feet of elevation, the loop provides just enough challenge to maximize your pedal assist and is fun for the whole family. Park at Buttermilk ski area and climb Owl Creek first if you want to get the ascent out of the way. Or start at Snowmass Village to ease into the ride with a smooth descent. Make Home Team BBQ your end-of-ride reward, or finish at Snowmass Mall with tacos at Venga Venga.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1–2 hours
Miles: 15 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
Transport to trailhead: Easy bike path ride from Aspen, no transport needed if the loop is started in Snowmass
4. Lincoln Creek Road
For a rugged, off-road adventure, rent an e-mountain bike and head up Independence Pass to Lincoln Creek Road. This rough 4WD two-track (the route follows an old wagon route deep into the mountains and offers ample opportunity for side trips) climbs 11 miles and 1,900 feet to the ghost town of Ruby. Bring a picnic to enjoy by Grizzly Reservoir or explore around the rustic mining cabin sites. For a multisport adventure, lock up your bike at the trailhead and hike 1.8 miles one way to Petroleum Lakes, or park it at the Grizzly Creek Campground and challenge your legs and lungs with a 3-mile out and back to the shimmering Grizzly Lake. When it’s time to head back downhill, you’ll be thankful for the full suspension that helps to smooth the ride.
Difficulty: Difficult
Time: 2–3 hours
Miles: 22 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,900 feet
Transport to trailhead: Needed
5. Castle Creek Road
A less trafficked and equally scenic tour out of Aspen is Castle Creek Road, which offers a steady 12-mile ascent up the Castle Creek Valley. The paved road climbs through dense aspen groves and offers striking views of the surrounding peaks along with a dose of history. Set your sights on the silver mining ghost town of Ashcroft to tour the cluster of rustic log cabins, including a saloon, post office, and hotel that date back to the 1880s. Or make a lunch reservation at the historic Pine Creek Cookhouse for local, sustainable alpine cuisine. Pedal to the end of the pavement and you’ll be greeted by a cirque of jagged peaks and the confluence of Cooper and Castle Creeks.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1–2 hours
Miles: 24 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Transport to trailhead: Not needed
More information:
6. East of Aspen Trail
For a mellow, family-friendly outing, head to the East of Aspen Trail. This gravel surface path travels 3 miles from town to the edge of the North Star Preserve, where you can lock up the bikes and head out for a stroll through lush wetlands. Learn about local flora and fauna via interpretive signs along the trail and keep a lookout for moose who feed on the nearby willows.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 hour
Miles: 6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Minimal
Transport to trailhead: Not needed
7. Old Snowmass–Sopris Creek–Emma Loop
If you want to get off the beaten path and explore the thriving midvalley, the 15-mile Old Snowmass–Sopris Creek–Emma loop offers quiet roads, 1,000 feet of undulating climbs and descents, and million-dollar views of Capital Peak and Mount Sopris. Park or get a ride to the Old Snowmass Park and Ride lot and head up Snowmass Creek Road. Stay right at the junction with Capital Creek Road and turn right immediately after to get on East Sopris Creek Road. After a steady climb, the road turns to smooth gravel for 5 miles of rolling terrain alongside sprawling ranches, vibrant wetlands, and lofty views of the neighboring peaks. When the road turns back to pavement, you’ll stay right to head toward Emma, where you can hop on the bike path for a gradual climb upvalley to your car or make a short side trip to Basalt for a cocktail on the legendary riverside deck of the Tipsy Trout.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2–3 hours
Miles: 15 miles
Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
Transport to trailhead: Needed
8. Spring Valley–Catherine Store Loop
For this ride, you will either need to get a shuttle downvalley for you and your bike or rent an e-bike at a shop in Carbondale or Willits. Begin at the Catherine Store trailhead and follow the Rio Grande Trail approximately 9 miles to the junction with Spring Valley Road. Gear down (and power up) for a short but steep climb to the Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley campus. Pause to take in what’s regularly ranked one of the most awe-inspiring campus views in the country. Shortly after passing campus, bear right on the clearly signed Red Canyon Road and settle in for 6 miles of rolling pavement. Go right at a fork and then straight to stay on Catherine Store Road, where one final climb will reward you with a larger-than-life vantage of Mount Sopris. Enjoy the easy downhill back to Highway 82, where you’ll cross at the light and finish back at your car, or the waiting e-bike limo you’ve summoned to take you home.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2–3 hours
Miles: 25 miles
Elevation gain: 1,700 feet
Transport to trailhead: Needed, unless bikes rented in Carbondale or Willits
ALSO TRY:
For several summers, The Little Nell has hosted gourmands on a guided bicycle ride from the hotel to local ranches (including the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass) for an al fresco multicourse dinner prepared by The Nell’s culinary team. This summer, the hotel’s Ride + Dine series calls on the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ newly renovated Catto Center at Toklat in the upper Castle Creek Valley, a bucolic setting often described as Aspen’s Walden Pond. Because the route requires a climb up Castle Creek Road, e-bikes are recommended. A featured winemaker will be present at each of the three dinners, with the option to add a flight of pairings. But no worries if you do: Shuttle transportation back to the hotel will be provided for diners and their rides. Dates: July 16, Aug 27, and Sept 10
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1–2 hours
Miles: 12
Elevation gain: 1,925 feet
It’s tough to find a more famed bike path destination than the Woody Creek Tavern. A regular haunt for the late Hunter S. Thompson, the tavern is known for its funky—if downright kitschy — decor and fresh lime margaritas. It’s a roughly seven-mile ride down the valley from Aspen that follows the mixed surface, well-signed Rio Grande Trail. Along the way, you’ll pedal through shady forests and sage meadows alongside some of Aspen’s coveted mansions. At the tavern, choose from a variety of simple Mexican dishes and burgers. The margaritas are strong and the trail back to Aspen is a gradual climb. If you have one too many, you can always call Rocky Mountain Limo service to get you and your e-bike safely back home.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1–2 hours
Miles: 14 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Transport to trailhead: Not needed
