Annual USED Bike Sale is underway. GREAT DEALS!! Click here for more info.

FAQ’s

 

Where is Canyon Bikes and the Glenwood Canyon Shuttle service?

We are located in Glenwood Springs Colorado, on the ground level of the Hotel Colorado. Our office is one block from the Glenwood Canyon bike trail; there are no high traffic intersections between our office and the trailhead.

When are we open?

Canyon Bikes is open April through October. Please call us at 970-945-8904 or 1-800-439-3043 for daily hours, or if you have a special time you would like to ride.

How long is the Trail?

From the trailhead in Glenwood Springs to the Dotsero trailhead at the East end of the Canyon it is 16.2 miles.

Is the Trail paved?

Yes.

Is the Trail steep or difficult to ride?

No, it is an easy riding trail with some grade and one hill. It is almost downhill all the way when you take the Shuttle to the East end of the trail.

How long will it take me to ride the Trail?

Difficult to answer; it depends on how fast you ride, how much time you take to enjoy the Canyon, the views and the Colorado River. Our average rider is in the Canyon between three and four hours. The average time for a rider who takes the Shuttle to Dotsero, hikes Hanging Lake and rides back to Glenwood Springs is a little over four hours.

Are there any restrooms or drinking water on the Trail?

Yes, there are four rest areas in the Canyon. Each rest area has picnic areas, restrooms, drinking water, and a telephone.

How far is it from Glenwood Springs to the Hanging Lake trailhead?

Ten miles, the hike up to Hanging Lake is just over one mile. The hike to the lake is steep, an elevation gain of just over 1,000 feet in the one mile hike.

Can I ride the Trail if I have not been on a bike in years?

Yes, most people have no trouble riding the trail. If you get into the Canyon on a rental bike from Canyon Bikes and decide you are not up to the ride back just call us from one of the phones in the Canyon and the Shuttle will pick you up.

Do cell phones work in the Canyon?

For the most part, cell phones will not transmit or receive in the Canyon; pay phones are conveniently provided at each rest area.

Do the rental bikes have gears?

Yes, each year we purchase new, state-of-the-art, mountain bikes, cross bikes and comfort bikes. The 21 to 24 speed bikes are very easy to shift and our staff will teach you how to easily change gears. Our bikes are equipped with the most comfortable seats available.

What about helmet, pack, lock, and water bottle?

Canyon Bikes includes the use of a Bell bike helmet in the cost of the rental and requires its use. Handle bar packs for carrying lunches or camera and bike locks are available at no extra cost if you need them. Souveniour bike bottles are available at our office.

Does Canyon Bikes have bikes for children?

We have Glenwood Springs' most complete selection of bikes for all ages. We have 20" and 24" bikes, trailer bikes, Burley children trailers, and tandems.

Does my child need a trailer or a trailer bike?

Children from newborn to age four generally use our Burley trailers. We have single and double trailers. We have a car seat in a trailer for babies. We have trailer bikes for children from four to eight years old. A child that can ride a bike with training wheels will enjoy the trailer bike. The trailer bike is an attachment to an adult bike.

What about reservations?

Reservations are recommended. Canyon Bikes accepts reservations by e-mail, phone or mail.

Do I need reservations for bike rental and/or the Shuttle service?

Reservations are recommended. We have a large fleet of bikes and can take 14 people per shuttle departure. If you want to be certain your family or group will have the equipment they want and/or a space on the shuttle, you should call or make an online reservation.

What time does the Shuttle service operate?

Depends on the time of year and demand for service; please call 970-945-8904 or 1-800-439-3043 for the current schedule.

What is the Shuttle service?

Canyon Bikes provides van service to Dotsero (the East end trail head) for those wishing to ride the entire trail but do not wish to ride the 32 miles round trip. In-line skaters use the Shuttle to ride into the Canyon and skate back.

What are the advantages of using the Shuttle?

By using the Shuttle service you can enjoy the entire trail from the Dotsero trailhead to Glenwood Springs on a "downhill all the way (almost)" ride. This would be a 16.2 mile ride rather that a 32.4 round trip. The Shuttle makes the Canyon ride more "do-able" for the entire family. There is no time limit on the rental bike when you use the Shuttle. The bike is returned to us when you arrive back in Glenwood Springs. We encourage you to take your time and enjoy all the Canyon has to offer.

Where does the Shuttle service stop?

The Shuttle generally takes our guests to the trailhead at Dotsero.

Are there restaurants in the Canyon?

No, we suggest taking a picnic or a snack. There are picnic areas at each of the rest areas. Canyon Bikes' provides a handle bar pack for your convenience. Area restaurants and grocery stores will pack you a lunch.

What happens if we have a problem during our ride?

Just call from one of the four rest area payphones in the Canyon. We will verify the payphone number you are calling from to determine your location. Rest areas are the only pick-up point the vans can reach. Do not call from your cell phone on the trail. We will send a shuttle to bring replacement equipment or pick you up.

Do we have to raft and bike the same day when we purchase the package?

No, we suggest that you bike one day and raft the next. It is possible to do both the same day, but we do not recommend it. This is a vacation, not a marathon.