The best road cycling routes around Edwards

The Eagle Valley Trail – Nottingham Lake loop from Arrowhead Village offers a delightful road cycling experience, blending natural beauty with urban convenience. You'll pedal along the paved Eagle Valley Trail, tracing the scenic Eagle River and enjoying mountain vistas, golf courses, and riparian areas. The route even passes through vibrant downtowns like Edwards, Avon, and Eagle-Vail, with the Nottingham Lake loop providing easy, pleasant mountain views.

This moderate 24.0-mile (38.6 km) road cycling route involves 1118 feet (341 metres) of elevation gain and takes approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes. While the Nottingham Lake section is easy, the broader trail has varied terrain, including some road shoulders and potential pavement cracks. Start from Arrowhead Village, and be prepared for some navigation through towns where the trail might weave through residential areas.

This trail system is a standout for its exceptional connectivity, linking nine communities across the valley. Its well-maintained, paved surface makes it accessible for various users, and the constant presence of the Eagle River provides a refreshing natural element. The route offers convenient access to local attractions and amenities, making it a dynamic and enjoyable cycling option in Eagle County.

The Eagle Valley Trail – Eagle Valley Trail Picnic Area loop from Edwards offers a delightful road cycling experience, winding alongside the scenic Eagle River. You'll pedal through a mix of riparian areas, past golf courses, and through residential neighborhoods, all set against a backdrop of impressive mountains and canyons. This moderate 16.4-mile (26.4 km) route, with 2267 feet (691 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete, making it a great option for a substantial yet accessible ride. The paved surface ensures a smooth journey, with particularly pleasant sections running between Riverwalk and Nottingham Park in Edwards.

Planning your ride on this loop is straightforward, with good access points in Edwards. While the trail is mostly dedicated, be mindful of sections that transition to wider sidewalks or road shoulders, especially when passing through towns like Edwards, Avon, and Eagle-Vail, and exercise caution at intersections. This route is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for a wide range of cyclists, from beginners to families, who appreciate a well-maintained path with minimal technical challenges.

This loop is a vital segment of the broader Eagle Valley Regional Trail System, which aims to create a continuous paved path across the valley. It's a multi-use trail that connects various communities, offering convenient access to local shops, restaurants, and parks. The Eagle Valley Trail Picnic Area provides a perfect spot for a break, highlighting the trail's value as both a recreational asset and a practical transportation link for residents and visitors alike.

The Eagle Valley Trail offers a delightful road cycling experience, guiding you along a paved path that hugs the scenic Eagle River. You'll pedal past charming towns like Edwards and Avon, enjoying diverse mountain and riparian views. Keep an eye out for the picturesque sections that showcase golf courses and impressive landscaping, providing a constantly changing backdrop to your ride.

This easy route covers 24.0 miles (38.7 km) with a gentle 777 feet (237 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. While there isn't a specific loop from Arrowhead Village, you can easily access the well-maintained trail from nearby Edwards, making it perfect for an out-and-back ride or connecting to other local routes. It's a great option for those seeking a relaxed, family-friendly bike trail.

The Eagle Valley Trail is a vital community connector, providing alternative transportation and recreational opportunities throughout Eagle County. It also links to other regional trails, like the Gore Valley Trail, offering possibilities for extended rides. This accessibility and its role in promoting greener travel make it a notable and well-loved route in the area.