Poudre River Trail closing

It's Greeley Stampede time which means rodeo, corn dogs, carnival rides and ....

...trail closings. The east end of the Poudre River Trail, in Greeley, Colorado, is closed for two reasons.

First, the annual Greeley Stampede takes place right at the eastern terminus of the trail. So there's a big ol' gate at the very beginning of the trail.

Then, if you think you're clever and find a way around the gate (easy if you go through the dirt parking lot), you'll be stopped by another barricade a couple miles up the trail. And this one is serious. Oh the barricade is easy enough to get around, but the demolished trail over a ditch is another matter.

Bottom line ... If you're going for a bike ride or hike on the Poudre River Trail, start at the west end in Windsor, CO or start at the Rover Run Dog Park off of F Street in Greeley, CO.

Poudre River Trail closing

Glenwood Canyon Trail

Remember those stories of trolls that live under bridges? Now is your chance to be the troll, except that you're not just limited to bridges. You'll be toolin' around under entire stretches of I-70, a major highway.

This stretch of canyon has been described by many as one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the world. The problem is, if you're driving on the highway, you don't really get to appreciate it. You're going too fast and watching the road. At least that's been my experience.

Read more about Colorado's Glenwood Canyon Trail that runs from Glenwood Springs to Dotsero, Co on trailsnet.com.

The Rio Grande Trail runs from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, CO and makes a nice accompaniment to the Glenwood Canyon Trail.

Glenwood Canyon Trail

Coal Creek Trail in Louisville, Colorado

Colorado's Coal Creek Trail is near and dear to my heart. Why just yesterday I used it to walk into "old town" to get a cup of coffee. It was an unusually busy day on the trail because parts of it were used for a 5K & half-marathon running race. It was perfect weather for a foot-race but even better weather for a short hike into town.

Coal Creek Trail runs through the communities of Superior, Louisville, & Lafayette, CO. The trail is 6.2 miles long and, as its name implies, it follows Coal Creek. It is appropriate for hiking, running, bike-riding, and dog-walking. It is truly a multi-use path with a mix of sun and shade.

It passes through a historic homestead in old town Superior, CO. In old town Louisville, CO it provides easy access to a dog park where canines can enjoy off leash frolicking. In Lafayette, the trail winds along the creek and ends near the border of Lafayette & Erie, CO. Eventually the trail will continue into Erie and will tie into the Rock Creek Trail to provide a lengthy circular path.

For other biking and hiking trails in Colorado and the U.S., visit trailsnet.com.

Coal Creek Trail in Louisville, Colorado