Length: 3.2 to 4.5 Round Trip
Difficulty: Easy
Driving Instructions
From Alamosa, take State Street 3/4 mile North from Main Street to the bridge, cross over and gravel parking lot is on left.
Trailhead Location
The best location to start trails over the State Street Bridge at the parking lot immediately on left (West side). There are no fees. Dogs on leashes are allowed.
Elevations
7,586 to 7,619 feet - These trails are basically flat as they are in the valley near the river.
Description
The Rio Grande Trail is an out-and-back along the river and the Cattails Golf Course. To the gate is 1.6 miles and making the roundtrip 3.2 (a 5K). Adding the Sierra Blanca Loop over the bridge along the river to the Cole Creek Foot Bridge and back to State Street Bridge, adds 1.3 miles for a total of 4.5. For Twin Peaks Loop, take the Rio Grande Trail to gate, take right along northern edge of golf course to country road, take right again to State Street and head South back to Parking Lot. The trails are on the dikes that were built to contain the Rio Grande. Natural features exist in the river. The river used to flood and spread out during spring snowmelt. Hike, run, or bike on the easy and wide gravel trail. Great for families.
Terrain
Gravel, some pavement on loops.
Water/Bathrooms
Water and bathrooms are located at Cole Park. During golfing season, bathrooms on golf course can be accessed from trail 1/4 mile west of State Street Bridge.
Pleasures and Perils
This trail is perfect to enjoy the distant mountain views and the gently flowing waters of the river. You may see deer, and a variety of birds and waterfowl - mostly ducks and Canada Geese. Near dusk, an occasional owl may be perched in the trees. Beaver also inhabit the river. The trails get occasional heavy use with dogs, bikers, groups of runners. Watch for golfers hitting stray shots along golf course. Careful crossing roads as there are no crosswalks. SignificanceThe Rio Grande is the life blood of this high desert valley. Alamosa is at mile marker 100 on the river’s 1400 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The Rio Grande flows through New Mexico and becomes the border of Texas and Mexico. Notes Be sure to follow leash laws and be aware of other walker’s dogs and wildlife in the area.
