The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority will open its winter-closure section of the Rio Grande Trail from Catherine Bridge trail head to Rock Bottom Ranch today at 5 p.m. Cyclists and recreationalists will now be able to use the entire length of the Rio Grande Trail from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, without any detours off the trail.

This opening will also permit access to the north slope of The Crown via a side trail. Trail users are reminded that no pets are permitted on the trail between Catherine Bridge and Rock Bottom Ranch.

RFTA closes the trail as part of the wildlife management plan for this section of the trail corridor, in the winter months, to protect elk and deer habitat, as well as the blue heron nesting areas in the spring. The winter closure area consists of 2.75 miles of riparian and upland areas extending from the end of Hooks Spur Road, south of the Roaring Fork River to Catherine Store Road at the Catherine Store.