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Summer Ride Guide
The local's guide to beating the heat and staying on your bike during the summer months in Fruita, CO
Where do you ride in Fruita on a scorching hot summer day? With a little extra drive time, you can find yourself flying through the aspen groves and wildflower meadows atop one of our nearby plateaus, finding relief from the blazing summer heat. Pinyon Mesa’s scenic trails Turkey Flats, Haypress, and Black Pine are just over an hour away from downtown Fruita and offer shade, lakeside riding and picnicking, and even occasional views into Eastern Utah, all above 9,000 ft.
Nearby Grand Mesa offers a plethora of alpine trail systems, as well as Powderhorn Resort’s lift-access bike park. The rockier trails of the Grand Mesa top are around 90 minutes away from downtown Fruita, and offer rock gardens, alpine meadows, and scenic views of the Grand Valley and beyond.
Turkey Flats
Turkey Flats is a mountain biking gem located in Fruita, Colorado. This trail offers a fantastic high-elevation experience, situated above 9000ft. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Aspen groves and stunning mountain vistas as you navigate the trails. The terrain is a mix of flowing singletrack and rocky sections, providing an exciting and varied ride. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife that calls this area home. Turkey Flats is a must-ride for those seeking a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
Haypress Reservoir
Haypress Reservoir is another fantastic destination for mountain biking in Fruita. This trail system boasts scenic views and a diverse range of terrain. As you ride, you'll encounter sections with technical challenges and thrilling descents, keeping the adrenaline pumping. The highlight of Haypress Reservoir is the reservoir itself, a tranquil and picturesque spot where you can take a break and soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The combination of exhilarating trails and serene water views makes Haypress Reservoir a popular choice among local riders.
Blackpine
Black Pine is a hidden gem in Fruita, offering an incredible mountain biking experience above 9000ft. As you venture through Black Pine, you'll find yourself immersed in dense pine forests and breathtaking alpine scenery. The trail system features a mix of fast-flowing descents, technical sections, and tight switchbacks, providing an exciting challenge for riders of all skill levels. The cool mountain air and the shade of the pine trees make Black Pine a welcome respite from the summer heat. Be prepared to be enchanted by the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable trail.
Grand Mesa
For trail riders wanting a quick venture to the Mesa, the West bench trail departs from Jumbo Lake west above the Powderhorn lifts through igneous rock gardens and scenic meadows (watch for moose!). The Mesa Top and Flowing Park trails also offer intermediate mileage with beautiful views and some flat but technical terrain.
Powderhorn
Powderhorn is our local ski resort located on the Grand Mesa! It is about an hour drive from Fruita. Powderhorn offers excellent views and lift-serviced riding. The Powderhorn Bike Park was built to complement the natural terrain of the mountain and create an exhilarating experience for all. Powderhorn's bike park offers multiple trails that can challenge the most experienced rider and provide easy terrain for those looking to improve their skills.