Skip to main content

Come Ride Colorado’s Grand Valley

Current Trail Conditions

3/23/2023

Yesterday was blustery and sunny, and we are expecting rain and possible light snow on Friday. Some folks were out riding Kokopelli this afternoon (3/23), and Rustler's was actually fairly dry. Fruita did see a good downpour around 6 p.m. so conditions could change again!  Gravel is a great alternative, or certainly the Riverfront trail for some fresh air and easy miles. One thing is certain, all this moisture is going to give the valley a vibrant green, and a dynamite desert bloom this spring! We will keep the updates coming..

Welcome to the Center of the Mountain Bike Universe!

Below we'll focus on our own smaller sphere of rad-ness, but at the bottom of our list we'll throw out a list of places you should visit that are roughly within a 6 hour drive of Fruita. Remember that the time of year that you plan to visit matters a lot.

Where should I start and where should I ride? 

We are glad you asked. We'll break down each trail system below into a classic view that will cover a first time visitor's needs, and with a bit of "news" that will interest returning Fruita visitors or locals who don't follow every bit of mountain bike related gossip. Remember, when talking about Fruita and Grand Junction, CO trails we are really talking about the Grand Valley. The GV stretches from the base of the San Juan Mountains all the way to near Moab in a big crescent shape. Within this giant valley Fruita is near 6 trail systems and the recently completed Palisade Plunge. Let's DROP IN to each one!  

Bookcliffs / 18rd Trails / North Fruita Desert

When asked what to ride first we always ask this question, “Do you want flow, or do you want scenery?” Bookcliffs-18rd Trails have the flow! Perfect ribbons of single track with banked corners and poppy, playful little jumps abound.

Kokopelli Loop Trails/Loma/Mack

The Kokopelli Trail System, also known as "Loma" and or "Mack" is where beautiful scenery meets amazing riding. This system of stacked, single-track loops is also the start of the 142-mile trail that goes from Loma, CO to Moab, UT. However, the trail system is packed with many days’ worth of single track riding, just a few miles from the town of Fruita. Beginner to advanced single-track is literally stacked on top of each cliff band overlooking the Colorado River.

Lunch Loop/Tabeguache/Third Flats/Bangs Canyon

A spider web of steep, gnarly, rocky single track that will keep the most advanced riders on their toes. We love helping people plan rides in this trail system so they don't climb the routes that are meant to be descended.

Rabbit Valley/Westwater

When asked for a third day of riding we always ask. “Do you want something really technical, or something easier with amazing scenery?” Rabbit Valley is a moto-legal, multi-use area that straddles the Colorado and Utah border. The system's premier trail, the Western Rim, winds along the bands of red cliffs above the Colorado River. It's one of the most visually striking trails on the planet. The area isn't overly technical in whole, but has "technical moments" that will keep you on your toes.

Palisade Rim and The Palisade Plunge

The Palisade Rim and the newly built Palisade Plunge is, in two words, STEEP and SCARY! If you start at the bottom and climb up the Palisade Rim Trail you will not get a warm up on this technical, mind melting section of trail. Is it all worth it? Of course, because you get to come back down what you climbed up. But if you suffer from vertigo, be warned, this trail is not for you.

Turkey Flats/Pinion Mesa

Oops, I came to Fruita when it's 100 degrees outside! You need to beat the heat by riding our closest high elevation trails. Turkey Flats, Haypress, Reservoir and Black Pine will all give you a ride above 9000ft in elevation. You'll be cruising through Aspen trees and crossing babbling streams. You can even take a swim in the many lakes if you can handle cold water!

Sooo, tell me more about these other places I should ride that are a bit further from Fruita. I want to expand out from the Center of the Universe...

Get the Gear You Need

Shop for the perfect bike before your next ride. We’re here to answer all of your cycling related questions.

Visit Us To Plan Your Trip

All your mountain bike dreams are about to come true!