Mountain biker lovers have long known that the Grand Junction area has some of the most epic single-track riding in the country. For hundreds of miles, trails scatter across the dramatic high desert landscape. Trails here can be fast and flowy or steep and technical.
Looking for a short 4-mile loop? Yup, we've got it. How about a multi-day bike-packing trip? You bet, we've got those too. While Grand Junction enjoys mild seasons, when the winter does come around, the good times keep rolling. The tire size simply changes.
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Hop on a fat bike, and you'll experience Grand Junction trails in a whole new way. Start on the Riverfront Trail. This 24.5-mile flowing ribbon of paved trail follows the Colorado River from Palisade to the start of the famous Kokopelli trail in Loma. Take a detour on the Audubon Section and ride through the James M Robb Colorado River State Park Connected Lakes Section, where you might see ice fishermen out on the lakes. Are e-bikes more your speed? Jump on an electric fat bike from Colorado E Bikes and zoom down the trail. are allowed on all paved trails in the Grand Junction area except for the Audubon Section. We dare you not to grin from ear to ear to ear when riding an e-bike for the first time.
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A newly completed section of the bike path takes riders from the main artery of the Riverfront Trail to the Lunch Loops, one of Grand Junction’s most iconic biking areas. At the foot of the Colorado National Monument, trails diverge in every direction. They are home to some of the most famous and technical trails in all the valley, like the Gunny Loop. The trails stay clear of snow for much of the year, but if the white stuff falls, then grab your fat bike. You're set to keep pedaling as long as the trails aren't muddy.
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To put your mettle to the test in deeper snow and at high elevation, the Grand Mesa offers an open invitation to all snow bikers. Spanning over 500-square miles, the Grand Mesa is the largest flat-top mountain in the world. During the summer, its surface is bursting with over 300 lakes but it turns into a snow lovers’ paradise in the winter. An average of over 250-inches of light, fluffy snow falls on the Mesa, making it the perfect place for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and of course, fat biking.
Land’s End Road on the Mesa is a popular spot for winter adventurers. You’ll find people cross-country skiing, snow snowing, and snowmobiling. You can also hop on your fat bike and take the 12-mile road that winds across the Mesa along the steep edge until the land, well, ends. At the end of the road, you'll find the old Land's End Observatory, an outpost that was once used by National Forest rangers as a lookout.
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Powderhorn Mountain Resort is more than just a place to enjoy carving through the snow and trees on skis or a snowboard. The resort also has an extensive trail network directly below the slopes. These trails are open to cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and fat bikes. Climb the glades of the Mesa while enjoying the breath-taking views of the valley below.
To refuel after all that pedaling, swing by one of Grand Junction’s trendy restaurants for a bite to eat. Nothing satisfies the post-ride munchies like a platter of hearty tacos at Tacoparty, where six new tacos are revealed each week, and cocktails made with ultra-fresh ingredients get mixed up behind the bar that are as delicious as they are beautiful. If all that pedaling left you wanting more, check out Grand Junction’s affordable lodging and extend your trip a day or two. There is plenty more to explore here in the winter.
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Looking for more ways to enjoy time on your bike? Check out pages 6 & 7 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide for more off-road action!
