5 Minute Read
Colorado is known for its truly spectacular natural wonders and its varied mountainous terrain, which makes it the perfect place to jump on a mountain bike and explore the great outdoors. Many choose Grand Junction as the perfect mountain bike destination in Colorado because of its extensive trail connectivity, diverse terrain and challenging trails. Go from rock hopping in the high desert alongside the mighty Colorado River to weaving through aspen groves at 10,000 feet. Grand Junction offers trails for every skill level and here are a few favorites based on difficulty.
Easy Mountain Biking Trails
For newcomers to mountain biking or those who simply want a more leisurely trip through nature, Grand Junction has a fine selection of easy trails that still offer spectacular views.
Lunch Loops Bike Park
For those looking to kick around on some jumps, and cruise trails without a heart-pounding climb, the Lunch Loops Bike Park is the place to go. As an open park, you aren’t stuck on a narrow trail, so you have the ability to pick and choose the features and sections you want to take on. It’s a great place to get warmed up or practice your skills before setting out on the nearby trails.
Zip Off
Photo by: @mischievous_dutchman
The Zip Off mountain bike trail is located near Grand Junction, Colorado, and offers two miles of beginner singletrack riding. The average gradient on this trail is just 1%, and even at the highest points, it doesn’t exceed 5%, making it a great option for those who like to avoid technical trails.
The Old Spanish Trail
For those who want a little more of a challenge, The Old Spanish Trail sits on the more difficult side of mountain biking trails for beginners. This route is located by the Gunnison River Bluffs in Grand Junction and offers about 4.5 miles of riding with an average gradient of 3% that rises to a challenging 11% in some sections.
Colorado River Trail: Blue Heron Section
The flattest mountain biking trail on our list, the Blue Heron Section of the Colorado Riverfront Trail is 3.5 miles long and has an average gradient of 0%. On the Blue Heron Section, you can coast along the riverside and enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.
Intermediate Mountain Biking Trails
For mountain bikers who want something more demanding than these beginner trails, but also aren’t in the mood for a strenuous day out, Grand Junction, Colorado also has a host of intermediate biking trails to choose from.
Windmill Trail
Close to Bangs Canyon Recreation Area in Grand Junction, the Windmill Trail lasts for 8 miles and has an average gradient of 5%, which climbs to 20% in the toughest sections. It’s challenging but offers beautiful views of the surrounding desert landscape and canyonlands.
Joe's Ridge
Joe’s Ridge is one of the most recognizable mountain bike trails in the Fruita area, known for its narrow ridgeline riding and expansive views stretching across the high desert. Perched above the surrounding landscape, the trail delivers a unique combination of flowy singletrack, exposed sections, and dramatic drop-offs that create a true "riding on the edge" experience. It's easy to gain speed, if you wish, and there are optional jumps around every corner. You can make this trail beginner-friendly if you wish, or step up the intensity to allow for a more moderate ride.
Miramonte Rim
The Miramonte Rim biking trail is in the Redlands area of Grand Junction, Colorado. It’s almost two miles long and not too technical, making it a great introduction to rocky trails without being overly taxing.
Curt’s Lane
For those who like to keep their biking trails short and sweet, the Curt’s Lane trail is a great way to experience the Lunch Loops trail network on a tight schedule. This trail is just 0.4 miles long and conveniently connects to the rest of the Lunch Loops if you want a longer ride.
Difficult Mountain Bike Trails
If you’re a seasoned mountain biker seeking a tough but thrilling challenge, Grand Junction has plenty to offer. Here are some of the more difficult mountain biking trails you can find in the region.
Lunch Loop Trails - Gunny Loop
The Gunny Loop in Lunch Loops Trail System is a challenging but rewarding ride that can also be extended by following the loops. Gunny Loop runs 4.5 miles one way and although the average gradient is only 4%, this trail reaches up to 19% at its steepest points.
Ribbon Trail
Near Grand Junction, Colorado you’ll find the Ribbon Trail, which offers fast descending rides over smooth slab rocks. The trail stretches for 3 miles and, in its toughest sections, reaches downhill gradients of up to 27%. Make sure your brakes are in proper order before taking on the Ribbon Trail!
Kannah Creek Trail #706
Mountain biking the Kannah Creek Trail offers a distinctly different experience from the desert singletrack commonly associated with the Grand Junction area. Following the creek upstream toward the base of the Grand Mesa, riders travel through a lush canyon lined with cottonwoods, flowing water, and dramatic cliffs. The route provides a steady climb (17.3 mile length with 4,176ft elevation gain) with frequent views of Kannah Creek, the mountain-fed waterway that supplies much of Grand Junction's drinking water. The combination of cooler temperatures, canyon scenery, and the transition from high-desert landscapes to alpine terrain makes Kannah Creek one of the area's most unique rides.
Palisade Rim
Located east of Grand Junction, the Palisade Rim trail rewards intrepid bikers with good exposure and spectacular views after an 800-foot climb. The route is 8.7 miles long and features technical challenges like switchbacks, cliff exposure, rocky terrain, and more. Be sure to watch out for hikers on your decent, as this is also a popular hiking trail.
Extreme Mountain Bike Trail
Palisade Plunge
The most extreme trail available for a radical downhill ride is the Palisade Plunge. The Plunge descends 32 miles from the top of the 10-million-year-old Grand Mesa through Grand Mesa National Forest, delivering an adrenaline-pumping downhill single-track adventure that ends in Palisade, Colorado. The trail connects the top of the Grand Mesa to the valley floor with a 6,000-foot descent, and 1,700 feet of climbing through pristine public lands. The single-track trail winds through alpine forests and the high desert areas, some of which have been untouched for hundreds of years, except by fourth-generation ranchers and their cattle. Most of this trail is extremely narrow single-track, so there is no room to walk alongside your bike. In addition, numerous areas of the trail, including the last four miles, have extreme cliff drop-offs and little shade. The last 1.5 miles is the most extreme and labeled “black diamond” so you will need some reserves in your tank to finish.
Before setting out to take on the plunge, be sure to plan ahead and pack extra water. It is recommended that you take at least 2.5 gallons per rider because there is no water on the trail and conditions are extreme. Pack everything you may need including tools, extra tubes, and essential bike parts. The most convenient way to access the trail is hopping on a shuttle with Palisade Cycle & Shuttle. They know every inch of the Palisade Plunge and are the trusted experts with all the “need to know” information.
Experience Mountain Biking in Colorado
Grand Junction is a paradise for mountain bikers of all levels thanks to its diverse mountainous and desert terrain, breathtaking views and year-round temperate weather. Discover more mountain biking trails near Grand Junction. Plan your mountain biking trip to Grand Junction today!
Check out more must-do thrills on pages 4-5 on the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.