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
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 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.
Good Vibes
The aptly named Good Vibes trail is also found near Bangs Canyon and offers a pleasant and short ride through juniper and pine trees while offering some fun challenges. The trail is just 0.7 miles long and even at its toughest points only reaches a gentle climb of 8%.
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 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!
Ute Creek Trail #608
The Uncompahgre Plateau Trails are located in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Within the forest, the Ute Creek Trail #608 offers a fast and technical bike ride through diverse nature, starting with a descent into a dried creek bed. This trail is 6.5 miles long and reaches a maximum gradient of 31%, making it the steepest trail on our list and not recommended for the faint-hearted.
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 from the top of the Grand Mesa National Forest for 32 miles of downhill single-track adrenaline-pumping action. The trail connects the top of the Grand Mesa to the valley floor with a 6,000-foot descent 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. 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 it is quite extreme.
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 gorgeous weather. Discover more mountain biking trails near Grand Junction, and check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide. Plan your mountain biking trip to Grand Junction today!