The Lunch Loop Trail System consists of over 20 miles of trails that are most often dry year-round. The best part is that Lunch Loops is only 10 minutes from Downtown Grand Junction. This trail system has various difficulty levels, from beginner to extremely challenging. There is also Lunch Loops Bike Park, including a pump track, that offers many different features to take a spin on. With the trail variety and the bike park, you can create the perfect afternoon adventure catered towards the mountain biking experience you want. Here are a few trails that are fantastic for a winter ride.
Holey Bucket
Holey Bucket is 1.4 miles one-way and is moderately difficult. The trail is dotted with open areas to see the gorgeous landscape surrounded by the views of Colorado National Monument. There may still be small amounts of snow on the ground around the shady areas, but most of the trail will be clear. You can either take the long way to access this trail via the Lunch Loops Trailhead or go for a quick spin from the Holey Bucket Trailhead off Little Park Road up on Glade Park.
Eagle’s Wing
Photo: Dustin Watchman
Eagle’s Wing is 2.1 miles long and considered difficult. This trail begins with an incline on some slick rock and gravel spots, but the scenic view it offers is worth it. Pause your ride to catch your breath and enjoy the views from Eagle’s Nest Rock of Bangs Canyon Management Area. You will be captivated by stunning views of the area’s unique geological features.
Free Lunch
Free Lunch is only open to mountain bikers. At only 1.8 miles, this trail is technically difficult. With naturally formed features like ledges, boulders, and drop offs, this trail is all downhill and is designed for advanced riders only. This trail is perfect if you are an adrenaline seeker looking to zip down and catch big air as the wind ruffles your layers.
18 Road Trail System
Photo: Dana VanVoorhees
North Fruita Desert, or 18 Road Trail System, has over 250 miles of recreational routes, including 33 miles of designated singletrack mountain bike trails. The trails in this area range from easy to strenuous. While the desert is in the name, this encompasses the essence of the high desert climate while riding on desert dirt with snow-covered peaks and mountain ranges in the distance. While the snow doesn’t stick around for more than a few days, the trail may still experience some snowy areas. So, bundle up, prep your pack and enjoy these desert winter mountain biking trails.
Pumps, Bumps, and Rollers
Pumps, Bumps, and Rollers (PBR) is 1.7 miles of downhill riding. It is considered moderate in difficulty; however, beginners and experienced riders can enjoy this trail. Managing speed is the key to this trail. If you’re looking to cruise and take it easy, using your brakes is recommended to help maintain an appropriate speed. If you want to zip down this trail and catch some serious airtime, it offers plenty of rolling bumps to let it rip and soar down the trail.
Zippity Do Da
The Zippity Do Da Trail is 2.1 miles of a larger loop called Zippity Loop, which includes Zippity, Zip Off, Western Zippity, Frontside, and Zippity Do Da. The loop is about 8 miles total and must be ridden clockwise. This loop's Zippity Do Da section is a moderately difficult downhill journey. After a short climb, you will be rewarded with a fun ride along the ridge, across hilltops and saddles, and down into dried-up washes. Be sure to keep an eye out for V 7/10 Road, as OHV riders often use this. Don’t forget to enjoy the warm sun rays and the vastness of the area around you.
Chutes and Ladders
Chutes and Ladders is 5.1 miles of a difficult to strenuous ride. The trail has a variety of climbs and descents as if you were riding a chute or climbing a ladder. Being one of the sunnier trails in the system, there will likely be little snow hanging around, which makes it perfect for a winter ride. Let loose and kick up some dust behind you as you take on this winter adventure.
Old Spanish Trail
Old Spanish Trail to Gunnison River Bluffs Trail is a moderately difficult historic 12.6-mile loop. The trail offers mostly open landscapes, so snow doesn’t tend to stick around long, which is perfect for a winter mountain biking experience. The sun will shine on you for nearly the entire ride, helping you stay warm during your adventure. You may even spot a Bald Eagle soaring above you or other wildlife in the scenic Gunnison River Bluffs section that travels alongside the Gunnison River.
For more ways to experience Grand Junction, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.