WESTERN SLOPE DESERT MTB: A First Timer’s Guide

18 Road

Often the poster child of Fruita riding, 18 Road in the North Fruita Desert is a complete and total funfest. It’s a family favorite for those just introducing their little ones to the sport, but also features challenging terrain for the adults. Minimal climbs along swoopy, fast, smooth, rolling hills punctuated with some steep descents, it is entirely feasible to ride all but two of the trails in the area multiple times in one day.  Hot laps anyone?

From the main lot and camping area, climb up Prime Cut and make your way west along the base of the Bookcliffs on the Frontside Trail. All of the older classic routes are left turns off Frontside. Pick a descent – Kessel Run, Joe’s Ridge, Zippity Do Dah – and rip back to the lot. Head back up and pick another.  Saying “ride, rinse, repeat” has never been more suitable. Once you’ve done the western end, hit the newer trails on the east side – PBR (Pumps, Bumps, Rollers) is usually noisy from all the hooting and laughter it inspires.

CHALLENGER OPTIONS: If you’re looking for a big ride day in the area, The Edge Loop and Sarlacc both offer 8-ish mile rides at the top of the Bookcliffs, 2,000 feet above the basin floor. Just take Frontside all the way west to the dirt road and follow the signs. 

One thing to know: The Edge Loop has a rappel section. There are ropes and anchors in place, but use them at your own risk. There is a hikeable way around this too, challenging but decidedly easier. 

Ultimately you’ll end up descending back to the valley floor at the far eastern end of the 18 Road system. These two trails are very remote backcountry rides – be prepared.

kokopelli

Just a bit west of Fruita along I-70 is the Loma exit. Take it and make a left across the overpass, follow the signs, and you’re in the parking lot for a famed trail system that offers virtually every feature of desert riding imaginable.

This area is chockablock with fantastic options from green to full-on double-black technical marvels.  Must-do rides include the loop composed of Mary’s, Horsethief Bench, Steve’s, and Wranglers.  Then pop over the ridge to the north and take Kokopelli Road east back to the lot, or simply reverse your route and ride the main trail back.

There is a little 4-mile practice loop called Rustler’s that is a fun and unintimidating way to get a safe idea of the terrain you’ll encounter in this system. Many of the rock features are an excellent place to practice your moves. You’ll see access right at the cattle gate leading into the area. After the punchy little climb, look at the cliff wall to the east as you start along the singletrack – there’s a full-size home built into the rock!

Views from these trails that meander along the cliff tops above the Colorado River are as postcard-worthy as they come. Stop often, soak it in, take lots of photos.

The drop-in to Horsethief Bench is completely rideable though not often ridden, and has even been successfully and cleanly  climbed. Most opt to walk it. Once at the base, the trail is best ridden clockwise.

Moore Fun is often called More Work and it’s the technical gem of the area. Those with big ambition, bigger skills, and plenty water have been known to do it in both directions in a day. Start at the east end, go west young MTBer, then turn around and come back. It’s a thighpopper and a world-class barometer of bragging rights. You can also tie it onto the end of the Horesthief / Mary’s loop for your return as well.

The Kokopelli Trail proper, the one you rode in on to get to Horsethief, actually goes all the way to Moab, Utah. Many tour operators offer supported multi-day adventures to do this ride. If you fall in love with this area, consider it – it’s an all-timer!

tabeguache (lunch loops)

While that’s the official name of the trailhead area and of the namesake route that runs all the way to Montrose, everyone calls it the Lunch Loops. This is because if you live here it’s easy to climb on your bike and get some great riding in on your lunch hour – it’s just two miles from downtown to the trails.

Every route here starts on an aspect of The Gut. Ride southbound out of the lot and make your way up the Tabegauche Trail proper. It’s more Jeep road than trail, but it gets you up top fast. If singletrack is your preference, take a right and climb up via Pet-E-Kes (blue) or Eagle’s Tail (black.)

Once you’re up on the open flat part of the area, by the massive standing rock and the signs, you’ll find a plethora of options for your riding enjoyment. Holy Cross is a crowd-pleasing favorite, and Gunny Loop is for those looking for a longer route. Eagle’s Wing and Free Lunch will fulfill your every jibber dream – so many drops and jumps. You’ll likely end up utilizing Miramonte and Curt’s Lane on your return. There are so many ways to loop together so many trails in this network it’s staggering. All routes lead back to the lot, and there’s even a bike park by the parking lot if you have remaining energy.

One thing: if you’ve already ridden Kokopelli and you’re feeling like you’ve got this desert terrain thing down, be forewarned. The technical aspects of the Lunch Loops are at least a grade or two higher than Koko. Don’t be dissuaded – it’s a fantastic riding area, but don’t take any uncomfortable chances. If it looks daunting, check it out or walk it first. Maybe watch a local’s handling of a line before attempting. Penalty for failure here is usually paid for in flesh and bone, so take it easy at first.