Colorado Mountain Biking Opportunities: Fruita Trails
Situated outside the town of Fruita, the 18 Road & Kokopelli Loop Trails provide options for riders to experience some of the most playful mountain bike trails in the State of Colorado. The North Fruita desert recreation area includes over 250 miles of designated recreation routes. Much of the area is desert valley floor with washes and sharp ridges. The 18 Road trail system is characterized by flow, providing mountain bike optimized features including rollers, berms and table top jumps. Located within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, the Kokopelli Loop Trails are a stacked loop trail system highlighting the canyon country of McInnis Canyons NCA and providing spectacular views of the Colorado River and Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. Internationally important fossils have been uncovered here during more than a century of excavation. Pictograph and petroglyph sites abound, and the Old Spanish Trail, once referred to as the “longest, crookedest, most arduous mule route in the history of America,” runs through the NCA.
One of the Bureau of Land Management's "Backyard to Backcountry" treasures, information on the 18 Road Trails - Zippity Loop was developed between IMBA and the Grand Junction, CO, BLM office to provide world-class riding experiences. IMBA's data on the trail includes elevations, ratings, current conditions, photos, and comments.
Need to Know
Plan Your Visit
- Season Dates: January 1 - December 31
- Fee: Varies
- Size: 20+ miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,800+ feet
- Difficulty: Trails range from beginner to advanced.
Directions
- North Fruita Desert Trailhead (18 Road Trail): I-70 to Fruita exit (19). Proceed north through Fruita on Cherry St. Turn right on Ottley Ave. then proceed 4 blocks to N. Maple St/17 ½ Road. Turn left, continue 3.2 miles then turn right on N 3/10 Road. Continue ½ mile then turn left on 18 Road. Proceed 7 miles on 18 Road to the Trailhead.
- Kokopelli Trailhead: I-70 to Loma exit (15). Head south from the interstate, then turn right toward the port of entry station. Turn left and cross the cattle guard onto the gravel road leading to the trailhead
Quick Links
- 18 Road - North Fruita Desert Area
- Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trails
- McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
- North Desert Area
- Photos
Contact Information
Grand Junction Field Office
2815 H Road
Grand Junction, CO 81506-1781
970-244-3000