The perfect long weekend mountain biking in Fruita
You sneak out of work early so you can roll into Fruita on Friday night. Downtown is packed with local restaurants. You wander down Aspen Street and then settle in at Josephine’s Italian Kitchen. Lasagna? Sure. Tiramisu? Why not?
After all, you’re going to burn a lot of calories in the days ahead.
After dinner, you check into one of the hotels [LINK: https://gofruita.com/lodging/] just across the highway. Or get some local vibes at lodging options like Fruita Crash Pad or the Moon Farm. Either way, you’ll need your rest. You have a very full day tomorrow.
Your alarm clock goes off before dawn.
You’ll spend Saturday exploring the world-famous Kokopelli Trail System, so you’re eager to start early. And since it’s your first ride of the weekend, you want to go big.
Horsethief Bench is an iconic 4-mile mountain bike loop known for stunning views of the Colorado River and desert terrain.
But first, you get to navigate the iconic, highly technical drop-in. It’s only about 100 yards, but every inch presents even the most exacting riders with a new challenge. (You’ll probably see more than one person dismount and carry their bike down.)
At the bottom, singletrack takes you flying across the hillsides. The terrain shifts at every turn. You dash between low trees, roll over slickrock, and ride the ledges, trying to keep your eyes on the trail. To your left, cliffs drop away, revealing a panorama of plateaus, rivers and wildlife.
The wind is loud in your ears. Or maybe that’s just you whooping your way downhill?
After the thrills of Horsethief, you’re in the mood for something a little less technical that’s still inside the Kokopelli Trail System, and Rustler’s Loop is just the right speed.
The 3.5-mile trail starts with a climb up the mesa that’ll get your heart pumping and thighs burning. After that, riders enjoy exciting downhills, short ascents and river views.
You get back to your lodging, lock your bikes away, and collapse into a chair at Hot Tomato Pizza for calzones and a rotating selection of local microbrews.
A new day, a new trail system.
Saturday was about exploring the thrilling variety of Kokopelli. So on day two, you head for 18 Road Trails, which offer more than 250 miles of berms, table tops and rolling terrain, all cared for by the Bureau of Land Management.
You park at the entrance to Zippity Do Dah. The ride is 2.2 miles of rollers and ridges. In places, the ground drops away on both sides, offering 360 degree views of Colorado’s Western Slope.
Zippity Do Dah is technical, fun, and something you’ll be bragging about for a long time to come. You pair it with the rolling Western Zippity to create a five-mile ride with a little bit of everything.
After an afternoon exploring the rest of 18 Road Trails, you’re not ready to get back on the road home quite yet. So you head back to town for a cup of gelato and one last stroll along Aspen Street.
The real world can wait.
Know before you go.
- Hydrate: You’ll want to bring at least a gallon of cold water with you every day.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: Apply (and reapply!) a 50+ SPF if you don’t want your weekend cut short by a sunburn.
- Trail bike: Knobby tires and a 120–150mm suspension are recommended.
- Camera: Bring your GoPro, your phone, your drone, or even a professional rig. You’re going to want to remember every moment.
- Maps: Plan your rides and know your options with these maps. [LINK TO https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8011439/fruita]
- Do Fruita Right: Leave no trace and keep Fruita’s trails beautiful. [LINK: https://gofruita.com/careforfruita/]
Looking for beginner mountain biking in Fruita?
18 Road Trails offers all sorts of options. Check out this classic loop:
- Prime Cut (climb)
- PBR (descent)
- Kessel Run (flow finish)
This route is known for smooth surfaces, rolling singletrack and playful challenges. It’s perfect for stretching your legs. (Or for anyone who’s not ready to drop in to Horsethief!)
