This outdoor playground boasts over 300 days of sunshine, allowing year-round enjoyment of its vast network of bike paths and mountain biking trails. Grand Junction caters to riders of all ages and skill levels, from thrilling downhill rides to leisurely cruises along the Colorado River. Its mild climate, variety of terrain, and abundance of biking trails make it an ideal cycling destination.
In This Article
This article explores Grand Junction’s allure for cyclists. It covers the area’s unique cultural and natural highlights, trail diversity, family-friendly options, biking events, and more. Expert tips help visitors prepare for their two-wheeled adventures, while insider perspectives provide an authentic look at the vibrant cycling community.
TL;DR
- Grand Junction's 300+ days of sun, scenic landscapes, and vast trail network make it a cycling paradise.
- Cultural attractions like wineries and diners enhance the area's charm.
- Iconic rides like the Kokopelli Trail and Lunch Loops trail system thrill experts, while paths in city parks and along the Gunnison River cater to families.
- Festivals and group rides unite the passionate local cycling community.
- Bike shops, rentals, and a well-marked trail map collection ensure travelers have the gear and knowledge for memorable rides.
Local Experiences and Culture
Beyond the natural splendor, Grand Junction’s local culture and heritage help define the area’s identity. Historic downtown Grand Junction offers a glimpse into the past with its restored Victorian buildings housing an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Cyclists can soak up these attractions through activities like the Fruita Farm Market Bike Tour. This guided ride stops at local eateries and produce stands that source fresh ingredients from Western Colorado farms. Riders might try Palisade peaches, craft beer, or a juicy elk burger while mingling with farmers, artists, and other cyclists.
The Junior Service League Park regularly hosts events like outdoor concerts, 5K fun runs, and cycling races for the community. Riders of all ages congregate to enjoy music, food, competitions, and camaraderie against a backdrop of mountain views. These lively gatherings celebrate the region’s cultural heritage and passion for outdoor recreation.
Nearby scenic attractions include the Colorado National Monument and its thrilling rim rock drive, which you can enjoy when you’re not exploring on two wheels. Riverbend Park, Canyon View Park, and the sprawling North Fruita desert are also popular destinations.
Trail Highlights and Biking Adventures
From paved paths hugging the Colorado River to the epic single-track of Kokopelli’s Trail, Grand Junction offers diverse cycling experiences for riders of every skill level. Families and recreational riders frequent the 6.4-mile Las Colonias trail. Its smooth surface and interpretive signs wind past Dos Rios Park and the Audubon Nature Center, offering glimpses of herons, hawks, and other wildlife.
For more adventure, the Lunch Loop Bike Park’s 20 miles of downhill trails challenge mountain bikers with rock gardens, berms, and jumps. Named one of the world’s best bike parks, it thrills hardcore riders who have coined the term “doing the Loop” to describe sessioning its progression of technical trails.
The iconic 141-mile Kokopelli’s Trail spans from Grand Junction to Moab. Its epic scenery and punishing terrain leave even seasoned mountain bikers exhausted. Riders climb over 7000 feet while traversing slick rock, sand pits, and the occasional rattlesnake! With diverse wildlife, river crossings, and ruins of the Old West, it’s considered one of the most spectacular mountain bike trails in the U.S.
For a more relaxed ride, the Palisade Plunge trail descends 3,400 feet over 32 miles of flowy singletrack, offering gorgeous views of Palisade vineyards and the Colorado River. Riders finish by plunging into the river’s refreshing waters.
Family-Friendly and Safe Biking
Grand Junction offers family-friendly cycling opportunities, allowing kids to gain skills and confidence on bikes. Paved paths like The Old Spanish Trail to Highline Lake State Park provide gentle gradients where children can pedal worry-free. The trail meanders through sandstone canyons and sagebrush, with interpretive displays on local plants and wildlife along the way.
Pump tracks and skills courses at bike parks like Wolfpack allow progression. Riders loop over dirt mounds, wooden ramps, and obstacles while perfecting balance and handling skills. Nearby picnic areas and playgrounds let families relax after honing their techniques.
When riding in Grand Junction, cyclists should utilize safety gear like helmets, wear bright clothing, obey traffic laws, control speed on descents, and ride within their ability levels. The area’s dry climate demands carrying extra water to avoid dehydration. Checking trail conditions and weather forecasts helps mitigate risks like high water, lightning, and extreme heat or cold. Observing these basics ensures responsible riding for all ages.
Equipment and Preparation
From hardcore carbon race bikes to casual townies, local shops provide quality rentals for Grand Junction adventures. Brown Cycles, a fixture since 1983, offers delivery of high-end mountain, road, and kids’ bikes to area trails and hotels. For self-guided tours, visitors can create custom routes and then access bikes and gear from Brown’s expansive rental fleet as needed.
The Gear Junction‘s downtown location provides convenient access to tools, parts, accessories, and repairs for travelers needing tune-ups or equipment fixes during their stay. Expert staff help visitors gear up with trail maps, packs, lights, and safety essentials for confident navigation of even remote trails.
Riders exploring desert terrain and slick rock should utilize sturdy mountain bikes with wide tires that resist punctures. Helmets, gloves, eye protection, and quality shoes boost comfort over long days. Packing multitools, tubes, a pump, and first aid allows self-rescue in case of mechanical issues or minor spills in remote areas.
Seasonal Biking and Events
One of Grand Junction’s biggest appeals is rideable conditions year-round. While summer sees most visitors, fall offers cooler weather for epic trail adventures amid dazzling foliage. The famous Colorado National Monument turns intense shades of red and orange starting in late September, creating a spectacular backdrop for biking its Rim Rock Drive.
Spring welcomes events like the Fruita Fat Tire Festival, where thousands of riders swarm area trails and enjoy an expo area with demos, contests, and gear. Nearby wineries host lavish food and wine pairings to refuel between rides.
A variety of group rides also unite the Grand Junction cycling community. On Monday and Wednesday evenings, the Over The Edge Sports Shop Roll brings riders of all abilities together for a social pedal along the Riverfront Trail. Other weekly rides are oriented toward road cyclists, women, single speeders, and seniors, providing camaraderie and motivation to keep the rubber side down.
Trail Navigation and Maps
With over 300 miles of singletrack surrounding Grand Junction, downloading maps helps cyclists navigate this vast network. Apps like TrailForks, MTB Project, and Strava Heatmap provide GPS-enabled topographic maps guiding riders to mountain bike trails in the area. Road cyclists can access cue sheets from the local shop Rapid Creek Cycles, which guides them along the 30-mile Grand Valley bicycle tour past Fruita farms and wineries.
The city and county websites also offer free downloadable maps of commuter bike infrastructure, pathway systems, and recreational cycling routes. These highlight access points, parking areas, parks, and other points of interest. Visitors should research routes ahead of time to identify their preferred launch points.
Many trailheads like Lunch Loops and Kessel Run provide ample parking, vault toilets, and posted maps. But some popular access points fill on nice weekends. Arriving early or having backup options ensures riders can avoid scouring for overflow parking areas.
Reviews and Community Insights
With Grand Junction’s passionate local cycling community, riders can tap into a wealth of insights on everything from family-friendly trails to the annual biking events calendar. Social media groups like Fat Tire Fruita provide stoke and beta for those planning trips. Daily posts cover everything from trail conditions and must-ride destinations to group rides welcoming visitors.
Sites like MTBProject and TrailForks display average trail ratings and detail why cyclists love or loathe specific routes. Riders offer tips on optimal direction, must-see views, and even poison ivy hazards. This collective wisdom helps visitors maximize their experience.
Connecting with locals also provides an authentic perspective on everything from dining to custom bike builds. At the end of a ride, riders often congregate for beers and burgers on patios and trade stories while new friendships form. It encapsulates the welcoming vibe that makes Grand Junction such a beloved cycling destination.
So, for those seeking camaraderie, adventure, and diverse cycling experiences, Grand Junction delivers in spades. Its vibrant culture and landscape seduce two-wheeled travelers, leaving them scheming their next visit before they’ve even departed. Once you’ve tasted its trails, the cycling fever never really leaves.
FAQ
What is the most popular and scenic bike trail in Grand Junction?
Kokopelli’s Trail is one of the most iconic and scenic mountain bike trails in the Western US. Spanning 141 miles between Grand Junction and Moab, it entices hardcore riders with technical challenges, river crossings, and breathtaking high desert vistas.
Where can I rent bikes and equipment in Grand Junction?
Quality bike rentals are available from local shops like Brown Cycles, Grassroots Cycles, and Over The Edge Sports. Most shops also rent helmets, packs, lights, tools, and spare tubes. Hotels like the DoubleTree and Springhill Suites also offer cruisers for tooling downtown or along the riverfront.
What is the best family-friendly bike trail in the area?
The 6.4-mile Las Colonias Trail is a popular paved path perfect for family cycling. It runs along the Colorado River through parks and nature areas, offering glimpses of wildlife and interpretive displays. Rest areas with playgrounds and picnic spots provide good stopping points.
When is the best time of year to bike in Grand Junction?
One of Grand Junction’s biggest appeals is rideable conditions year-round. While summer sees most visitors, fall offers cooler weather for epic trail adventures amid dazzling foliage. Spring events like the Fruita Fat Tire Festival also make it a popular season.
Where can I find maps of the area’s bike trails?
Great resources include apps like TrailForks, MTBProject, Strava Heatmap, and AllTrails. For commuter and recreational road routes, the city and county websites have downloadable maps. The Gear Junction bike shop downtown also stocks detailed waterproof recreational cycling maps.
What is the local mountain biking culture like?
Grand Junction is home to an incredibly passionate, welcoming, and engaged cycling community. Group rides, races, festivals, and shops like Over The Edge Sports foster a thriving culture. Hitting the trails or a post-ride patio inevitably leads to new friendships and camaraderie.
