Grand Junction, CO: Rustler's Loop | Mountain Biking in Colorado

Grand Junction, CO: Rustler's Loop

This intro to Fruita, CO mountain biking speeds along smooth singletrack for 4.8 miles passing sandstone domes and overlooks perched above the Colorado River.

Author:	Backpacker Magazine
Date:	14 Apr 2008 4:55:41 PM
Activity:	Mountain Biking ActivitySearchMountainBiking
State:	Colorado (CO)
Distance:	4.12 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	Total Gain: 673 ft Total Loss: 769 ft Net Change: -96 ft
Difficulty:	4 / 10
USGS Topo Map:	Mack
Tags:	Mary's Loop, Grand Junction, Colorado, Loma
Rating:	Unrated Rate it

Rustler's Loop is an easy hardpacked trail that everyone can love. Novice riders will only encounter a few technical sections, and skilled riders can time-trial it through banked turns and catch air on whoops. But don't blow past all of the scenery—pause at one of several overlooks to take in the Colorado River and the red rock canyons it carved.

Our advice: Warm up on Rustler's Loop before riding more difficult trails in the Mary's Loop area. From the Rustler's trailhead, you can ride Horsethief Bench, or take Mary's Loop to Steve's or Lion's loops.

-Mapped by the Backpacker Map Team

TO TRAILHEAD: I-70 W to exit 15 (toward Loma/Rangely). Turn left onto 13 Road/CO 139 N. In .1 mile, turn right onto HawkEye Road (just after the one-way road coming from the trucker weigh station). Follow .8 mile to parking area for the Kokopelli Trailhead.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

RUS01

Dist: 4.12 mi	Points: 368	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Rustler's Loop

Points of Interest

RUS001

Location: 39.177753°, -108.827911°
Leave the Kokopelli Trailhead and follow gravel road south .6 mile over hill to gated trailhead.

RUS002

Location: 39.173325°, -108.829674°
Pass through gate, then ride south on Rustler's Loop (several trails can be accessed from this trailhead).

RUS003

Location: 39.172077°, -108.832352°
Turn left onto singletrack; trail winds to the east.

RUS004

Location: 39.170292°, -108.833572°
Dirt path swings left and snakes to the southeast across parched hills. Steer clear of the prickly pear that grow close to the trail.

RUS005

Location: 39.168182°, -108.827812°
Cross jeep road. Ride south on singletrack toward views of the Colorado River.

RUS006

Location: 39.165649°, -108.829742°
From this trailside overlook, soak up views of the Colorado River as it snakes through Horsethief Canyon. Ahead, trail descends into the canyon.

RUS007

Location: 39.166042°, -108.830643°
Maneuver a tight left turn on slickrock.

RUS008

Location: 39.164612°, -108.832619°
Trail bends to the northwest near the rim.

RUS009

Location: 39.168545°, -108.842499°
Trail cuts around rocky corner with expansive views of the Colorado River and Horsethief Canyon; pedal northeast on singletrack.

RUS010

Location: 39.169746°, -108.841240°
Cross jeep road, then follow singletrack for .8 mile to close loop at Waypoint 2; retrace route to the Kokopelli Trailhead.