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  PEDAL AND PADDLE GRAND JUNCTION'S GRAND OUTDOORS By Pat Kennedy
As fun as all of those activities are, my favorite has to be mountain biking. Grand Junction residents were some of the early pioneers of the sport and developed Kokopelli's Trail in the late 1980s in partnership with the local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA). Kokopelli's starts just west of Grand Junction and continues 134 miles to the town of Moab, Utah. Near the trail's starting point is the Mack Ridge area of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and what locals call the "Stacked Loops" – a series of loop trails varying in difficulty from beginner to expert. Perhaps the most famous trail is Rustlers Loops, a world-renowned beginner
The next trail in the "stack" is Horse Thief Bench, my favorite ride in the valley by far. A bit more difficult and longer than Rustlers Loop, Horse Thief makes it worth the extra work with unbeatable natural scenery, including great views of wildlife. I often see bald eagles, great blue herons, coyotes, rabbits, and even the occasional bobcat. For those seeking the ultimate challenge, two trails at the top of the "stack" – Mack Ridge Trail and Moore Fun – are two of the most difficult trails I have ever ridden. Steep, difficult climbs, loose and rocky descents, constantly changing terrain and breathtaking panoramic views are all a part of this ultimate test of skill and endurance. Having taken a few spills on Moore Fun my first time out, I can tell you
Arguably the most popular destination for Grand Junction mountain biking is the Lunch Loop section of the BLM's Bangs Canyon Study Area, located just outside city limits. Nestled against the Colorado National Monument, Lunch Loop's mountain bike-specific area offers terrain for the whole family. The newly completed Kids Loop offers a novice experience much like Rustlers Loop, while the new Free Lunch trail is the first BLM-sanctioned extreme free-ride trail. Riders must be prepared to drop off rocks 2 to 8 feet high on fully suspended mountain bikes in order to complete this ride. With a host of other trails in the 1,200-acre park (including Lemon Squeezer, Holy Cross, Pet-e-kes and Carl's Canyon) this is where the locals go to play. So what happens when we get tired of mountain biking? Let's go rafting! Grand Junction is named for the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, and day-trip floats along both are popular. Put-ins on the Gunnison include Whitewater, Bridgeport and Escalante Canyon, and the gentle river offers a low-key ride over Class I and II rapids. The Colorado offers access at Corn Lake, Connected Lakes State Park, Junior Service League Park, Fruita State Park and Loma. Floating Ruby/Horse Thief Canyon through Black Rocks is an enjoyable way to spend the day. With the proper permit, rafters can continue down the river to Westwater Canyon and its more challenging Class IV rapids. Whether you want to pedal or paddle, Grand Junction is the place to be. Outdoors. |
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