18 Road Mountain Biking Trails, Colorado

18 Road mountain bike trails

The 18 Road mountain bike trails system in Fruita, Colorado offer a fun mountain biking experience for riders of all levels.

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Chris & Mac

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Length:  70+ miles
Trailhead(s):  18 Road Trailhead
Elevation Gain:  Varies Dependent on Chosen Route
Trail Type:  Trails System
Dogs:  Allowed
Difficulty:  Beginner to Advanced
Permit Required?  No
Considerations:  Desert Riding; No Water; Rough Dirt Road to Trailhead.
Season:  Year Round

Overview

The 18 Road mountain bike trails system in Fruita, Colorado offers a fun mountain biking experience for riders of all levels.  The terrain is generally buff and the trails are flowy.  All this makes for a day of great riding.

The 18 Road Mountain Biking Trails System

Located in the North Fruita Desert, the 18 Road mountain bike trails system has over 70 miles of trails.  There are 3 beginner, 15 intermediate, 4 expert, and 1 double black diamond trail in the system.  The trails generally have the fantastic flow and terrain that makes Fruita a renowned mountain biking destination.  Riders can pick their routes to match their skill level and preferred riding style, ranging from cross country to adrenaline.  There is plenty of trail and variety for a full day of riding.

Standouts at 18 Road Mountain Biking Trails

While riders can explore any number of the 23 mountain bike trails at 18 Road, there are a few that standout.  Those standouts are Kessel Run, Joe’s Ridge, and Zippity Do Dah.

For beginners and those who just like to rip, the downhill only Kessel Run is a fast, flowy, bermy trail with nice rollers.  The trail is not difficult, but has plenty of fun for riders of all levels.

For intermediates, Joe’s Ridge is an intermediate version of Zippity Do Dah with less pucker factor and challenges appropriate for intermediates.  The trail can also be connected to Mojoe or Kessel Run to continue the fun.

If you ride at an advanced/expert level, you do not want to miss Zippity Do Dah.  The trail has great ups and steep downs, some with a high pucker factor.  It is a blast to ride and can be accessed by taking 18 Road up to Frontside, which is a really fun intermediate trail.

Why You Don’t Want to Miss Riding the 18 Road Mountain Biking Trails

The variety of riding possibilities and the amount of trail makes 18 Road a great destination for groups and families of riders.  Riders can ride together or separately, allowing everyone to ride the type of trails they prefer.  This, together with the chance to ride such iconic trails as Zippity Do Da and Chutes & Ladders, makes 18 Road a must visit if you are heading to the Fruita/Grand Junction area.  Additionally, since the system is only about one hour from Moab, you might want to take a day on your vacation and hit this system.  You will not be disappointed.

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Additional Information

  • Trailforks Interactive Trail Map Link:

https://www.trailforks.com/region/18-road

  • Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association Printable Trail Map:

https://copmoba.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/north-fruita-desert-trail-map.pdf

  • Bureau of Land Management Information:

https://www.blm.gov/visit/18-road

Trailforks Interactive Trail Map:

18 Road on Trailforks.com

18 Road Mountain Biking Trails Slideshow

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Gear We Use for Mountain Biking

To see descriptions of the gear Chris & Mac use for mountain biking, as well as links to manufacturers and retailers offering the gear for sale, please CLICK HERE.

Arches National Park Devils Garden

Articles About Other Regional Outventures

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SAFETY DISCLAIMER:  The activities discussed in this website are outdoor activities and, as such, have inherent risks to which participants are exposed.  It is not the intent of this website, nor is it possible due to the variability of weather, terrain, equipment, and experience, to detail all of those risks.  The information contained in this site is informational, but not instructive nor exhaustive.  It is the sole responsibility of the user to ensure he/she is in good health, fully prepared, and fully informed as to dangers before undertaking any of the activities discussed in this website and the user does so at his/her own risk.  The user understands that by using this website he/she acknowledges and accepts all risks associated with use of information from this website and participation in any particular activity addressed herein.  Please see “Terms of Use” for additional information.

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