Description for The Edge Loop IMBA Epic
The Edge Loop is the only IMBA Epic trail in the Grand Junction/Fruita area. The trail starts out with a very long 2000 foot climb to a spectacular view and an truly epic down.
The name of the trail becomes obvious as you make your way, you are literally riding on the edge of the mountain. This is an advanced trail so send the less experienced riders over to one of the other amazing trails in the Books Cliff's area. Bring plenty of food and all the water you can carry, you will especially need it on hotter days, the heat here can be brutal.
Standing on top of the Book Cliffs, more than 2,000 vertical feet above the Grand Valley basin, one begins to realize why The Edge Loop in Fruita, Colorado, is indeed epic. A steady one-hour climb delivers you to this fascinating viewpoint. East and south loom the mighty snowcapped Rockies. The canyons, arroyos and red rocks that mark the beginning of the great American desert unfold to the west. There is nothing to do but stand in awe, and then head DOWN. Tight, slalom-like singletrack defines The Edge Loop and guarantees ear-to-ear grins. Just make sure to stay on the trail and off the sensitive desert Cryptobiotic soil. The ride features a mandatory 50-foot rappel down a waterfall -check the condition of the rope before making the plunge. A few hours later, as you circle back to the trailhead in the face of a fiery western sunset, you remember what stoked you about mountain biking in the first place. After the ride, take a quick dip in the Colorado River and head to Over the Edge bike shop to learn about other outstanding rides in the area.
Location: The Edge Loop is located north of Fruita on Colorado's western slope. Fruita is just off Interstate 70 about 10 miles west of Grand Junction and 100 miles east of Moab, Utah.
Elevation: 5,000 to 7,500 ft
Climbing: 3,800 ft
Terrain: Twisty, technical singletrack, fireroad climbs, rolling hills
Season: Year round; extreme heat in summer. Rain creates unrideable sticky mud.
Highlight: Rappel down a waterfall
Club: Mesa County Cycling Association, 970-858-7220, Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association, 970-243-0663, http://www.copmoba.org
Lodging: Fruita Chamber of Commerce, 970-858-3894, http://www.pe.net/~rksnow/cocountyfruita.htm