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Trail Description:
A walk-through gate leads from the Rustler's parking lot to the start of the singletrack trail. (Please close the gate.) This trail follows the perimeter of East Horsethief Bench above the Colorado River may be ridden in either direction. It was designed as a "practice loop" where less experienced riders can tune their bike handling skills before tackling some of the more challenging rides in the area. Interpretive displays on riding techniques and ethics are planned for this trail in the near future. Riding the loop counterclockwise (to the west) the trail meanders through rolling hills along the base of sandstone cliffs. Mary's Loop is directly above you along the rim of these cliffs. Towards the west end of the bench the trail turns south as it contours around and through several small drainages providing some slickrock and dry wash riding opportunities. You'll soon be at the rim overlooking the river and much of the Grand Valley. The trail now starts heading back to the east as it parallels the river. A variety of small technical challenges and cobbly sections dot the generally smooth singletrack. At approximately 2 miles the singletrack crosses a gravel road that provides access to the river. From here the trail skirts the sheer cliffs rising up from the river before circling back to the north toward the parking area. The loop is completed on a short descent down a gravel road and back to the gate. Please respect the privacy of the nearby residence.
How to get there:
Take I-70 west to the Loma Exit (Exit 15). Cross back over the interstate heading south. At the access road turn right. Just short of the weigh station turn left on to the gravel road which crosses a cattle guard. Follow this frontage road for approximately .5 mile to the Kokopelli's Trailhead. You may park here (this adds two miles to the ride) or turn left just past the trailhead and drive over the hill to a locked gate and the Rustler's Loop parking area.
Additional Notes:
Impassable when muddy.
| Posted by: Fuzzy Rich on 3/30/2007 |
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I love Rustler loop. GREAT views. This is my favorite short ride. The last section is a sweet little roller coaster. Great to finish off the day and then pop a top!
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