Mary’s Loop – Kokopelli Trail System

Mary’s Loop is a fantastic trail…..BUT it’s very difficult to rate.  Here is why.

The beginning of this trail is fairly easy with some loose rocky sections, some 8-12″ steps and some easy off camber sections within the first 1/4 ile of the beginning.  After this the trail (old jeep trail) flattens out and becomes a very easy, very beautiful ride ( for a couple miles) that has lots of gorgeous overlooks of the Colorado River and eventually Horsethief Bench (go to YouTube for some killer videos of this feature).  About a 1/2 mile or so after the Horsethief Bench overlook (good photo opportunity) the trail turns into a very nasty, very ledgy, very dangerous single track trail with LOTS of large rocks and 100′ drop offs.  Several people have died in the last couple years in this section.  If you plan to ride this section BRING SOME HELP!

I rate the beginning part of this trail between a 7-8 (because of the beginning step ups), but the trail will eventually become a 10+.

Ride this trail to Horsethief Bench, about 1/4″ later turn right onto the Wrangler Trail.   Take Wrangler Trial back to the car!

More Information

Trail Name: Mary’s Loop – Kokopelli Trail System

Location: Fruita, Colorado  |  Map

Type: Wide trail (≥ 30″), Start and end at the same point (Out-and-Back)

Rating: Adaptive Level 08

Length: 2-4 miles depending

Steepest Section: Moderate – between 10-30º

Most Off-Camber Section: Mild – under 10º

Terrain: Mostly hardpack, minimal loose sections

Obstacles: Baby heads and/or rock gardens, Drops, ledges, jumps

Help Needed? Nope

Even more info: gjmountainbiking.com

Directions to Trailhead

Head west from Fruita Colorado on I-70 to the Loma Exit (about 4-5 miles away from Fruita). Cross over the interstate and turn right and then almost immediately left on the frontage road. The main parking lot for the Kokopelli trails is on the left however you can pass this parking lot, turn left onto the dirt road right after the lot and drive over the hill into the backside of the trail system (recommended unless you want more of a workout).

Map

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