Reviewed by: R-MTBs ,  Cross Country Rider , from Grand Junction,CO

Summary:
Beautiful alpine aspen ride but long (>16miles) if made as loop on anderson road connecting with the upper part of deep creek. Lots of dead fall and a few boggy areas in June. Few mild climbs at high elevation.

Recommended Route:
Best as out and back: start at lodge and go up deep creek then down cutoff(north) to rangers station. Turn around at palisade point but walk to edge for the crater view.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
1.Lake of the woods loop
2. E to W Lower crag to cottonwood lakes then out ST on Lake of woods.

Reviewed by: Damon , from Maui

Summary:
Beautful trail. Wildflowers, ponds and it lands you at the top of a ski resort. Take a safty break. About 10 miles roundtrip. I am so bit by skeets!! Treail is slightly tech but mainly easy going over needle beds, around ponds and through meadows. A great Colorado Experience. Bring your Gutsy beginner friends and go slow to enjoy the beauty, otherwise go to Fruita or the Tabuguache.

Recommended Route:
Turn off at Jumbo res past Powderhorn and turn right down to the Ranger Station. Park outside the gate cuz it closes at 7. Follow the signs.

Reviewed by: JD , from GJ, CO USA

Summary:
Late Summer is the best bet here because the mosquitos begin to die around that time. This is a multi-use trail and is a crowd scene on weekends with bikers, hikers and equine traffic. The first mile or so of the trail smells like dogshit from inconsiderate users' canines. All climbs are doable when it's dry. There has been a problem with riders not staying on the trail the last few years, so it's getting widened in sketchy places by irresponsible riders. Do us all a favor and stay on the trail. If you can't ride it, walk it. The management plan for the Grand Mesa National Forest is up for review and losing this or any other trail in that district would be a crime.

Recommended Route:
Start at Jumbo and do as an out & back to maximize singletrack. If you want to add a few miles, ride past the end of the singletrack and ride to Palisade Point.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Loop West Bench around to Deep Creek. The drop-in on Deep Creek is highly technical.

Reviewed by: big tony , from GJ

Summary:
This trail is usualy too wet to ride until late june do to snow melt. The dirt is high n organic compound so it holds a good amount of water and can be ridden fairly wet. A great ride for bginers who want to get DIRTY their first time out!! The trail provides great viewas from the top of powderhorn and an excelent feel for alipine counrty. No big cilms, a few short clims that can be walked by novices. Lots of fun to come down !!!

Recommended Route:
leave a car at powder horn, continue up to jUmbo res. and start there. Ride all the way to lift two the then back tract to lift one. From the top of lift one(aka take four) ride the cat track down to the lodge.