Review Date
October 6, 2007

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: mtnbkrmrt ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Ive read so much about this trail and its so different when you see it and ride it. Here's the Skinny on it:
Take the Prime cuts trail ( marked pretty well except for y, stay right there and go into the Junipers)all the way to the top. The Chutes trail is not marked but you'll know it because this trail goes left at the base of the book cliffs and theres a huge uphill off off to the right..thats the trail. That IS the worse climb of the whole trail so dont get depressed, it gets easier to climb. There are a few more of those steep climbs and descents along the bottom of the cliffs. There are a couple of off camber, 180's as well that are really challenging as well.After about 3/4 mile of that stuff, you'll head down into the flat land again. The single track is fast and meandering, no suprises. There will be a couple of spots for some air and you'll see them coming so you can choose your line. You'll intersect the vegetarian loop and THAT is clearly marked with a trail marker, bear left there. More wide open ST follows for about 3/4 mile until the corral. The Corral is actually a big area of barbed wire ( the only barbed wire you see on the whole trail) There is also a small pond there as well. Bear right ALONG that fence, you'll be going SW back toward the parking lot. This intersection is NOT marked so just make a right at the fence and stay on this trail. A couple other trail markers were destroyed on the way back, just stay straight and you'll see the parking lot. About 1/2 mile from Prime cuts, there is a bad washout that could be bad for you if your going to fast and cant stop. Its a walk-a-bike for sure. This ride is not technical if your from the east coast and used to rock gardens and logs. Its not difficult at all ( except for the climbs which are brief). Its a great 1:30 ride that most people can do with all experiences levels.

Recommended Route:
Follow the local guide books to get there. Really easy. Id recommend the Fruita fat tire guide book. Another good one is the Mountain biking Grand Junction and Fruita book by Bob D'Antonia

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Horsethief , marys loop

Review Date
April 30, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: 2wheelrevolution ,  Downhiller

Summary:
Another awesome Fruita trail that shouldn't be missed. There's an assortment of short climbs or "ladders" at the beginning, some of which are a bit steep. A lot of ups and downs and a few switchbacks as you make your way out through the drainage cuts. Eventually the trail becomes a mostly downhill, pedally, flow that makes its way through cow pastures, so look out for the cows and their droppings on the trail. The small water drainage ditches that cross the trail make nice little jumps that let you flow right into the corners that follow. Just pedal and look ahead.

Review Date
November 19, 2006

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: boisebomber ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
i rode this trail after rain. no sand or dust. a few spots were clayslick. the climb up was nice leisurely aerobic climb. prime cuts to C&L/. At C&L there a few short tough climbs. what perturbed me is how downhills ended in a sharp transition to uphill, such that you could jamb your front tires and consequently elbow pretty easily. the ride down to corral and over to p-lot was uninspring , even if a single track. This portion of trail was marred by rain ruts that went right down the middle of the ST.

good intermediate ride with dismounts on several portions of C&L after junction with Prime Cuts.

Review Date
October 23, 2006

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Dug ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I'll start out by stating what I was told umpteen times by locals, do not ride this trail or any of the others in the 18 Road area if they are wet or it has rained recently. Call a shop and get their opinion as to whether they will be rideable. Evidence of people riding when the trails are wet is abundant. I'm sure that if you've travelled many miles to ride Fruita it's tough to lay off, but please do so. These trails are abused in my opinion. Ruts, skid marks, etc., are everywhere.

As far as Chutes & Ladders goes, it was my least favorite trail in this area. The tight up and downs in the beginning weren't that fun for me, and the open field area towards the end was fun, but not fantastic. Some good speed and some 'cornering on rails' action towards the bottom though. A tip, if there are riders in front of you, give them a few minutes to get down the trail b/c they will stop where you don't want to and cause bottle necks. Give em room.

I loved every other trail in the area. I would ride this one once to say you did, and they get off on the rest of the stuff.

Recommended Route:
Up Prime Cut, make a right and down Chutes.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
All the 18 Road area trails. All of the Loma Exit stuff. Moab.

Review Date
April 24, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: overtrained underskilled ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Phenomenal fun. Very aerobic (actually, anaerobic for me) climbing at the start to test one's ability to balance and grunt simultaneously followed by 15 minutes of the most fun I may have ever had on my mountain bike. Ripping through fields with great visibility on perfect singletrack with ZERO rocks to worry about. Better than a lemon zest Luna bar.