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Phils world
7 reviews
5 of 5
I would say there are about 12 miles of singletrack in this area, many different loops for any skill level. also, you can ride under the highway and there is a longer loop behind the fairgrounds. For the most part, the trails are fast and fun. they are relatively smooth and are ridable on a hardtail. There are no hudge clibs but a few small mesas. The rib cage trail is the most fun. It is like a roller coaster, and i never go through it without getting air. The longer trail on the southside of the highway is a good workout with a few technical sections. For more info talk to the guys at Kokopellies bike and board on main in cortez.
From cortez head east on highway twards mancos and durango. about two miles out of town (Cortez) you will see a shooting range on the left and the fairgrounds about a quarter mile ahead on the right. the turnoff is the first left after the shooting range, if you pass the turn for the fairgrounds, you have gone too far. Once you have turned off, find a place to park, and the trailhead is right there.
Summary: Epic desert riding with lots of options. It's got everything from fast singletrack to rolercoaster jumps and technical rim riding with great canyon overlooks. There is now another 5 mile loop called "Ledges Loop" which takes the total to about 22 miles. Also there is a new entrance trail left at the kiosk which makes the trail all one direction (no in and out) which is by far the best way to ride it. Check out the www.12hoursofmesaverde.com for the annual spring race on this trail system.
Recommended Route: All lefts to do everything, including the Rib Cage is a must.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Boggy draw trail system Dolores CO, Blackhawk pass, Stoner Mesa, Bear Creek, Calico, East fork, Sagehen, Sand Canyon, Winter trail, West Fall Creek, Grindstone, CT etc.
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Summary: 2008 Update on Phil's World: Now a SWEET/FUN 16 mi + ride and I'm not Wrong this time. Orig was 10 mi loop but now addition of 6 mi loop @ Stinking Springs (old homesteader name but is really a remote/scenic canyon that smells fresh) with canyon rock shelve overlooks. The new loop is more technical than the original swoopy, turnie, fast Phil's loop. Phil was 1st person to ride out there, trail system really evolved by voluteers and now a Bike Club. The new trails add more miles, ride diversity, and more scenery. Takes 2 to 2.5 to ride full 16 miles. Riders from everywhere state these trails move to high on their favorites list, and yes you will be smilling at the end of the ride. Rib Cage (orig loop) and Vertebrate(new loop)are blast though sections full of g forces. This trail system is continous crank & hammer, great turns, speed, some technical and some short climbs. Good workout with great views. Durango pro's ride here. Also host of the 12 Hour of Mesa Verde each May, 230 riders in 08'. Check out the race web.
Recommended Route: Great Ride between the Meca's: Durango & Moab. 45 min west of Durango on HWY 160 on north side across from Cortez Fairgrounds. Start at trailhead and ride (up & back 1 mi) to top of 1st mesa were loop begins. Take that left riding clockwise and each left thereafter for full 16 mi loop. Time issue? can skip(but a big loss so plan ahead) the back 6 mi Stinking Springs loop. There is a trail sign just inside trail head at park area. Also about 7 miles of trail south of fair grounds (under hwy bridge) but not ridden much. Check Kokopelli Bike shop web or get maps.
These trails are by local volunteer bike club who can use dough,have to pay for State Lease and Insurance to keep trials. Please donate $ or join club at tail head map.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Kokopelli Bike shop has web and maps/directions to a host of lower elevation canyon to mid elevation mountain and high mountain rides in Cortez, Dolores and Rico Area. Of course mix with trip to Durango, Telluride or on way to Moab for a great package of riding.
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Summary: The trail was in great shape for mid-March - just had gotten some moisture so the dirt and sand was well packed. Everything about this trail makes it the quintessential mountain bike ride - the scenery, the diversity, the big fun mixed with light technical and a little bit of climbing. We got chased off by an early afternoon storm blowing in so we only did the outer loop and none of the new stuff, but it was enough to make us want to come back. May be my new favorite trail.
Recommended Route: To take the outer loop stay to the left at almost every fork. Don't take the shortcut at 6 miles back down unless weather threatens - you'll miss the Rib Cage, the feature attraction. Talk to the guys at Kokopelli's before you go; they'll give you the latest scoop.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Same as the other reviewers. Fairgrounds is just across the highway and there are many great trails in this area. Stay a while and enjoy as many as you can.
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If you are within an hour or two of the area, go ride this trail. Swoopy singletrack with dips and berms. Some climbs, but generally no elevation gain.
Recommended Route: Add on the Fairgrounds Loop for an extra few miles of fun.
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Summary: I just discovered this trail this year, through a buddy. The great thing about this trail is that it is dry in the early spring when all the other trails north and east of there are still wet or under snow. Rode it in March and in early April, in shorts, and had a blast. As previous reviews say, stay left and do the outer loop. Once you go through the gate, there is an out/back trail that gives you about a 10 minute warmup, then the loop begins.
Don't miss the ribs. The swoops are great and last for quite a while. It will inspire you to do the loop twice.
Trail is well maintained and getting better all the time. Stop at the Absolute Bakery in Mancos for post-ride treats.
Recommended Route: Big Loop - stay left every chance you get.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Sand Canyon
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