Lunch Loops Mountain Bike Trails: Andy's Trail

Andy's Trail at the Lunch Loops Mountain Biking Trails in Grand Junction has been a constantly evolving project through the years. This most recent incarnation is a very challenging route that cuts along the rubble strewn hillsides and canyon valleys for miles. If you've been to the Colorado National Monument you will be familiar with the landscape and the difficulties in tackling it; after riding here you can understand why it has a black diamond rating. This singletrack is also one of the premier features of the newly created Grand Junction Off-Road Epic. The event is a 15- to 40-mile epic bike race though the world class Lunch Loops trail system culminating in a three day festival and over $30,000 of cash prizes.

This trail can be ridden either way, making it challenging downhill or a grueling uphill filled with technical moves. The route described here can be ridden from Little Park Road or as a continuation of the Ribbon Trail. In the beginning you'll have to negotiate through a very sandy and rocky wash that may be impassable or dangerous with rain. The next part is a technical wonder of rock crawling out of the canyon spread out over several miles, followed by fast sections of singletrack. This trail is one of the best examples how technically challenging the terrain can be here in Grand Junction. If you are looking for something a little less intense, you'll have a great time on Curt's Lane + Miramonte Rim Loop.