FATMAP by Strava

Grand Hogback: Notorious B-Side Figure-8

A fantastic purpose-built mountain bike romp just off I-70.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
8.4 km
Ascent
207 m
Descent
207 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1.8 km
High Point
1.9 km
Gradient
Grand Hogback: Notorious B-Side Figure-8 Map

An entirely new mountain bike trail system is currently under construction near the classic hike to Rifle Arch (as of this writing in Spring 2022). Now known collectively as the "Grand Hogback Trail System," once complete, these trails will form one of the highest value mountain bike rides along Interstate 70, where it passes through Colorado's Western Slope.

Description

The trails at Grand Hogback are all being built by top-tier professional trail builders. Several different individual builders have been hired by the Rifle Area Mountain Biking Organization (RAMBO) and the town of Rifle, working in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management. The culmination of this collaboration is an array of incredible mountain bike trails expanding into the low mountains and ridges outside of Rifle.

The figure-8 loop mapped here covers a few of the first trails to be built at Grand Hogback, although even newer ones have already been completed. Try this figure-8 on for size to get a taste of the system, and then explore from there to experience the rest of the trails!

The ride begins on the Hogback Highway, which forms a stellar climbing route to the top of Notorious B-Side when connected with Wall Street. The climb snakes back and forth through the small pines, winding its way slowly up the hillside. As you climb, you'll gain views of Rifle Arch, which the erosive forces of nature have carved out of the rocky spine.

The climbing is consistent, but it's never too steep. As you roll up and over small rocks and twist around tight corners, you'll soon find yourself at the top of Notorious B-Side.

Get ready to rip! Notorious B-Side is a fast flow trail descent filled with big berms to keep the speed high and jumps and tabletops galore. Some of the jumps require serious precision to nail the landing perfectly, while others are more forgiving. This machine-built flowy wonder trail also works in some of the natural features found throughout, and you'll spot rocks turned into kickers or jump lips and optional ledge drops and step downs. This isn't just a straight jump trail: it contains tons of character and unique lines that will undoubtedly take multiple runs to master and remember the perfect setup. But that's ok: it will keep you coming back for more!

After Notorious B-Side, use the Haze trail to pedal over to Watchtower to finish your descent.

Watchtower retains the purpose-built mountain bike flavor, and while you'll still swoop and flow down the hillside, it's time for some rock'n'roll entertainment! The trail tread is filled with intriguing rock features, including roll downs, good ole rock gardens, step downs, ledge drops, and more. In most places, the rock features are optional, allowing you to choose your level of difficulty. In one notable spot, there's a significant A-Line and B-Line option, with the A-Line providing an incredibly aesthetic rock roll and slab series that's just begging for a photoshoot (not pictured, unfortunately).

Speaking of aesthetics, this trail system was built with the aesthetics in mind, as the singletrack wraps around pristine hillsides, snaking through rock formations, and offering up stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Grand Hogback trails aren't just about the ripping and aren't just about the views—they're the full package deal!

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between April and November

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Singletrack
  • Drops
  • Jumps
  • Tabletops
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens