FATMAP by Strava

Lion's -> Mack Ridge Loop

Fruita

A challenging add-on to the more popular rides in the Kokopelli Loops.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
11 km
Ascent
298 m
Descent
298 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
1.4 km
High Point
1.6 km
Gradient
Lion's -> Mack Ridge Loop Map

The route mapped here combines the singletrack portion of the Lion's Loop trail and Mack Ridge into a long, narrow loop ride located far from the main trailhead in the Kokopelli Trails network. This zone sees a fraction of the traffic that the trails closer to the trailhead experience, providing a more isolated and remote-feeling ride option!

Description

While it's possible to park and ride from the dirt road as mapped, this loop is most often tacked on as an addition to other rides in the network, such as Mary's -> Steve's -> Wrangler's or a Moore Fun Loop. Adding on Lion's and Mack Ridge will add more mileage, vert, and challenge!

The first section of this loop follows the Lion's Loop trail on a technical and exposed traverse high above the Colorado River. While the views of the Colorado River and McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area are stunning, you'll have to keep your eyes down and focused on the trail. This section is narrow, exposed, and quite technical, with plenty of slow-speed moves between boulders.

At the end of Lion's, a steep climb (which may be a hike-a-bike for some) brings you to the top of Mack Ridge. Here, the views get cranked up to 11, with stunning vistas in all directions! Be sure to whip out the phone for a few snapshots.

Overall, the trail along the upper section of Mack Ridge is smoother and more attainable than Lion's, but there's plenty of exposure and fall danger, so remain diligent.

The route mapped here twists and turns down a technical descent on the end of Mack Ridge to return to the dirt road. For a flowier and more bike-optimized descent, you could choose to descend Hawkeye and pedal the dirt road back to your original starting spot.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wum5ve88pFs

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between March and November

Features

  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area