FATMAP by Strava

Lunch Loops Beginner Ride

Grand Junction

The easiest trails at the Lunch Loops.

Mountain Biking Easy

Distance
3.1 km
Ascent
43 m
Descent
40 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1.4 km
High Point
1.4 km
Gradient
Lunch Loops Beginner Ride Map

The Lunch Loops might be an easily-accessible trail system, but in mountain biking circles, it is widely renowned for the technical difficulty and challenge of its trails. The vast majority of the trails here negotiate steep, boulder-filled tracks that are guaranteed to test even expert riders.

Description

So, if you want to find the easiest trails in the trail system, you'll need to stick to a few short, green trails located at the base of the ridge, directly adjacent to the main trailhead. The easiest trails here are known as "Kids Meal" and "Short and Cranky." Kids Meal consists of a few small loops and short trails that need to be connected together to form a coherent (although admittedly still short) ride.

While this route is just shy of 2 miles long, this could be the perfect dose of singletrack to help a new rider get hooked on the sport! These easy trails roll through the bentonite hills at the base of Lunch Loops, providing a surreal backdrop for the riding with the lunar landscape.

Since these trails stick to the bentonite zone, the trail tread generally consists of smooth compacted clay with the occasional sandy spot mixed in. There may be a couple of rock features here and there, but the rocky bits are all extremely short-lived.

While these trails can roll hard and fast when dry, if there's been any significant rain (or freeze/thaw conditions), the bentonite clay can turn into the WORST sticky mud. You do NOT want to mess with it—don't even attempt these trails if they're anywhere close to wet.

If you want to add on a little more mileage, you can also pedal downhill from the trailhead and ride Big Sister and a portion of Yes N Dee Dee, but you might find yourself inadvertently on a few intermediate trails in this zone.

Difficulty

Easy

Mostly smooth and non-technical singletrack with unavoidable obstacles 2in/5cm tall or less. Avoidable obstacles may be present. Ideal for beginner riders.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between March and November

Features

  • Flow
  • Singletrack

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area