THE GREAT — OUTDOORS Roam OHV POWDERHORN Descend Shred NORTH FRUITA DESERT OFF-ROAD FUN PALISADE PLUNGE PALISADE RIM TRAIL POWDERHORN MOUNTAIN RESORT Year-Round Dirt With hundreds of roads and trails to power your engines on, there are unlimited options to enjoy your off-highway vehicle (OHV) on, including your side-by-side, ATV, dirt bike and four-wheel drive. Many of the trails are open year-round. PALISADE PLUNGE One-Of-A-Kind Descent Plunge from the top of the Grand Mesa National Forest for 32 miles of downhill single-track adrenaline-pumping action. The Plunge trail connects the top of the Grand Mesa to the valley with 6000 feet in elevation descent through pristine public lands. POWDERHORN Cool Vibe PHOTOS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: NORTH FRUITA DESERT/B ZUERLEIN; PALISADE PLUNGE/RONDO BUECHELER; POWDERHORN/POWDERHORN MOUNTAIN RESORT. Popular Trails Access points around Grand Junction offer over 480,000 acres of public lands that are open to OHV travel. Trails in OHV areas zig-zag back and forth across the striking landscape. Bangs Canyon and Rabbit Valley Recreation Area are two popular OHV areas in Grand Junction. The Grand Mesa and North Fruita Desert also fun areas offering a labyrinth of trails. Colorado is known for its huge resorts and high-end mountain villages, but the smaller ski resorts continue to grow and gain considerable interest. Affordable, family-friendly, no I-70 traffic jam (just 45 minutes from Grand Junction) and a comfortable vibe is why Powderhorn continues to attract newcomers. Rooted in History The route connects a variety of trails on top of the Grand Mesa which are steeped in history. John Otto forged new paths more than a century ago. Otto was a local explorer who was Colorado National Monument’s first custodian, and was the main advocate for getting the Monument recognized as part of the National Park System. Powder On average 250 inches of white fluffy snow blankets this ski resort which offers 1,600 feet of elevation gain and access to over 60 runs with 20 percent green, 50 percent blue and 30 percent black. Bear Claw, Mudslide, and Cannonball are a few favorites. From the top of the mountain, you can access an abundance of backcountry runs. Single Track For avid dirt bike riders looking for single track, you will be surprised by the network of trails available in the Grand Junction area – check out Third Flats. We’ve all heard of Moab, but there is vastly more single track here. Bring your own machinery or rent from several businesses who carry a wide range of inventory. Scenery The single-track trail winds through aspen groves, alpine forests and high desert, some of which has long been unused for hundreds of years, except by 4th generation ranchers and their cattle. Tree Skiing Another quality that sets Powderhorn apart is the tree skiing. Much of the resort is covered with pine trees and dense aspen groves, making for unique powder-filled runs. Some of the best tree skiing on the mountain is accessed from the West End lift. Expert Yes, you read that right! This singletrack is not for the faint of heart. There is no exit route, so once you commit, you’re all in. 30 | VISIT GRAND JUNCTION OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE
Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide Grand Junction Adventure Guide: Page 30
