Little Purgatory Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

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This 5.6-mile loop is a full-on chunkfest with some extremely technical climbs. For those looking to suffer, this is a must-do in the area. It can be done in both directions, but climbing Historic Babylon is near impossible for most mortal riders as it is full of loose, baby head-sized rocks. Climbing Little Purgatory is a little more 'doable' but still offers a great challenge. A lot of people opt to ride this both directions, as it is a long drive out to this trailhead and worth making a day of it.

Expect a few stream crossings and a few hike-a-bike sections for most riders.

Start by parking at the Historic Babylon Trail. From here, follow the obvious trail out of the parking lot through a narrow canyon. A few walk-a-bike sections start this trail, but finding the petroglyphs hiding on the walls above makes up can make up for that. After crossing the stream a few times, start pedaling up Little Purgatory trail on your left, beginning with an easier singletrack that quickly ramps up into a chunkfest of a climb.

Work your way up technical switchbacks, rocks, and sandstone slabs to the summit of Little Purgatory. At this point, you can choose to turn around and ride back down Little Purgatory or go down Historic Babylon trail. Both are great, and Historic Babylon offers a little more flow before throwing you into the rock gardens full of baby head-size rolling rocks. Once reaching the narrow canyon you entered, ride back to the car. Give yourself a pat on the back if you did this without stepping off the bike. It's a hard one to do!