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Horsethief Bench

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (220)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Western Colorado
  4. …Fruita
  5. Kokopelli Loops
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“A mostly intermediate scenic ride with a few very technical sections. ”

Nick Wilder
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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.3

KM

90%

Singletrack

4,814' 1,467 m

High

4,499' 1,371 m

Low

383' 117 m

Up

450' 137 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Drops/Jumps

Overview

From the junction with Mary's Loop, 99% of riders get off their bike and carry their bike 100 yards down to the bench. It's large drop after large drop, with ledges, boulders, and a few slots thrown in to keep things complicated. If you get a chance to watch someone ride down, cheer them on!

Description

Once down on the bench, ride the loop clockwise. Around the first corner, you'll come to a slickrock-like drop onto a sandy floor. The drop is tacky and rideable by upper intermediate riders, but some will choose to walk.

The trail then meets the edge of the bench overlooking the river with several incredible viewpoints, a few small rock ledges, and then pokes in and out of small side canyons.

Once you turn in away from the bench edge, you'll come to many rock ledges including a four foot move that most people have to hike up. Past this side canyon, the trail becomes much easier, smoother, and faster.

You'll leave the rock behind and ride through grassy terrain on smooth dirt singletrack, along a huge rock wall. Finish with a gentle climb until you arrive the entrance hike.

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association

Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Grand Junction Field Office

Shared By:

Nick Wilder
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 220 votes

#2

in Kokopelli Loops

#73

Overall
  4.6 from 220 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Kokopelli Loops

#21

in Colorado

#73

Overall
147 Views Last Month
37,319 Since Mar 20, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
1%
1%
21%
21%
56%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Cleaning the entrance to Horsethief Bench Loop... Going UP! Allez!!
Oct 26, 2016 near Loma, CO
A quick lap on one of the favorites at Kokopelli Loops–Horsethief Bench.
Dec 23, 2016 near Loma, CO
Troy kills it on the technical section.
Nov 1, 2013 near Loma, CO
Colorado River overlook
Apr 2, 2013 near Loma, CO
Just a sample of Horsethief's wonderful scenery
May 28, 2013 near Loma, CO
The trail gets technical as you turn away from the Colorado River
May 4, 2018 near Loma, CO

4 Comments

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Nov 12, 2024
Jimstevetom Tom Ass
Awesome ride 7.1mi — 1h 22m
Apr 20, 2024
Chris Rice
Feb 29, 2024
Jesi Klabak
Oct 28, 2023
Rich Kelly
w/Jim
Oct 16, 2023
Kenny S
Jun 21, 2023
Zach Biker
Excellent!
Jun 9, 2023
Devoney Cooke
May 11, 2023
tooTALLtim
really great! rode clockwise with Jasmyn, looks good the other way too!

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