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Ribbon Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.3 (100)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Western Colorado
  4. …Grand Junction
  5. Bangs Canyon Recreation Area
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“Unique slab rock riding, fast as your bike will take you. ”

Matt Thoele
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Map Key

3.0

Miles

4.9

KM

0%

Singletrack

6,642' 2,025 m

High

5,233' 1,595 m

Low

18' 6 m

Up

1,414' 431 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

This is one of the most unique slickrock trails east of Moab. A 1500-ft descent down sandy washes and long sections of smooth rock slabs. Make sure your brakes are in good working order before you ride this trail. Follow the trail signs carefully, don't wander off, or you could cliff out over 10-30ft drops.

Description

Right from the top you'll descend a long, enormous slab of rock. From there, you make a series of short, tricky connections to the next slab. These transitions can be difficult and dangerous, but they're short and can be walked.

This is best done as a descent. Park at any of the lower parking spots and take Little Park road around and up to the top. The road goes by pretty fast.

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association

Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Grand Junction Field Office

Shared By:

Matt Thoele with improvements by Alex Lheritier
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 100 votes

#1

in Bangs Canyon Recreation Area

#151

Overall
  4.3 from 100 votes
5 Star
53%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Bangs Canyon Recreatio…

#46

in Colorado

#151

Overall
200 Views Last Month
28,936 Since May 14, 2013
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Photos

If you keep right on the ribbon you'll see this drop located on a side trail in the trees
Apr 2, 2018 near Redlands, CO
The upper section of the Ribbon overlooking the Grand Valley
Apr 2, 2018 near Redlands, CO
Riding through the technical section on The Ribbon. This is more difficult than the horsethief bench drop in. However, totally walkable.
Dec 29, 2014 near Orchard…, CO
That's one big rock!
Jan 16, 2020 near Redlands, CO
Slickrock ledge drop
Apr 8, 2014 near Redlands, CO
It's a YouTuber trail party on another planet. We call out Jeff Lenoski and go nearly 50mph down the Wineglass.
Oct 11, 2019 near Redlands, CO

8 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 75 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 10, 2024
Dan 60D5H411
With Owen, Scott
Jul 19, 2024
Emil DeMillo
Oct 5, 2023
Mike Cullinane
Oct 1, 2023
Megan Jean
May 18, 2023
Matthias Segerer
May 11, 2023
Todd Ward
Amazingly speedy, stay right at strip then hard left. Toilet Bowl is wow. No easy way out prepare for tech and hike a bike Andy's Eagles Wing n Tail 8.6mi — 2h 29m
Apr 29, 2023
Duane Skinner
Lived up to the hype! I crashed hard and broke my front brake lever off... not the ideal way to ride this trail... definitely added to the "pucker… 3.7mi
Nov 23, 2022
Ethan Grunt

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