Plunge to Powderhorn

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The Palisade Plunge has been called one of the most iconic trails in the country. It is also a trail most suitable for experienced riders comfortable with technical sections of trail with significant exposure. For those looking for a great alternative ride on the Grand Mesa without the exposure of the Palisade Plunge, or just a supplemental ride, the Plunge to Powderhorn trail is highly recommended.

The Plunge to Powderhorn makes use of an intermediate section of the Palisade Plunge, existing singletrack on the Grand Mesa (Deep Creek, Rim View, and West Bench trails) and ends at the base of the Powderhorn Bike Park - 17 miles and 2,500 vertical feet later.

Sign a liability waiver with the Bike Patrol at the top of Powderhorn if dropping in during Powderhorn Bike Park operating hours.

The Plunge to Powderhorn begins at the Mesa Top trailhead (use a shuttle service for a ride from Palisade to the top of the Grand Mesa). The first six miles of pedaling is up and down and picturesque across the top of the Grand Mesa, this is the beginning of the Palisade Plunge: Phase 2 trail without any of the exposed, technical sections that you'll find if you continue to the Palisade Plunge: Phase 1 trail.

At approximately the six-mile mark, look for the intersection with the Deep Creek Trail. Deep Creek is a very gradual climb that takes you to the Anderson Reservoirs. At Anderson Reservoirs, you'll intersect with dirt road (105). Pedal east on 105 a short ways (100 yards or less) until you reach the campground on the east side of Anderson Reservoir #2. You'll find singletrack again as you travel through the campground, this marks the beginning of the Rim View Trail #533 and a beautiful descent off the rim of the Grand Mesa. There is very limited exposure but there are a couple technical, rocky sections as you descend. Be on the lookout for an overlook spot and great picture location on your left on your way down Rim View Trail #533.

The end of the Rim View Trail #533 as you approach the West Bench Trail #501 is incredibly fun downhill. Hang a left when you hit the intersection with West Bench Trail #501 and watch for the USFS signs directing you to the West Bench Trail #501 singletrack. The beginning of West Bench Trail #501 has a somewhat difficult climb through some chunky rocks then it's all fun up and down to the top of the Powderhorn Bike Park. You'll pedal right by the Powderhorn Bike Patrol shack as you approach the resort, be sure to stop and sign a liability waiver with the Bike Patrol if you're dropping in during Powderhorn's operating hours. If you're unfamiliar with the Powderhorn Bike Park, the recommended route is down Mutton Buster (take a right at the top of the chairlift), a flowy green downhill trail that winds down the resort. You'll finish the route at the base of Powderhorn Mountain Resort.

There is a newly built (2023) option - the Rim View Connector trail. You can hang a left a few hundred yards beyond the campground to access Rim View Connector, the turn is clearly marked. Taking Rim View Connector cuts out the three mile section of West Bench by dropping you directly at the top of the Powderhorn Bike Park.