Book Cliffs
Coming from Virginia, there is a significant "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto" thang going on. This area is in the desert. Rocks, sand and scrub junipers cover most of the terrain that you can see. I've come to Fruita for years and I still don't get used to the difference in terrain and landscape.
Book Cliffs Parking.
The Book Cliffs are located on the North side of the Monument Valley. They are easily visible from almost any part of town, as well as in the distance behind my car in the photo above. You can see the mesa rising above the valley floor and the triangle-shaped talus slopes reaching from mesa rim down.
Terrain around Book Cliffs
I've used the Chutes and Ladders trail as a warm-up to get my lungs used to the thin, Colorado air. This trail is a good introduction to mountain biking in Fruita. I suppose that is why it is one of the most heavily used trails in the valley.
|
Trail Name |
Distance |
Technical Difficulty |
|
2.2 Miles |
Easy. A good warm-up |
|
|
6-7 Miles |
Moderate with a few steep parts. |
|
|
2 Miles (Mostly downhill) |
Moderate to Technical. There are a few narrow and steep drops on this trail |
|
|
4 Miles (Mostly downhill with a few short, steep climbs) |
Technical. There are some steep drops and climbs on this trail. Don't ride it if you're unsure about riding steep, narrow trails. Walking down them ruins the trails for people who want to ride. |
On the way in to the Book Cliffs parking lot there is an area for ATVs, 4 wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles. We couldn't help but want to goof off a little on it.
Going 4wheelin' with my Saturn
Ara getting ready to drop in.
Topo Map of the Book Cliffs trails
Same map with elevation gain.
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