Warning
Mountain biking can be dangerous - please know your skill level and be appropriately prepared with PPE before starting any trail.
Hike
This hike is straightforward and a good short hike on its own or as part of a longer set of trail hikes. This trail specifically gives you access to the much longer (4.7 miles) Gunnison (Gunny) Loop Trail (described elsewhere in segments) and Gunny Cutoff, but it can also provide access to other trails via the Gunny Loop.
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In general, this hike follows an old, closed road across cheatgrass meadows with views of the Grand Valley, including downtown Grand Junction and Palisade. From the trailhead, follow the wide gravel path from the pit toilet, heading east. The route then skirts the base of a low, pinyon-covered mesa and crosses several low swales. As the mesa to the south gets further away, the trail diverges in the meadow. The right fork is the Snakeskin Connector (described elsewhere). From here it drops into one more swale and then rises to a low knoll with a turnaround loop for when this road was open to vehicles. There is a sign here announcing that you have intersected the Gunny Loop. Turn onto the Gunny Loop, head straight to continue onto the Gunny Cutoff, or return the way you came.
Water Sources
None, bring your own.
Camping
No.
Note
This trail is rated Green (Beginner) for mountain bikers until the last 0.1 miles, which are rated Blue (Intermediate).
When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Permit $$
None
Directions
Road
Paved - Car Okay
To hike From downtown Grand Junction, take Grand Avenue across the railroad tracks and highway bridge. Turn left at the Monument Road light, and then make a sharp left after the coffee shop onto D Road. This road winds through a neighborhood before making an abrupt right and turns into Little Park Road. It starts to climb a hill dotted with larger houses. Eventually, the road enters public land, as marked by signs and trailhead parking areas. Pass the Tabeguache parking area and climb out of a small wash - there will be a spectacular view into a Morrison canyon on the right. Just past this viewpoint, on the left, is the signed Little Park staging area/trailhead.
Route Editor
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