Biking in Delta County
Here on Our Side of the Divide crowds are few and far between. There is a growing network of trails for use and more are being considered in the Master Trails Plan for the county. Working with our partners at DAMB (Delta Area Mountain Bike) Association, BLM (Bureau of Land Management), USDA Forest Service, COPMOBA (Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association), and other trail managers/advocates/organizations, we are updating our resources to provide you with good information to plan your biking adventure down the fresh trails of Delta County.
Delta County Recreational Trails Map
Road Biking Trails
Delta County has identified twenty-four road bike routes that offer a variety of lengths and diverse scenery.
Back River Road 19.5 Miles
Black Canyon Nat Park Lo 28 Miles
Black Mesa Crystal 35.5 Miles
Bone Mesa Loop 14 Miles
Cedar Road Loop 32 Miles
Currant Creek Ramble 30 Miles
Fruitgrower’s Loop 27 Miles
Fruitland Mesa Loop 12 Miles
G-Out & G- In 25 Miles
Grand Mesa – Out & Back 32.5 Miles
Heaven & Hell 42 Miles
High Mesa Loop 44 Miles
Lamborn & Black Bridge L 30 Miles
Lamborn Quickie 17 Miles
McClure Pass 35 Miles
Needlerock Loop 32 Miles
Needlerock Short Loop 11.5 Miles
North River Road Loop 25 Miles
Orchard & Vineyard Long 50 Miles
Orchard & Vineyard Short 22.5 Miles
Pea Green Loop 17 Miles
Tongue Creek Ramble 31 Miles
Ute Trail Loop 32 Miles
Mountain Biking Trails
Delta County is just being discovered as a mountain biking dream setting. With terrain that various in altitude, geography, geology and length – you are sure to find more than a few trails that meet your needs for challenge and enjoyment. Unlike other regional mountain meccas, we offer a fresh approach for your biking fun. Our trails are not packed with other riders, this provides you with ample choices and room to express your true riding nature without navigating a crowd. If you are a crowd surfer, you will need to look somewhere else!
4 Trails You Should Be on a First Name Basis With
The last time you hit the trails with your mountain bike or hiking shoes, were there a few too many other outdoor enthusiasts on the trail? It’s a great time to check out the less tapped into trails of Delta County. We have a sampling from an easy hike, to a kick-your-butt bike ride — with some dirt in your teeth kind of ride!
1. Let’s start with the sissy trail. This one is more about the view than the workout. The Land O’ Lakes Overlook is a half mile long with a paved trail that is well maintained by the Grand Mesa National Forest Service. Without much effort you will be rewarded with views of 18 lakes, the San Juan Mountain Range, the West Elk Wilderness, the Uncompahgre Plateau and, on some days, the La Sals in Utah.
Many trails are available. From Adobes to Alpine – You Choose.
2. Now onto Jumbo Mountain outside of Paonia, for the fun of it. After 1-2 miles of fairly smooth riding, it’s a steady workout with some switchbacks to navigate. There is some hike-a-bike terrain to consider on the way to the top, but you can do it. Then you get a chance to relax and be rewarded with great views for your efforts. Bike like a local, drink like a local, is one motto in Paonia. Link to More
The trail is close to Paonia where Paonia United Brewing Co. awaits with a cold, locally made, selection of microbrews and often times, live music.
3. The Escalante Rim Loop offers a variety of trail choices to fit your needs.. Desert Big Horn Sheep and other wildlife traversing the hillsides will be about the only signs of life you may encounter. The Rim Loop is a mixed use trail system. ATVs, horseback riders, bikes and hikers all enjoy this area outside of Delta.
Nearby Delta offers a selection of dining options from healthy to all the carbs you can stuff in your face.
Delta County, Colorado, has become one of the state’s premier mountain biking destinations.
4. Now for the Sidewinder Trail, the big boy trail. The people who designed this trail know how to have fun and keep things interesting. The entire system is just over 20 miles and provides sections for singletrack, horseback and motorized riding. It’s easy to get caught up in the fast and flashing portions of the ride, but make sure to stop for the great views and a slog of water.
The Sidewinder is quickly becoming a favorite for many levels of riders. Link to More or for a Map
