Arguably the crown jewel of Grand Valley riding, Lunch Loops is a singletrack trail system just a couple miles from downtown Grand Junction. The name came about from this trail system being close enough to town to go for a quick ride on your lunch break. A true technical playground, these trails quickly show visiting riders that there’s another level of challenging terrain to explore. Winding through a vibrant desert landscape, they feature rocky terrain, step-up ledges and drops, steep climbs, and fast, chunky descents. If you are not comfortable riding very technical terrain, check out our article on 18 Road in Fruita for a more approachable ride.
Local Daniel Rhodes riding Andy’s Trail, with the scenic Colorado National Monument rising in the distance. Photo courtesy Eric Cook / Big Ship Media House
The Ribbon
Lunch Loops is also home of one of the most unique trails anywhere in the world, The Ribbon. This trail can be climbed by following Little Park road, but many folks prefer the shuttle option. From the top trailhead, you will descend 1600 feet over three miles. The first section is a wide open expanse of slick-rock that can be tricky to navigate. Following a local is the way to go! This section leads down to the famous Toilet Bowl feature, a steep and consequential slick rock roller. There are multiple line options to explore here. After that, traverse a very exposed section with cliffs on the right, and get to the Wineglass. The Wineglass is the speed test – how long can you go without touching your brakes? Locals have been clocked going over 50mph in this section. From here, the trail mellows out into more traditional desert ledgy riding for the remainder of the trail. Connect this with some lower Lunch Loops trails like Gunny, Andy’s or Free Lunch to have an epic day on the bike.
Dylan Crane riding the Ribbon Trail in a way few others dare. Photo courtesy Eric Cook / Big Ship Media House.
Our Favorite Rides in the Lunch Loops Area
The quick after-work ride: Ped-e-kes up, down Pucker Up to either Moto or Curt’s.
A cult classic: Gunny Loop.
The race course: famous GJ Off-Road 30 course.
The downhillers dream: Shuttle the Ribbon, followed by Free Lunch, Pucker Up and Moto.
For the kids or beginner riders: Kid’s Meal
Please keep in mind the Lunch Loops are extremely sensitive to moisture. Many trails have large sections of expansive soil that turn into a sticky, peanut-butter-like mess when wet. Riding in these conditions can wreck your bike—clogging your drivetrain, destroying bearings, and forcing mud past seals—while coating you head to toe in heavy gray muck. It also causes significant, lasting damage to the trails themselves. DO NOT ride the Lunch Loops when they are wet.
Click on this awesome video showcasing the Lunch Loops landscape and top of the Ribbon Trail!
Video created by Eric Cook / Big Ship Media House.
Get your bike serviced
Need a tune up while you are in town?
We recommend visiting Over The Edge Fruita, Naked Bikeworks, and Colorado E-bike.
After your ride
Take advantage of the great local spots to eat, drink and see the sights.
Some of our favorites are: Trail Life Brewing, Handlebar, Base Camp, and Taco Party.
The Colorado National Monument is adjacent to the Lunch Loops trail system. There are many hikes in the area, and the scenic drive to multiple overlooks is a must!
Independence Monument – Photo courtesy Eric Cook / Big Ship Media House
Visit QuikrStuff Factory
While in the area, you can also visit QuikrStuff in downtown Grand Junction! Call us or email us at Support@QuikrStuff.com to schedule a visit and get a quick tour of our factory. We’d love to meet you!
