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Horsethief Bench

Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (198)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Western Colorado
  4. …Fruita
  5. Kokopelli Loops
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“A mostly intermediate scenic ride with a few very technical sections. ”

Nick Wilder
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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.3

KM
Singletrack

4,814' 1,467 m

High

4,499' 1,371 m

Low

383' 117 m

Up

450' 137 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

From the junction with Mary's Loop, 99% of riders get off their bike and carry their bike 100 yards down to the bench. It's large drop after large drop, with ledges, boulders, and a few slots thrown in to keep things complicated. If you get a chance to watch someone ride down, cheer them on!

Once down on the bench, ride the loop clockwise. Around the first corner, you'll come to a slickrock-like drop onto a sandy floor. The drop is tacky and rideable by upper intermediate riders, but some will choose to walk.

The trail then meets the edge of the bench overlooking the river with several incredible viewpoints, a few small rock ledges, and then pokes in and out of small side canyons.

Once you turn in away from the bench edge, you'll come to many rock ledges including a four foot move that most people have to hike up. Past this side canyon, the trail becomes much easier, smoother, and faster.

You'll leave the rock behind and ride through grassy terrain on smooth dirt singletrack, along a huge rock wall. Finish with a gentle climb until you arrive the entrance hike.

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association

Feb 12, 2023: Jumbo Mt. Trails in Paonia, CO

Jan 31, 2023: 2022 Annual Report

May 27, 2022: RAT Race Update

Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Grand Junction Field Office

Shared By:

Nick Wilder
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 198 votes

#1

in Kokopelli Loops

#20

Overall
  4.6 from 198 votes
5 Star
72%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
2%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Kokopelli Loops

#5

in Colorado

#20

Overall
147 Views Last Month
37,319 Since Mar 20, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult
1%
1%
24%
16%
59%
0%
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Photos

Cleaning the entrance to Horsethief Bench Loop... Going UP! Allez!!
Oct 26, 2016 near Loma, CO
A quick lap on one of the favorites at Kokopelli Loops–Horsethief Bench.
Dec 23, 2016 near Loma, CO
Troy kills it on the technical section.
Nov 1, 2013 near Loma, CO
Colorado River overlook
Apr 2, 2013 near Loma, CO
Just a sample of Horsethief's wonderful scenery
May 28, 2013 near Loma, CO
Playing with gravity on slickrock.
Oct 25, 2020 near Loma, CO

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Minor Issues 3 days ago
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Check-Ins

Mar 18, 2023
patrick donahue
Sep 23, 2022
Atsuko Ohtake
Aug 24, 2022
Lee P
Fun ride! Went up Mary's and back down Mary's. 7.1mi — 2h 05m
Aug 24, 2022
Kim Clemons
The hike a bike portion is scary to even walk down, but really fun and challenging Trail. Gave me my first crash of the season! 3.9mi
Jun 24, 2022
Atsuko Ohtake
May 28, 2022
Samantha Rosales
I'm by Mary's and out on Wrangler
May 15, 2022
Dylan Craaybeek
May 3, 2022
Todd Ward
Derailleur bent and only low gear available after mile 3 ugh. Made it back to car still enjoyed but it didn't see my best! Views Views Views 7mi — 1h 25m

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