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Prime Cut

Intermediate Intermediate
 3.8 (128)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Western Colorado
  4. …Fruita
  5. 18 Road Trails
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“An easy, enjoyable singletrack ascent to access all the downhill goods. ”

Nick Wilder
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2.0

Miles

3.2

KM
Singletrack

5,496' 1,675 m

High

5,094' 1,553 m

Low

402' 122 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Uphill traffic only on this one.

Description

This is the primary singletrack to get from the lower parking lot to all the downhill trails such as Kessel Run, PBR, Chutes & Ladders, and Joe's Ridge. The real alternative is the road, which is a lot less fun and not much easier.

From the parking lot, cross the road and glide down the hill to a (usually) dried up pond. Head towards the hills passing a few intersections, following the good signs for Prime Cut. The trail climbs continuously through a wash, but never very steeply and it's generally easy. Near the top there are a couple rocks to watch out for, but this is a good introduction to the area.

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association

Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Grand Junction Field Office

Shared By:

Nick Wilder with improvements by Andrew Courtney
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 128 votes

#6

in 18 Road Trails

#102

Overall
  3.8 from 128 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
46%
3 Star
32%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#6

in 18 Road Trails

#45

in Colorado

#102

Overall
18 Views Last Month
7,328 Since Mar 29, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate
10%
11%
78%
1%
1%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Heading back to the top after PBR. Two mile trek uphill every time, thinking of a shuttle-ride.
Apr 6, 2016 near Fruita, CO
Ascending Chutes and Ladders just after the intersection with Prime Cut.
Oct 20, 2018 near Fruita, CO
Starting the climb up Prime Cut
Apr 10, 2013 near Fruita, CO
After the pumps, bumps and rollers end, it's sweet singletrack to the end!
Apr 25, 2013 near Fruita, CO
Cruising along the top part of PBR before the real fun begins!
Apr 25, 2013 near Fruita, CO
Prime Cut twists its way up, climbing gently alongside 18 Rd.
Mar 31, 2013 near Fruita, CO

5 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 3 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 8, 2025
Trena Hunt
Oct 1, 2025
Gary T.
Sep 14, 2025
JSchroeder
Sep 14, 2025
Anonymous
Aug 4, 2025
J Grubes
Easier ascent than Grinder (end of Grinder is Blue-Black). Great ride through gulley with juniper everywhere.
Aug 18, 2024
Andy Ratana
May 18, 2024
Andrew Palmer
May 5, 2024
Pete Krebill
Fun route up at 18rd

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