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Butterknife

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 3.8 (38)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Western Colorado
  4. …Grand Junction
  5. Bangs Canyon Recreation Area
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“A technical, strenuous testpiece. ”

Dave Grossman
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6.4

Miles

10.2

KM
Singletrack

5,512' 1,680 m

High

4,923' 1,500 m

Low

393' 120 m

Up

982' 299 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Open to motorized singletrack, mechanized and foot travel. No 50" use.

Description

This technical trail will challenge riders with its strenuous nature, the rough character of the tread, frequent technical features and a few exposure points. A tight singletrack, it epitomizes the best of desert, all-mountain riding.

The trail saps momentum and rewards riders who can find flow over the rough tread and through the challenges. It twists and swoops like the best trails and offers lots of amazing fun and incredible views.

The trail is accessed via Twist-n-Shout and the return is on the long climb up Third Flats Road. Pack lots of water, wear some pads, take a buddy and have an adventure!

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association

Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Grand Junction Field Office

Shared By:

Dave Grossman with improvements by Steve Snigs and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 38 votes

#1

in Bangs Canyon Recreation Area

#603

Overall
  3.8 from 38 votes
5 Star
37%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
21%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
5%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Bangs Canyon Recreatio…

#182

in Colorado

#603

Overall
19 Views Last Month
6,693 Since May 15, 2013
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Photos

Winding along the rim
Nov 19, 2019 near Orchard…, CO
There are plenty of short technical sections to keep you on your toes
Nov 19, 2019 near Orchard…, CO
Overlooking Grand Junction
Nov 19, 2019 near Orchard…, CO
The trail is rocky and narrow in places
Nov 19, 2019 near Orchard…, CO
The trail follows a rim around a draw
Nov 19, 2019 near Orchard…, CO
Butterknife
Oct 17, 2018 near Orchard…, CO

6 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 78 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 21, 2026
Patrick Holt
12.5mi — 2h 00m
Apr 16, 2026
Bill Frost
Apr 26, 2024
Lost Justpastnowhere
Oct 30, 2021
Atsuko Ohtake
Sep 5, 2021
Parker Thomas
May 22, 2021
Atsuko Ohtake
May 1, 2021
Atsuko Ohtake
Apr 28, 2020
John Styrnol
Another 6 months have gone by. Still not getting that last mile or so, gotten way better at the beginning of Art Cooks section, Total Bike Time 2:22. 12.5mi

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