The Palisade Plunge, the new, 32-mile, first-of-its-kind mountain biking trail that runs from near the top of the Grand Mesa and drops some 4,000 total feet into Palisade, will open this summer.
The trail is being created in partnership with the BLM, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the city of Grand Junction, the town of Palisade, the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association and the Van Winkle Ranch. It is expected to be one of the nation’s premier mountain biking trails, rivaling Moab’s Whole Enchilada and Salida’s Monarch Crest Trail.
Starting atop the Grand Mesa, riders will travel on a purpose-built single track along the rim overlooking Grand Valley, and will get to enjoy breathtaking views.
There’s been much hype surrounding the years-long project. Rondo Buecheler, owner of Rapid Creek Cycles & Paddleboards, said his shop has been receiving more than 100 calls daily inquiring about the status of the opening.
Though many expected the trail to be open by June, snowfall, wildlife migration and a small section of trail still needing attention by hand crews have pushed the date back to midsummer.
Despite the delay, the project is expected to infuse the economy with income related to lodging, dining and recreation in what is already emerging as one of Colorado’s premier mountain biking and cycling destinations.
With more than 150 miles of trails already built in the county and 32 additional miles opening with The Palisade Plunge, even more projects are underway that could see the valley boasting more than 200 miles of trails in the years to come.
