ELEVATION CHANGE:   5800' (4000' - 9800')

LOCATION:   2 miles southwest of Grand Junction 

LENGTH OF TRAIL:   142 miles one way 

TECHNICAL LEVEL:   Easy, difficult to very difficult 

APPROXIMATE TIME TO COMPLETE:   Depending on skill and physical condition 5 to 7 days 

SEASON:   Lower elevations March - November, Higher elevations Memorial Day - late October 

FACILITIES:   None 

DRINKING/STREAM WATER:   Streams are sparse and the water will need to be filtered. Plan to pack in 1 gallon per person, per day. 

DIRECTIONS: From Grand Junction:  Travel west on Grand Avenue, which turns into Broadway.  Cross over two bridges, at the next stop light turn left on to Monument Road, follow the signs to the Colorado National Monument, go approximately 1.5 miles, there will be a large gravel parking lot on the left marked with a BLM sign for the Tabeguache Trail.  From Montrose:   Drive 6 miles west on Spring Creek Road. Turn right at 58.75 Road and continue 2+ miles to Kiowa Road, turn left and cross the valley to the Shavano Valley Road. The trail begins as a jeep road near the north end of the Shavano Valley Road. 

The Tabeguache Trail goes through public and private land, connecting Grand Junction, Colorado to Montrose, Colorado 142 miles to the southeast. The trail is typically done from Montrose to Grand Junction, however, starting the trail from the Grand Junction side you will begin at the parking lot adjacent to Monument Rd. The trail weaves through canyons, mesas and the highlands of the Uncompahgre Plateau. The trail generally follows existing jeep trails with about 11 miles of single track. The trail is marked by brown fiberglass posts approximately every mile and at all intersections. Stop by either field office for a brochure of the entire trail and description of each section of the trail. 

CAUTION:  The Uncompahgre Plateau is a nationally known hunting area. During the rifle season (late Sep - late Nov) you must wear orange hats and jackets.  When wet, all unpaved roads and trail segments become impassable to both mountain bikes and motorized vehicles.  Please avoid the area when these conditions exist.