Zippity (18 Rd Trails System)

ELEVATION CHANGE:   1000'

LOCATION:    8  miles northwest of Grand Junction 

LENGTH OF TRAIL:   6.3 mile loop

TECHNICAL LEVEL:   Easy - Moderate

APPROXIMATE TIME TO COMPLETE:   1 - 3 hours

SEASON:    April - October

FACILITIES:   None 

DRINKING/STREAM WATER:    None.  Plan to pack in 1 gallon per person, per day. 

DIRECTIONS:  18 Road: From Grand Junction drive west on I-70 to Fruita Exit (#19).  From the off ramp travel .1 mile then go right to the roundabout.  Continue straight through the roundabout, travel 2 blocks and turn left on Maple Street.  Travel 4 miles north on Maple St. (17 1/2 Rd).  Turn right at   N. 3/10 Rd, travel .5 mile to 18 Rd.  Go north on 18 Rd for 7.5 miles to a parking area on the left. 

RIDING THE TRAIL:  From the parking lot head west on the single track for about 0.7 of a mile where you'll turn right, heading north towards the Book Cliffs.  After about another 0.7 of a mile, push your bike up a pretty steep hill.  When you reach the double track go right.  At mile 2.3 you will intersect a small section of Joe's Ridge.  At mile 2.5 go left, climbing up the double track heading towards the Book Cliffs until you come to the Old Gate at 18 Rd.   Cross the road to the double track and eventually veer left on to the single track.  Continue east until reaching the junction for Prime Cut and Chutes.  Turn right on to Prime Cut Trail (south).  After crossing a dam, go left downhill on the single track.  At the dry pond, go right (west) for a short trip to the parking area.