Lunch Loops: Grand Junction’s Technical Singletrack MTB Playground
The Lunch Loops mountain bike trail network in Grand Junction is rocky, technical, and demanding — a true desert test piece. Locals love it for quick post-work spins (“lunch rides”) and for pushing bike-handling skills on slickrock slabs, challenging climbs, and tricky desert features. Many of the Lunch Loops trails intersect the 142-mile Tabeguache Trail, which runs from Grand Junction to Montrose.
Lunch Loops: Scenery & Vibe
Lunch Loops is the technical heart of Grand Junction mountain biking. This trail system sits at the base of the Colorado National Monument, so expect sandstone cliffs, sprawling views of Grand Junction, and classic desert vegetation. The vibe is gritty and local, and you’ll find it to be a testing ground where MTB riders sharpen their technical skills. If 18 Road is flow, Lunch Loops is grit: short, hard, skill-testing rides with massive payoff in scenery and progression. Come ready for rock moves, bring plenty of water, and respect the desert terrain.
Visit the BLM Lunch Loops website for a detailed map of Lunch Loops MTB trails.
Quick Facts
- Location: Just minutes from downtown Grand Junction, off Monument Road near the Colorado National Monument entrance. You can park for free at the trailhead, and the trails are free to ride.
- Terrain: Rugged desert — loose rock, ledges, slickrock plates, technical climbs and descents.
- Trail Styles: Short, challenging loops to all-day grinds; built for experienced riders, though some easier trails exist at the front of the network.
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Who Should Ride Lunch Loops: This trail system is not for beginners, to put it bluntly; but parts of the trail system can be beginner-friendly, such as Kids Meal. Strong intermediates can enjoy Pet-e-kes, Gunny, and some connectors, and advanced riders will get the most out of Holy Cross, Free Lunch, and Eagle’s Wing.
Notable Trails at Lunch Loops
Pet-e-kes
- Length: ~1 mile
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- What to expect: A good entry point! Pet-e-Kes is a short climb with some technical features after the half-mile mark. Often used to connect to trails deeper into the Lunch Loops trail system.
Holy Cross
- Length: ~2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Advanced
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Why ride it: A signature Lunch Loops trail. Expect technical slickrock traverses, narrow ledges, and exposed moves. A must-ride for confident riders looking for iconic desert features. Usually ridden in the downhill direction!
Free Lunch
- Length: ~1.8 miles
- Difficulty: Expert / Freeride
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What to expect: Built as a downhill-only, MTB-only, freeride line with drops, big rock features, and optional gaps. You can connect to the top of Free Lunch via the Eagle's Wing trail. Mandatory skills: bike handling, balance, and commitment. Don't get on this one unless you have the skills!
Gunny Loop
- Length: ~6.1 miles
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Why ride it: A longer loop that climbs above the core Lunch Loops area. Expect steep, technical climbing, fast rocky descents, and incredible views over Grand Junction and the Monument.
Eagle’s Wing
- Length: ~2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Expert
- What to expect: Steep, exposed ridge riding with sharp drops and big rock moves. Spectacular views, but not a forgiving trail!
When to Ride Lunch Loops
Best seasons: Spring and fall. Summer afternoons are scorching; mornings are possible. In winter, the trails are often rideable, though freeze-thaw can affect conditions.
A note about trail etiquette: Some trails work in both directions, while others are single-direction. Read the signs before you start a ride! Always yield and ride within your limits — exposure and rock moves here are serious. On a busy day, it’s courteous to go in the same direction as everyone else on a given trail!
Need bike tools, gear, or a tune-up?
Stop by The Gear Junction to get your gear and tools, plus our bike shop offers a menu of services that will get you ready to roll.
