Trail Name: Blue Mesa Loop
Best Use: Mountain Biking
Best Time for Use: Biking – Spring, Summer, Fall- avoid wet conditions.
Difficulty: Mountain Biking – Intermediate to Expert
Length: 16.2 (26.1km) miles from trailhead
Start Elevation: 5,190 ft (1,582m)
Maximum Elev Gain from Start Elev: 2,913 ft (881m), gain
Trail Surface and Use: A lightly used and abandoned 2-track. Some bushwhacking down steep terrain for the loop. Trail is unmarked – GPS highly recommended.
Trail Head Access: Suitable for 2WD auto. Follow CR P 12 up from Hwy 141 25 miles south of Gateway for 1.5 miles. Look for the first two track coming in from the left.
Trail Head Coordinates: 689,110E; 4,258,225N UTM WGS84 Zone12
Best Feature: This ride offers a unique perspective from a high bench off the west side of Blue Mesa. Views of Sew em Up Mesa Wilderness Study Area (WSA) directly across the Dolores River Canyon and the high benches above the narrows section of Hwy 141 south of Gateway offer riders a visual treat. The Palisade above Gateway is also visible looking north.
Cautions: No water is available. This unmarked trail should be ridden when conditions are dry. Trail can become impassable if wet conditions are present. GPS and wilderness riding skills are highly recommended.