E-Biking
Here at WETA, many of us enjoy riding electric mountain bikes. We value being able to ride with our friends, no matter the difference in our ages or energy levels. We know that the riders having the most fun are on two wheels and as long as you’re smiling, you’re doing it right. E-bikes are welcome in the West End!
Perfect for all skill levels, e-bikes offer a unique way to explore the diverse trails of the West End. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist looking for a new challenge or a casual rider seeking a smooth and enjoyable experience, e-bikes can help you explore further and see more.
Consider an e-bike for your next two-wheeled adventure!
Reach More Trailheads: Conquer hills with ease and access more remote areas, expanding your riding options.
Enjoy Longer Rides: Explore longer distances without fatigue, allowing you to pack in more scenery and adventure.
Ride with Friends and Family: Level the playing field and ride together regardless of fitness levels.
Experience the Outdoors in a New Way: Enjoy the thrill of riding without needing peak physical fitness.
Ready to explore the West End on an e-bike?
Choose the right e-bike: Consider factors like terrain, battery life, and motor power. Not all e-bikes are appropriate for rugged west end trails, please match the style of your bike to the terrain.
Plan your route: Download maps and check trail conditions before heading out. Let someone know where you’re headed and when you’ll be back.
Respect other trail users: Be mindful of pedestrians, horses, and other cyclists. Whenever in doubt, yield the right of way.
Red Canyon
The Paradox Trail- Coal Canyon to Nucla
A great beginner to intermediate e-bike ride is the Paradox Trail out of Nucla. Multiple intersections with Mesa Rd allow for a variety of loops with mellow road climbs and fun singletrack descents. The section of trail leaving the back of the range loops is one of the nicest out-and-backs around town!
Expect mostly singletrack with a few short doubletrack sections. Difficulty is generally easy to intermediate, with a few spicy sections, in true West End fashion! Conditions vary tremendously by area and riding season, always check conditions before you go!
This section of the 118 mile long Paradox Trail brings riders up the beautiful Red Canyon on the old Radium Trail, which was used to haul uranium ore down to Uravan from the nearby mines. As you leave the Dolores River and Biscuit Rock area, the old two track becomes rougher as it climbs up the canyon. At approx. mile 4 from the canyon mouth, the trail reaches a steep and gnarly hike a bike, getting trail users up to the top of the sandstone cliff band. Once on top, the trail becomes rideable again. After mile 5 from the canyon mouth is the spectacular overview of the Paradox Valley, 1500 ft. below - well worth the climb up. Turn around here for an out and back or continue up the two track for another mile until you come to short connector road on your right (north). Follow that to CR Q 13, go right and follow it back down to Biscuit Rock and Hwy 141.
Our Favorite E-bike Routes
New E-Bike trails are coming!
Sawtooth and Naturita Flats Trail System
In 2024 we’ll be breaking ground on a purpose built 54 mile mountain biking trail system open to e-bikes.
Backcountry safety
The West End is a wild, remote and rugged playground. There is little cell service and a network of thousands of roads and trails. Many of our backcountry trails require route finding skills and take you great distances over challenging terrain. Be sure you’re prepared for those big backcountry adventures:
Bring plenty of food and always more water than you think you’ll need.
Have a small first aid kit and bike tool kit. It’s not uncommon to be the only person for miles out here, you have to be self-reliant.
Check the weather forecast before you go, storms can move in quickly. Many roads can become muddy and impassible when wet.
Bring a map, download offline maps and familiarize yourself with the trail before heading out of service.
Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
It’s always best to ride with a friend.
Did you know? Calling 911, even when your phone shows no service, can alert the authorities to your location
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We’re your source for backcountry maps and more!
