Trail Name: Martin Mesa East Bench Out ‘n Back
Best Use: Mountain Biking, Hiking
Difficulty: Mountain Biking  Hiking
Best Time for Use: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter (depending on the weather)
Length: 6.6 miles (10.6 km) round trip
Start Elevation: 5,550 ft (1,692 m)
Elevation Gain: 1,374 ft  (419 m)
Trail Surface and Use: Seldom used natural surface single track, two track, and slick rock
Trail Head Access: Suitable for 2WD.  From the bridge off Hwy 141 cross the Dolores River (Mile Marker 83) follow the seasonally graded road upstream for 2.7 miles (4.3 km) until reaching a road coming in from the left. (County Roads R 13 & T 12) Turn left on R 13 and travel 1.8 (2.9 km) miles further where the road crosses the main drainage. Park on the far side.
Trail Head Coordinates: 689015 m E, 4250797 m N, UTM Zn 12S WGS84

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Description: This historic ranch trail accesses the benches along the south side of the Dolores River as it rounds the confluence with the San Miguel River offering canyon views seldom seen. Follow the old two track as it heads east, rounding the point after a mile. A large slick rock area is encountered which you can ride until it ends, picking up the trail on the other side. The trail quickly turns into single track as you cross two minor drainages. Evidence of this historic trail can be seen. Eventually, the trail rounds a sharp point just north of the confluence with the San Miguel River. As you head SW another long narrow slick rock “bench” will take you for a half mile on this fun section. For a side hike, you can cross over the narrow neck to the south high above the Dolores River, allowing exploration of this “island in the sky”.