How Fruita, Colorado Became a Mountain Biking Mecca

The New York Times, Bike Magazine, the Denver Post, and Outside Magazine have recognized Fruita, Colorado, as one of the best places on Earth for mountain biking adventures. Hundreds of miles of bike trails surround this Western Slope community of about 13,800 residents.

So, how did a town named Fruita become such a popular destination for mountain biking? And how did the city come up with such an elaborate trail system? Let's find out.

From Orchards to Off‑Road Origins

Fruita, Colorado, was founded in 1884. Fruita.org says the Fruita Town and Land Company offered 5 acres of land, 200 fruit trees, and water to any farmer who could move to the Grand Valley and pay $500. Agriculture did very well for a couple of decades. By 1909, more apples were grown in Fruita, Colorado, than in any place on Earth.

By the early 1920s, things had changed. The orchards were gone, and oil and gas booms and busts from around the Grand Valley left behind the beginnings of a trail system that surrounded the town. For more on what happened to Fruita's orchards, take the link above.

The Rise of Fruita’s MTB Culture

Fruita started catching mountain bikers’ attention in the ‘80s and ‘90s as Moab-style riding took off. In 1995, Troy Rarick opened Over the Edge Sports and kicked off local trail-building. He launched the Fruita Fat Tire Festival to bring riders together, which later evolved into the “18 Hours of Fruita” endurance race—an 18-hour ride around a 7-mile loop at Highline Lake.

Following the connection of Loma and Moab via the Kokopelli Trail, the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association began working with BLM to expand Fruita's trail system. Fruita's North Desert Master Plan added dozens of miles of trail as well as campground infrastructure.

Read More: Fascinating Facts About Fruita, Colorado: History Beyond the Name

Inside Fruita’s 250‑Mile Trail Network

Today, Fruita, Colorado, offers more than 250 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails in the North Desert alone. Some of the most popular trails include:

• 18 Road / North Fruita Desert: 250+ miles, Flow-focused singletrack: Prime Cut, Chutes & Ladders, Zippity Do Da, PBR, and Joe’s Ridge.
• Kokopelli System: 40+ miles, technical ridgelines, river views, part of 142-mile Kokopelli Trail to Moab.
• Rabbit Valley & Lunch Loops (nearby Grand Junction): 45+ miles of trails, this area features challenging rocks and a less-crowded terrain to explore.

Riding in Fruita offers trails that range from smooth rollers to part-hike, part-bike ridgelines for all skills. As you ride, Fruita offers red rock scenery, desert canyon vistas, and the Colorado River as part of your route. Mild temps and dry routes make year-round riding much easier here.

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