COMMENTS: An awesome loop. Long downhill singletrack with spectacular views of Colorado National Monument. The loop is more technical on the downhill than other loops in the Tabeguache, but well worth the effort. Great views all the way back down. There are a couple cutoffs that can shorten the loop or make it easier.

STARTING POINT: From Gand Junction, travel west on Grand Avenue, which turns into Broadway.  Cross over two bridges, at the next stop light turn left on to Monument Road, follow the signs to the Colorado National Monument , go approximately 1.5 miles, there will be a large gravel parking lot on the left marked with a BLM sign for the Tabeguache Trail.

RIDE TYPE: LOOP

TRAIL TYPE: SINGLE TRACK 85%, DOUBLETRACK 15%

ELEVATION GAIN: 1064 feet

DISTANCE: 5.7 miles

APPROXIMATE RIDE TIME: 2 hours

DIFFICULTY: Advanced with long hills and many technical sections

KEY WAYPOINTS FOR GPS:

Parking Lot	0 miles	39º 03.005' N	108º 36.325' W
Uphill turn to climb	0.5 miles	39º 02.630' N	108º 36.402' W
Lower Eagle's cutoff return	1.3 miles	39º 02.116' N	108º 36.679' W
Widomaker Hill	1.5 miles	39º 01.973' N	108º 36.651' W
Eagles cutoff	2.1 miles	39º 01.606' N	108º 36.518' W
Eagle's Ridge	2.7 miles	39º 01.318' N	108º 36.896' W
Eagle's Nest	2.8 miles	39º 01.335' N	108º 37.054' W
Widowmaker cutoff	3.4 miles	39º 01.733' N	108º 36.948' W
Lower Eagle's cutoff	4.0 miles	39º 02.151' N	108º 36.964' W
Jeep road in wash	5.2 miles	39º 02.664' N	108º 36.414' W
Parking Lot	5.7 miles	39º 03.005' N	108º 36.325' W

RIDE DESCRIPTION: Start at Tabuguache Trailhead parking area and go up the dirt road to the southwest. At mile 0.5 the road turns right up a short steep hill. Continue on the road until you reach the bottom of Widowmaker hill at mile 1.5. You will know the Widomaker when you get to it. If you are part superhero you can ride up the hill, otherwise walk your bike up and continue on the road to the south. Turn riight at the Eagle's Wing cutoff at mile 2.1. Turn right at the cutoff and climb toward Eagle's Nest (the ridge). Pause here for great views and a well deserved break. The downhill begins with immediate technical sections. The main trail continues along the ridge all the way. There is a cutoff back to the base of Widowmaker at mile 3.4. There is an easy cutoff back to the Tabuguache Trail at mile 4.0. Continue left at both forks to stay on the main trail. After a set of downhill switchback you will arrive back on the jeep road on which you started at mile 5.2. Turn left and you will soon be back at the parking lot (mile 5.7).

MAP OF RIDE: [HIGH RESOLUTION MAP]

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