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STEVE'S LOOP / MARY'S LOOP
| RATING
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COMMENTS: If you have a little more energy on Mary's Loop, Steve's is a must. This extension runs the rim right above the river. Views are great. This is classic Colorado Canyons singletrack. There is not much elevation change, so it is not a strenuous extension.
STARTING POINT: From Grand Junction take I-70 to the Loma Exit (Exit #15). Cross over the interstate to the south and turn right on gravel road. Just short of the weigh station, turn left, through the and follow the frontage road for about 1/2 mile until you come to a the parking area. You must ride Marys loop to get to the Steve's Loop extension. As an alternative you could continue west from the parking lot and park where Mary's Loop meets the frontage road. Ride Mary's loop backwards to reach Steve's Loop.
Steve's loop starts off Mary's Loop as an extension.
TRAIL TYPE: SINGLE TRACK 60% DOUBLETRACK 40%
ELEVATION CHANGE: 658 gain with 728 foot loss = -70 feet
APPROXIMATE RIDE TIME: 2-3 hours with Mary's. or 3-4 hours if returning on Moorefun.
DIFFICULTY: Mostly mild with few moderate technical sections
| Marys singletrack ends (left) | 0 miles | 39º 11.174' N | 108º 52.374' W |
| Steve's cutoff in wash (go left) | 0.8 miles | 39º 11.510' N | 108º 52.468' W |
| Doubletrack begins | 2.1 miles | 39º 11.528' N | 108º 52.847' W |
| Rejoin Mary's Loop | 3.1 miles | 39º 11.550' N | 108º 52.021' W |
RIDE DESCRIPTION: Steve's is best ridden from the end of the Mary's Loop singletrack. The ride is described in a clockwise fashion. It is good in either direction. The south trailhead is hidden by a juniper but once found the singletrack descends quickly (see the topo dip). If you are riding Mary's loop and begin the doubletrack then you have gone too far. After you start down Steve's Loop, watch out for the 3 foot ledge after about 100 yards. The rest is mild technical terrain with a short cliff edge section that makes you feel like you are floating 200 ft above the river. The next section rims above canyons until you reach a wash. Turn left (west) for more winding singletrack at mile 0.8. If you turn right here you will quickly return to Mary's Loop up the wash (Steve's cutoff). Once you hairpin east again the doubletrack begins at mile 2.1 and takes you back to the end of Steve's cutoff / Mary's doubletrack. The loop extends Mary's Loop by 3.1 miles and is well worth the trip. You will see the Lions Loop climb to your left on your way back to the Tri-Trail cattle grate.
MAP OF RIDE: [HIGH RESOLUTION MAP]
