The best MTB trails around Blue Mesa Reservoir

Mountain biking around Blue Mesa Reservoir features rugged desert and mountain terrain, shaped by the Gunnison River. You'll encounter varied landscapes, including rocky formations and creek-side paths, offering diverse terrain and elevation changes.

The mountain bike trails directly around Blue Mesa Reservoir, as listed in this guide, are generally considered challenging and rated as difficult. They are better suited for advanced riders due to significant elevation gain and rugged terrain. For easier options, you might need to explore other areas further afield.

One of the longer and more challenging routes is the Becks and Technical Becks – Free Fall loop from Henry Point, which spans 25.1 miles (40.4 km) and involves over 700 meters of elevation gain.

While mountain biking, you'll be surrounded by the striking landscapes of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Dillon Pinnacles, spiky rock formations offering captivating views. The trails also offer glimpses of the Gunnison River, which feeds the reservoir, and the rugged desert and mountain terrain.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the Rattlesnake Trail – Becks and Technical Becks loop from Hartman Rocks is a difficult 8.5-mile loop exploring the rugged beauty of the Hartman Rocks area.

The routes in Blue Mesa Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 3 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the challenging options for advanced riders and the varied terrain found in the region.

While the guide does not specify dog-friendly policies for individual trails, the broader Curecanti National Recreation Area, which encompasses Blue Mesa Reservoir, generally allows dogs on trails if they are leashed. It's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out.

The Blue Mesa Reservoir area is rich in wildlife. Hikers and bird enthusiasts often spot deer, elk, bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons, adding to the natural appeal of your ride.

If you're looking for a shorter but still challenging ride, consider the Becks and Technical Becks – Rocky Ridge Trail loop from Hartman Rocks. This 6.4-mile (10.4 km) trail leads through rugged terrain and can typically be completed in about an hour.

Blue Mesa Reservoir is a hub for diverse outdoor activities. Beyond mountain biking, you can enjoy water sports like boating, fishing, windsurfing, waterskiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. On land, popular activities include hiking, horseback riding, camping, scenic drives like the West Elk Scenic Byway, and wildlife viewing.

This guide covers 5 mountain bike trails around Blue Mesa Reservoir, all of which are rated as difficult, offering challenging options for experienced riders.

While the Curecanti National Recreation Area itself doesn't have singletrack trails open to mountain bikes within its immediate boundaries, the broader area around Blue Mesa Reservoir offers significant opportunities. Notably, areas like Hartman Rocks Recreation Area are renowned for their mountain biking trails, and many routes in this guide start from or pass through this vicinity.