The best cycling routes around Orchard Mesa

Orchard Mesa offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes, with over 45 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult paths.

While touring cycling in Orchard Mesa, you'll experience a unique blend of landscapes. Expect scenic riverfront views along the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, picturesque rolling orchard and vineyard lands, especially on East Orchard Mesa, and panoramic vistas of the Grand Valley, including distant views of the Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa. The area also features a quiet, high-desert environment.

Yes, Orchard Mesa has over 20 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Colorado Riverfront Trail, which is 13.9 miles (22.3 km) and leads through pleasant riverfront areas. Another easy route is the Las Colonias Park – Corn Lake loop from Grand Junction, offering a 26.3 km ride with minimal elevation gain.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Orchard Mesa and its surroundings offer several difficult routes. One notable option is the Red Canyon Overlook – Independence Monument Overlook loop from Grand Junction. This route spans 69.5 km and features significant elevation gain, providing a strenuous and rewarding ride.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Orchard Mesa are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular loop options include the Colorado Riverfront Trail: Grand Junction to Fruita Loop and the Fruit and Wine Byway - East Orchard Loop, both offering scenic circular journeys.

Along the touring cycling routes, you'll encounter numerous scenic viewpoints and natural features. Keep an eye out for the distant Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa. Specific highlights include the unique beehive-shaped Coke Ovens, visible from overlooks, and the beautiful Corn Lake. You might also spot the Echo Canyon Waterfall.

Yes, there are several attractions and landmarks to explore. The Colorado National Monument - Rim Rock Drive offers stunning views. You can also visit the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, which features six signature gardens and various animal life. The Mesa County Fairgrounds also hosts community events.

The best time to go touring cycling in Orchard Mesa is generally during the spring and fall. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for riding through the high-desert environment and enjoying the orchards and vineyards. Summer can be quite warm, but the Grand Mesa offers a cooler escape. The region is particularly known for its fruit harvest in late summer and early fall.

Parking is available at various points along the routes. Eagle Rim Park provides access to the Riverfront Trail, and Las Colonias Park, located along the Colorado River, also offers convenient parking with access to the Riverfront Trail. These parks often have amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.

The touring cycling routes in Orchard Mesa are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse scenery, including the riverfront paths and the picturesque orchard and vineyard lands, as well as the variety of routes suitable for different ability levels.

While specific rental locations within Orchard Mesa are not detailed, Grand Junction, being a larger hub, offers bike rental services. You can find bike shops like Brown Cycles Bike Shop in the wider Grand Valley area that can equip you for your touring adventure.

Orchard Mesa is known for its agricultural richness, particularly its fruit and wine production. While specific cafes directly on the trails are not highlighted, you'll find numerous roadside fruit stands, especially on East Orchard Mesa. The wider Grand Junction area, easily accessible from many routes, offers a variety of cafes and restaurants.