The Best of the Southwest’s Fat Tire Trails
The Four Corners: Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah come together to provide some of the best trails in the country all within a day’s drive, so get ready to ride.
It is easy to find good trails in Four Corners Country, from high alpine mountains to the red rock canyon country, there are numerous trails that provide miles of fun, and a few classics are must dos for those just passing through, or staying for some fun.
The Colorado Trail, Durango Colorado
Beginning in Durango and stretching all the way to Denver, the Colorado Trail crosses every kind of Rocky Mountain Terrain imaginable. From roaring rivers and streams, to waterfalls under alpine peaks, to high tundra with see forever views, this trail has it all.
There are many good options of riding the trail in short sections, and many start near town, but the higher you go, the more you’ll be rewarded with bending singletrack far above treeline and million dollar views of towering peaks and mountain lakes.
Good access point for the Colorado Trail are Junction Creek, Kennebec Pass, Molas Pass and Bolem Pass. It’s hard to go wrong on this popular classic.
Hermosa Creek Trail, Durango, ColoradoHow does over twenty miles of epic singletrack sound? For deep ancient forests and amazing mountain biking that twists, turns, drops and climbs, this is the trail to ride. Beginning nine miles behind Durango Mountain Resort, Hermosa Creek Trail offers a day’s worth of sensational pedling, following the creek for a cascade down a pristine valley floor, and ends in Hermosa, just ten miles north of Durango. This well known trail sees plenty of traffic, so get in the saddle early and don’t miss the wildflower season.
Phil’s World, Cortez, Colorado
In the shadow of Durango mountain biking lies Cortez, famous for Mesa Vedre National Park. But the trails directly across from the park are putting this town on the mountain biking map. With over twenty-five miles of rollercoaster trails, riders grin from ear to ear after sections like Yoda, or Bob’s or the notorious Rib Cage, where inertia has its way with two wheels, sending them sailing down steeps and floating up ravines. Phil’s World is gaining popularity as an early and late season destination due to its dry climate and desert conditions. This trail selection will be remembered by all who ride there
Alien Run, Aztec, New Mexico
New Mexico’s other Roswell, Aztec is celebrated for two things: an alleged alien space craft landing there in the 1940s, and the killer singletrack that takes you to the site. Mountain Bikers flock here in spring and fall to get out of the mountains and into the desert landscape, with slickrock sections, ledgy staircases and twirling turns that keep them on their toes. Nine miles of great riding almost all year round can be enjoyed in this up and coming area. New terrain like Area 51 is added every year, and the locals have plans for more. A plaque marks the site of the spot that many say an alien ship crash landed, becoming part of a secret government cover-up. What ever the case, Aztec is terrific fun for mountain biking.
Porcupine Rim, Moab, Utah
This all-time classic ride is a flat out adrenaline junkie’s dream come true. With challenging climbing, unforgettable views and enough downhill to rattle even the most plush full suspension, Porcupine Rim offers the best of Moab, Utah. The rides climbs a technical old mining road to an overlook of Castle Valley, then descends another old road for miles before dropping off the mesa and into the Colorado River corridor. Hang on tight, because this one will challenge every skill a mountain biker has.
The above mentioned trails are juat a few honorable mentions. In the southwest great riding abounds, and it’s hard not to find outstanding views, challeging fun and memorable trails, from sandy washes lined with desert towers and sandstone playgounds, to alpine mountains and damp forested singletrack. Spending a little time in the Four Corners will reward you with it all.