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A fantastic loop with hiking that's fun for everyone.


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Map Key

4.0

Miles

6.4

KM

Loop

4,686' 1,428 m

High

4,542' 1,384 m

Low

406' 124 m

Up

406' 124 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

24%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Overview

This is a mild and relatively short loop on the east side of BLM lands where the scenery is fantastic.

There are also a series of signs along the way to educate the public on the local terrain and ecology.

Need to Know

Hike in a clockwise direction only.

Description

The hike starts out with a moderate incline on a doubletrack dirt road. It's fairly steep but doesn't last too long before leveling out on mellow singletrack.

The singletrack winds gently up and down for a bit as it makes it's way right up to the edge of the rim, well above the Colorado river. The trail's exposure gives an overwhelming sense of the massiveness of this area. There are also a few opportunities to hike out to the edge of the rim and look down on the river. The trail then heads back inland from the river and descends over slickrock-type terrain. Slightly past halfway on the loop it splits (it shows on the hiking project app, but not on the webpage), with the left being a continuation of Rustler's loop and the right being a cut-back road that heads straight back to the trailhead - either will take you back to the starting point.

The trail climbs a bit more up some rocky but mostly gentle sections before descending gently back to the start.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nicholas Shannon with improvements by Kristina Gilday

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 7 votes

#3166

Overall
  4.3 from 7 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
71%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#499

in Colorado

#3,166

Overall
30 Views Last Month
2,437 Since Mar 19, 2015
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Photos

Looking downstream at the Colorado River.
Oct 24, 2015 near Loma, CO
Signs along Rustler's loop teach riders about MTB skills, and also point out facts about the incredible scenery just beyond!
Mar 19, 2015 near Loma, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 1 day ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 12, 2023
Chase Rohde
Mar 17, 2020
Carily Cook
Jan 5, 2019
Kate Jaquith
May 19, 2018
Wendi Gechter
Nov 29, 2017
Charlie Taliaferro
Nice pleasant hike. Not difficult. 3.7mi
Jul 29, 2017
Jay Puhler
3.8mi
Feb 27, 2016
Charles Hamilton
Impromptu hike. Started here to Mary's Cutoff to Horsethief Bench Loop then finished Mary's Loop. 6.5mi with to 4 y/o. Not recommended. 5+ hrs
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