Rider FAQ & Etiquette

Alicia Plantz

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN WESTERN COLORADO - Rider FAQ

Simply put, COPMOBA builds and maintains singletrack trails. Through advocacy efforts, volunteer trail construction and maintenance projects, group rides, and fundraising efforts, we act as a positive voice for trail stewardship and mountain biking. For a closer look at our most recent areas of focus, explore our 2022 Annual Report here.
View all the trails that COPMOBA has advocated for, built, and maintained on our History page. What would we (you) do without all of these amazing trails?
Our canine friends are often our close friends and happily included in our outdoor adventures. Some trails, and common environmental conditions, should make us think of their abilities, comfort, and the impacts they may experience if we choose to bring them along on a ride. Plan ahead. Is mileage appropriate? Is the trail within their ability? Are water and shade available? Are temperatures at the beginning and expected end of the ride realistic for their needs? Please always be conservative, and spare your treasured friends undue hardship.
The rules and regulations regarding e-bikes on trails in Western Colorado are evolving and vary depending upon the trail location and the land agency that manages it. Some trails may allow Class 1 e-bike access (which has pedal assistance up to 20 mph and does not have a throttle). At this time, most trails do not allow Class 2 and 3 e-bikes. For information regarding e-bike classification in Colorado, please read the Colorado General Assembly information guide on electric bicycles.

Before heading out for a ride on your e-bike, we encourage folks to check the website of the managing agency responsible for the specific trail, local trail maps, and trail system signage for regulations. Agencies that manage trails in Western Colorado include the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the United States Forest Service (USFS), and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Natural surface trails or networks in western Colorado that currently allow Class 1 e-bikes (only) access include:
- North Fruita Desert/18 Road Trails
- Rabbit Valley, located West of Fruita, CO/UT state line
- Bangs Canyon area, South of Lunch Loops network in Grand Junction
- Sidewinder Trail / Peach Valley area in Delta County
Seasonal trail closures vary by location and trail system. The following is a listing of the annual trail closures for all COPMOBA chapter areas:
- Palisade Plunge (GVT): December 1 through May 1
- North Fruita Desert /18 Road Trails (GVT): December 1 to May 1
  - The seasonal closure is specific for the Sarlacc, Edge Loop, Skywalker, Cicada, Cloud City, Sarlector, and Lane Mine trails
- Electric Hills (MUT): December 1 through April 14.
- Ridgway Area Trails System (RAT): December 1 through April 30.
If trails in your area are affected by closures and you're looking for somewhere else to ride, here are some alternatives:
- Buzzard Gulch Trails, Montrose (MUT)
- Sidewinder Trail, Delta to Olathe (DAMB)
- Paradox Trail, Nucla - West End of Montrose County
- Kokopelli/ Lunch Loop/ Rabbit Valley, and other Grand Valley trail systems (GVC)
- Dennis Weaver Trails and local dirt roads, Ridgway (RAT)

TRAIL ETHICS

We hope you enjoy the incredible mountain biking in Western Colorado. To understand the importance of trail ethics and protecting our area’s incredibly fragile soil, and of being a responsible trail user, please follow these guidelines.

Be courteous. Be friendly and courteous to other trail users, and respect their right to use the trail.
Do not damage fragile soils. Microbiotic Crust, also called cryptogamic soil and cryptobiotic crust, is that black or brown stuff that makes crusty mounds on the ground in desert soils. While it looks quite dead, it isn’t. Microbiotic crust makes life possible in the desert by stabilizing sand and fixing nitrogen. It only takes a moment of careless riding off-trail to wipe out a cryptobiotic garden or community that took 50 to 100 years to develop.
Respect trail conditions and closures. If a trail is closed due to wet conditions, weather, or maintenance, don't ride it!
Do not ride muddy trails. Rain and melting snow often leads to very muddy trails at certain times of the year. Riding on trails in this condition often causes substantial trail damage and potential erosion. Do NOT ride on wet trails. If you’re leaving tracks, turn back!
Stay on designated trails to avoid trampling native vegetation and fragile desert soil. Stay on the designated trail. Don't cut switchbacks or create new trails as it typically causes erosion and damages the environment.
Show courtesy and respect to all trail users. We’re all members of the trail family seeking quality experiences. We must, and can, learn to share. Our motivations are not different from those of other trail users regardless of our mode of travel. Show concern for a clean, quiet backcountry experience.
Keep the trails as natural as possible. Observe the practice of minimum impact bicycling by ”taking only pictures and memories.”
Yield the right of way to other non-motorized recreationists, and allow adequate room for motorized vehicles that may need to pass you. Remember the “Stay on Trail” idea - move only to the edge of the trail, step aside and lean your bike outwards to provide passing room on the trail.
Pass with care. If passing another biker or trail user, give them a verbal warning and wait for them to signal that it's safe to pass. When encountering equestrians - STOP early, make yourself known to the rider, speak and agree upon the best actions for the horse and rider.
Maintain control of your bike at all times.
Don't disturb wildlife. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, and avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could startle them.
Leave no trace. Pack out everything you brought in and don't leave any trash or waste on or nearby the trail.
Control your speed. Ride at a safe and appropriate speed, especially around blind corners or areas with poor visibility.
Respect public and private property, including trail use signs, no trespassing signs, fencelines, and leave gates as you found them. It’s often best to leave a gate closed if there is any question.
Be prepared. Always wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. Bring plenty of water and food, basic repair tools in case of a mechanical issue, and consider communication and transportation options & opportunities ahead of time.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep an eye out for obstacles, such as rocks or fallen trees, and be aware of changing trail and weather conditions, and time of day.
Have fun, and be responsible. Mountain biking can be a thrilling and enjoyable activity. Always remember to be responsible and respectful of the environment and other trail users. Keep singletrack single!