Some say it’s about the journey not the destination. That’s great when you’re alone and have time to explore, but when you are riding with a six year old wandering aimlessly is not an option. Or worse, choosing a trail that is too advanced which can cause a tantrum in even the most patient kid (and parent).
These are the 3 ‘kid friendly’ trails in Fruita. These are beginner rides. If you have a gravity grom on your hands head over to the 5 Best Rides in Fruita page.
Each trail has information, maps, and pictures. Also visit the local bikes shop, OTE Sports and they’ll be sure to help you out and share their favorite trails.
Need more information on Fruita? Check out our Adventure Town Fruita page for everything you need to know about where to ride, eat, play, and sleep in Fruita.
Rustler’s Loop
Rustler’s is a great example of trail development for kids and beginners. Your child will be challenged on this ride, but never overwhelmed. The views are amazing and there are even interpretive trail signs that introduce the basics of mountain biking such as cornering and how to ride hills. Parking at the Kokopelli trailhead is the norm but there is room for a few cars to park at the Rustlers Loop trailhead over the hill. If it’s your first time taking the kids here I recommend trying to park at Rustlers as it eliminates a big climb to/from the car. The start of Rustlers Loop itself involves a rather challenging climb for a little one but once you’re at the top it gets easier and more fun. Prepare for this initial challenge so everyone is in the right mindset to tackle it.
Ride if: Your child can ride for at least an hour and enjoys a fun challenge.
Suggested Bike for this Trail: 20″ Wheels with knobby tires.
Trailforks Map: Rustler’s Loop
18 Road – Prime Cut
Prime Cut is the main singletrack to get from the lower parking lot to all the downhill trails such as PBR,PBJ, and Kessel Run.
Prime Cut climbs continuously through a wash, but never very steeply and it’s generally easy. Near the top there are a couple rocks to watch out for, but this is a good introduction to the area. Most of this trail is designated uphill only so you don’t have to worry about riders coming from the other direction.
Ride if: Your child can ride up hill for a minimum of 1/2 hour and enjoys a challenge.
Suggested Bike for this Trail: Minimum 16″ wheels with knobby tires.
Trailforks Map: Prime Cut
18 Road – Kessel Run
Kessel Run starts at the upper parking lot. If your child is too young to ride up Prime Cut or the road you can shuttle them up to the ‘high point.’ The first section of the trail is not without challenges but overall it’s a great introduction to singletrack. The trail gets more and more open with banked turns as you descend.
Ride if: Your child can control their bike and ride up or around small obstacles like rocks.
Suggested Bike for this Trail: Strider riders can test their skills with a shuttle.
Trailforks Map: Kessel Run
Bonus – Dos Rios Bike Playground
Designed to accommodate riders of all skill levels—from young children to adults—Dos Rios Bike Playground offers four routes with varying degrees of difficulty: beginner, beginner/intermediate, and two intermediate-level trails. The playground’s goal is to help riders of all ages improve their biking skills and learn new tricks.
What are your favorite trails to take kids on in Fruita? Any questions?
You have just sold us on the destination of our next road trip, with these posts about Fruita!
Yes Fruita is an amazing place to mountain bike and a great family destination as there are trails for kids to ride on and a dinosaur museum in town! I am in the process of adding other towns and putting them all under the ride guide section.
I also recommend trail #2 in Rabbit Valley and the kid trail at the Lunch Loops. My daughter was able to ride both on her single speed kid’s bike and she’s 5.
Ahhh. All I want in the whole world right now is for the snow to melt and April to come so we can get back out to Fruita. We should have an #outdoorfamilies meet-up there this spring. It would be so fun to watch the kids ride all over 18 Road. 🙂
I hear you! Yes we will be there a lot this Spring as I am delivering in Junction. A meet up sounds great!
Any suggestions on trails to ride while pulling a baby in a burley? Tia
You could ride the dirt road at 18rd or over on Kokopelli’s trail. Pulling a trailer on singletrack doesn’t really work but there is a new seat made for mountain biking called the Mac Ride. I haven’t tried it but it gets great reviews. http://www.mac-ride.com/
Very good article, I’m thinking about finding a place where parents and children can ride a bike. thank you
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