Fruita, Colorado at a glance
Fruita is a small town west of Grand Junction, close to I-70. It is best known for mountain biking on public land just outside town. It is also the west entrance to the Rim Rock Drive in the Colorado National Monument, and the home of a dinosaur museum.
Bike trails and the monument are separate. Bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trails inside the national monument, so do not plan a trail ride there. For fossils, see the dinosaur page.
Fruita mountain bike areas
Two main areas on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
| Area | Where | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Road, North Fruita Desert | North of town, via I-70 exit 19 and 18 Road | Beginner to advanced |
| Kokopelli Loop Trails | Near Loma, via I-70 exit 15 | Beginner to advanced |
The riding season is year-round. That does not mean every trail is dry or rideable every day, so check conditions after rain. Confirm the length and direction of the loop you want before you set off. North Fruita Desert is a simple place to start, because the access is straightforward: exit 19, then 18 Road.
Fruita and Grand Valley tours
Guided outings, scenic drives and outdoor days around Fruita, with live prices and availability.
Getting to the trailheads
Two exits from I-70.
North Fruita Desert
Take I-70 exit 19, drive through Fruita and continue on 18 Road to the trailhead.
Kokopelli Loop
Take I-70 exit 15 at Loma to reach the trailhead.
Fees
The long Kokopelli's Trail has no riding fee. Camping is sometimes charged, and fees vary by area, so do not assume every lot and campground is free.
The nearest airport and train station are in Grand Junction. See getting there for flights, Amtrak and rental cars.
Camping at North Fruita Desert
Simple sites with no services.
A site costs $20 per night in 2026 for up to 10 people and 2 vehicles. Each booking also carries an $8 reservation fee that is not refunded. You can stay up to 14 days. There is no water, no electricity and no trash collection, so pack in what you need and take your waste out. Reservations go through Recreation.gov.
A campsite fee is not a trail fee, so keep the two apart when you budget.
Beyond the bike trails
What else fits into a Fruita day.
Practical notes for riders and visitors
Before you leave town.
Fruita sits in the same valley as Grand Junction, so summer heat applies here too. Bring more water than you think you need and start early. The campground has no water. If you come without a bike, the town still works as a base for the monument's west entrance and the dinosaur sites: Dinosaur Journey is at 550 Jurassic Court, and Dinosaur Hill has no entry fee. Our where to stay page explains the areas around the valley, and the tours page collects guided options.
Fruita, Colorado: frequently asked questions
Where are the mountain bike areas near Fruita?
The two main areas are 18 Road, also called North Fruita Desert, and the Kokopelli Loop Trails. Both range from beginner to advanced.
Can I ride a bike on the trails in the national monument?
No. Bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trails in the Colorado National Monument. Ride at the BLM areas instead.
Which exit do I take for 18 Road?
Take I-70 exit 19, drive through Fruita and continue on 18 Road. For the Kokopelli trailhead, use exit 15 at Loma.
How much is camping at North Fruita Desert?
$20 per night for up to 10 people and 2 vehicles in 2026, plus an $8 reservation fee that is not refunded.
Are the trails open all year?
The riding season is year-round, but wet trails may not be ridable. Check conditions before you go.