GRANITE CREEK & WESTWATER RIDE

October 10 –11, 2008

RIDE LEADER

Ruxton Noble, 801-319-3995 (cell) or utahexplorer@yahoo.com

INTRO

Eastern Utah and Western Colorado contain some of the most scenic and remote country in the west. I have spent many years exploring in this area and am looking forward to introducing other riders to its splendor. I have two rides planned. One day will be a 100 mile loop on the back roads in the Granite Creek area. The following day will be a single-track fest on the technical trails in the Westwater and Rabbit Valley area.

RIDE SCHEDULE

Granite Creek

Friday, October 10, 2008: This day we will ride the Granite Creek loop. On Highway 128, meet on the south side Dewey Bridge. I would like to have a riders meeting at 9:30 and be on the trail before 10:00. The ride will begin by following the Kokopelli Trail, including descending Rose Garden Hill into Fisher Valley. We will turn off the Kokopelli Trail after we have climbed into the La-Sal Mountains. We will enjoy the cooler temps and relax on the graveled roads as we descend to Gateway, Colorado through John Brown canyon. There will be a pit stop in Gateway for gas and groceries at the recently opened convenience store. There will be about a half mile of pavement we will need to cross so being street legal could be a good idea. After Gateway we will climb the rugged Sheep Road and drop into Granite Creek. We will follow a combination of little known roads down to the Dolores River where we will have to cross it to get back to Dewey Bridge. This should be a refreshing end to a great ride. If we have returned in time we could do an evening ride to Top of the World to enjoy the sunset.

Westwater Mesa and Rabbit Valley

Saturday, October 11, 2008: We will meet at Dewey Bridge on hwy 128. I would like to have a riders meeting at 9:30 and be on the trail before 10:00. We will be riding parts of Thompson Trail, Zion Curtain, Westwater Mesa, Mel's Loop, and the Kokopelli. This will be close to a 90 Mile loop.

			On Trail #2 in Rabbit Valley Photo courtesy Mike Hubbard
		On the Western Rim Trail Photo courtesy Curt Becker			Mee Canyon overlook On Trail #8 in Rabbit Valley
		On the Western Rim Trail Photo courtesy Hike Hubbard	On Trail #8 in Rabbit Valley	Riding the arch on the Arch Trail Photo courtesy Mike Hubbard
	COMMENTS Rides are in remote locations. Nearest civilizations are Moab, Utah and Fruita Colorado. Gas, Groceries, and Lodging are available there. Primitive camping will be available at both trailheads. Bikes and riders need to be in good shape. Registration and spark arrestors are required. Rain is possible but not likely. Please contact me if you plan on attending.