tabeguache trail

pronounced "tab a watch". This trail, like others in the nearby Colorado Monument, has fascinating views of many rock layers and a variety of patterns of erosion. Every turn in the trail was a new discovery.

i had been hiking/biking/running the general area of the T trail since before it officially became an established (mostly for mtn biking) trail. I think that it was established in no small part to be the Montrose area's version of the then-long-established and popular Kokopelli trail (which goes from Mack or Loma (CO) to outside of Moab. I have not been on the southern half of this long trail (many dozens of miles as it winds from Grand Junction to outside of Montrose). I'm glad that the trail is easier for me to find and utilize now, before -- i'd sometimes have to "schwack" (bush-whack). mountain bikers (and adventuresome trail runners) utilize the white-water to/from bang's section frequently. the local running club (mesa-monument striders) has an annual race (18 mile) on that segment: "self supported". adventurous, of course.more recently i've been on parts of the T trail further into the hills, through and past Cactus Park, up into and onto the Uncompahgre plateau. i'll try to attach a panorama of Carson's Hole ...

There is a trail near the head of the Tabeguache Trail called Mica Mine. I hiked down into the canyon on easy to follow paths on the way to the Mica Mine. We walked along the dry creek bed and were wowed by the beauty and quiet of this place. There were many desert flowers blooming including several on cacti. At the Mica Mine site the trail changes to where you enter a "field" of white quartz from pea sized to boulders. The beauty of the walk through the canyon is breathtaking. I highly recommend others to visit these trails.Mica Mine trail does have steep steps at the very beginning of the trail.

It totally takes you to the wrong place! Look for "Lunch Loop" instead, maybe?? We drove around aimlessly on dirt roads for a while before we realized.

Unaweep Canyon. This drive can turn into quite an adventure. Be on the lookout for Desert Bighorn Sheep, as they live in this canyon. We were lucky enough to find a pull out, (caution: this is a narrow, winding road with moderate traffic). Perfect place to have a picnic along the creek in the bottom of the canyon.

We make a point to stop in Grand Junctiona and ride the Tabeguache/Lunch Loop Trail whenever we're in the area. The trails are well marked with their name and difficultly level. On weekends a local bike shop runs a shuttle by donations that will drop you off at the top so you can run downhill over and over.

First rate MTB trails located close to town. Open to runners and walkers too this area now features a BMX park as well. Very close to down town with views of the Monument and Mesa this area is known to locals as the Lunch Loops. If this is your first visit bring a local or a map!