open_circuit previously posted:
"Mountain biking could be good fun instead of wheeling. I've never taken my bike out there."
Its a lot of fun - especially with the cooler weather. Just like wheeling, riding on the slickrock is pretty unique, and I much prefer it to riding in front range Colo. After MTBing in Moab for a few years, we started going to Fruita a few years ago and get much the same red rock, canyon type riding with a bit shorter drive from Denver. Its quite nice to drive out in the morning, and still get a nice afternoon ride in, and the same on the way home. Plus, from Fruita, in addition to the classic canyon country red rock trails near kokopelli and rabbit valley, and the 'lunch loops' trails near the monument, you can also head just a bit north (18 road) and bike cruisy flow trails on the mancos shale, as well as more colorado-esque rocky mt trails near Palisade on the grand mesa. And the vibe (pre C19 of course) in Fruita is mellow low key compared to moab.