Explore:
Things to Do
From dusty singletrack to river days and everything in between, Fruita is built for getting outside and doing something you’ll remember. Below are a few of our go-to ways to spend a day here.
Important Tips for Fruita Adventures:
Beat the Heat
Summer temperatures easily exceed 100°F (38°C). The best times to hike/bike are early morning or spring and fall.
Sun & Water
This is high desert. Always carry more water than you think you need, and wear ample sun protection.
Regulations
Dogs and bikes are generally not permitted on trails in Colorado National Monument to preserve the ecosystem.
Biking
Fruita is known for its world class mountain biking, with everything from smooth, flowy trails to more technical desert riding. Road and gravel biking are also popular. Below are our favorite places to ride.
We also invite you to visit our friends at Over the Edge for more in depth trail ride info. We offer bike maps and have bike route suggestions at our front office.
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The 18 Road trail system is one of Fruita’s most iconic riding areas, known for its smooth desert dirt, playful flow, and wide open views of the Book Cliffs. It’s the kind of place where beginners can feel confident and experienced riders can just have fun, with fast, rolling terrain that keeps you moving. Some of the most popular trails include Kessel Run for its perfect flow, Joe’s Ridge for a slightly more technical ride with incredible views, and PBR (Pumps, Bumps, and Rollers), which lives up to its name with nonstop rhythm and fun.
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Located southwest of town, the trails at Kokopelli, might be some of the most scenic riding you’ll find anywhere. Miles of stacked single track range from intermediate to very challenging and will keep you busy for days. Trails here are famous for their sweeping views of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and incredible overlooks of the Colorado River. Our favorites: Rustler's Loop - for the beginners/intermediate. Horsethief Bench and Steve's Loop - for those amazing views! The 'hike-a-bike' for Horsethief is worth it! Hawkeye - for a sustained climb then super fun downhill on the way home.
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The Lunch Loops trail system, just outside Grand Junction, offers a more rugged and technical riding experience, with rocky desert terrain, punchy climbs, and rewarding descents. It’s a favorite for riders looking to challenge themselves while still soaking in big views of the surrounding canyons. Popular trails like Holy Cross, Free Lunch, and The Ribbon are well known for their technical features, exposure, and unforgettable lines.
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If road biking is more your speed, the riding around Fruita delivers wide open roads, minimal traffic, and big desert views in every direction. From cruising through town to longer rides out toward the Colorado National Monument or along the river corridor, it’s an easy place to settle into a rhythm and just ride.
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From endless rural farm roads to steep and winding inclines, you’ll find some of the best gravel biking in Colorado right here in Fruita. Located in the heart of the Grand Valley, Fruita is surrounded by varying and unique terrain. You can leave directly from the hotel to access many of the great gravel adventures in our area. Fr-Utah Gravel and Mack Attack are both fun adventures!
For the bike packers - the 142 mile Kokopelli trail is a true desert classic.
Paddling
Enjoy 1.5 hr, 3hr or a full day adventure on the Colorado river. BYO SUP, Kayak or Raft or we have local outfitters that can provide these rentals, shuttles or guide service.
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The Daily section of the Colorado from Fruita can be accessed just South of town off of CO-340 and winds around the James M. Robb, Colorado River State Park and ends at the Loma Boat Ramp. Mostly flat, with a few ripples, folks of all ages and abilities will enjoy this section of the river.
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Blue Heron Run is a half-day float from Grand Junction to Fruita. This trip is mostly flat water with a few small ripples and a few great opportunities to cool off and swim in the river.
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For a full day/multi-day float, we love the Ruby/Horsethief Canyons section of the Colorado River! Note: permits are required for this float. While it is possible to make this a one-day, long day trip, we host many floaters who start/end at the Balanced Rock Inn and enjoy a few days on the river in between!
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If you're looking for a chill day on water, Highline State Park, just north of town is a beautiful lake to swim, paddle, fish, hike, bike and more.
Hiking
If you’d rather slow it down, there are plenty of scenic hikes with sweeping desert views and easy access right from town. McInnis Canyon is our go to for great hiking options and they are dog friendly.
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Devil's Canyon Loop is a moderate, highly accessible hike that offers excellent high desert scenery with towering rock walls. While the full route is about five miles, this is a great hike for folks of all ages as it's easy to turn around whenever you are ready to call it. With our kids under 6, we usually make it about an hour into the hike and turn around. We have found petroglyphs and fun rock features to climb and scramble over in this distance of a hike.
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If you're up for a longer one, Rattlesnake Canyon is well worth the trek to view the majestic natural arches. Only 10 minutes from the hotel, you will find the second highest concentration of natural arches in the U.S., second only to Arches National Park.
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Colorado National Monument also has a number of great hiking trails that are on the shorter side. Similar to many of the area's national parks, within a half a mile or so, you can see some amazing sweeping views and desert landscapes.
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Window Rock Trail is a short, 1/4 mile, one-way, through pinon-juniper pines to an overlook with excellent views of Monument and Wedding Canyons and most of their major rock formations, including Independence Monument.
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About a mile up from the Saddlehorn Visitor Center, Otto’s Trail offers a little bit more exposure but is still safe for young kids who are good listeners! Our kids love this one-mile out-and-back because the overlook feels like you're standing on the edge of the world!
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There is also Dinosaur Hill Trail for a great family friendly jaunt. This 1 mile loop winds up a small hill where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Grand Valley and Colorado River. The moderate elevation gain adds a bit of adventure without being too strenuous, and there's some really interesting dinosaur information along the way!
Imondi
For something a little different, Imondi Wake Zone offers a full cable wake park experience right in the middle of the desert.
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A cable park is a way to enjoy towed water sports like wakeboarding, water skiing, and knee boarding without the need for a boat. It's a super fun challenge if you've never done it before! We recommend going on the earlier side when they're doing the slow tow or take a lesson. If you're not new to wake parks, they've got amazing features for all ability levels!
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The Aqua Park is a series of inflatable runways, jumping pillows and bouncers all connected together and floating in a large, clean and refreshing lake. It features ramps, jumps, ladders, a trampoline, two slides, and so much more. There is a great variety of different shapes, sizes and functions, making the activity exciting and entertaining for everyone. Bring your energy! Note: you must be at least 6yo to use the Aqua park.
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If you're looking for a more mellow adventure, Imondi offers SUP and paddleboat rentals in their designated SUP area. Warning: Stand up paddleboarding has side effects of relaxation, smiles, and fun!
Climbing
From beginner friendly routes to more advanced climbs, the surrounding desert offers solid rock and wide open views.
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We were big climbers before we had kids, but haven't gotten out on many of these adventures in a while. McInnis Canyon has quite a few trad routes, as does Colorado National Monument.
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Bang's Canyon is a little further away but offers the best outdoor sport climbing in our area. This area also offers a few routes that are great for 'dipping your toes' in the trad life. Note: Cell service is Very spotty at Bang's, so plan ahead!
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McInnis Canyon Bouldering area is a huge area with varying degrees of boulders. Rock on Petrified Hill and Opal Hill is super strong, but problems at Hilltop and Kodels are softer and not as great.
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Grand Valley Climbing features 14,000 sq ft building for climbing and fitness. The climbing walls offer varied roped and bouldering areas and provide a huge indoor playground for adults and children alike with terrain appropriate for all ability levels.
Family Friendly
Water Fun
Just 2 blocks from the hotel is the Fruita Community Center. If you're looking for any indoor gym equipment or an A/C workout, this is where you will find it.
Our family has a blast at the Fruita pool! Zero-entry swimming for the little ones. A lazy river and water slide, plus lap lanes if you want to do that kind of swimming.
Learn more about the Fruita Community Center here.
Your Adventure Starts Here
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or something in between, we’re here to make your trip to Fruita, Colorado a truly comfortable experience.