Grand Junction boasts home to world class mountain biking and hiking. Located only a few miles south of downtown is the Lunch Loop trail system. Trails can be accessed from Monument road or from Little Park Road. An all-time favorite is Holey Bucket and Holy Cross, the parking lot is situated up a bumpy dirt road, located on Little Park Road just past mile marker 12 on the right side of the road.
Holey bucket is a loop, roughly 2.8 miles round trip and it is rated easy-moderate for hikers or intermediate for mountain bikers. The trail is named after all the many holey buckets situated along the trail, some hanging in trees, others sitting on top of large rocks, and a few of the trail intersections have organized piles of buckets and old cans. To locals, these rusty finds are considered art, history, and part of the trail culture. Hikers can have a little fun to trying to count all the holey buckets. Holey Bucket will also connect to the front side of Lunch Loops on the west side of the trail.
To make it to Holy Cross, follow the trail south east and continue past two trail intersections. At the second intersection, trail users will want to continue south to Holy Cross. The trail wanders past large boulders and over rock bridges, making the trail a technical ride or a textured hike. At about 1.8 miles, users will reach a large wooden cross situated between large rock formations. This trail is rated moderate for hikers, but advanced for bikers. The trail continues on from the cross, but for a shorter hike, it can be done as an out and back for 3.6 miles round trip.
Lunch Loops are multi-user trails with runners, hikers, bikers, and dog lovers all sharing the same trail space. Be mindful of other users and watch your step when moving to the side to let other users pass.
Comments