Butterknife

About

Butterknife is a 12.6-mile mountain biking loop in Grand Junction, Colorado, located off Little Park Road near the Bangs Canyon Recreation Area. The route combines a technical singletrack descent with a steep jeep road climb, rated as difficult due to the 1680-foot elevation change. Riders begin by descending approximately 400 feet over 2.3 miles on the Twist-N-Shout trail to reach the start of Butterknife. The main segment is a 6.3-mile singletrack that descends another 600 to 800 feet, ending near an elevation of 4900 feet. The return journey requires regaining 1000 to 1200 feet of elevation over a 3.9-mile stretch of Third Flats Road, which is described as a steep climb. The trail is motorized and shared with motorcycles, though users coexist comfortably. Terrain varies from smooth singletrack to rocky, technical sections and washed-out spots. Parking is available in an unmarked dirt lot on the right side of Little Park Road, just before the Third Flats trailhead. Water is not available at the trailhead, so riders should carry at least 100 ounces. The trail is accessible from April through October, with conditions potentially affected by spring showers and autumn storms.