Hogback Highway

About

The Hogback Highway is a 1.1-mile singletrack mountain biking trail located in Rifle, Colorado, situated approximately seven miles north of downtown off Highway 13. The trailhead begins at the GHT/Rifle Arch parking lot, providing convenient access for riders. Classified as a moderate or blue difficulty route, the trail serves primarily as a climbing connector to other popular lines including Watchtower, Miller High Life, and Wall Street. The surface is machine-built dirt, featuring a pleasant undulating climb with switchbacks leading to the first mesa. The terrain includes desert vegetation such as juniper, pinion pine, and cactus. At the summit, the trail splits; continuing left keeps riders on the Hogback Highway, while a right turn connects to Haze and Watchtower. The route passes through meadows and moderate rim riding before descending into a gully where two-way traffic is common. A second junction offers access to Miller High Life, and the trail ends at a doubletrack connection near Wall Street. The elevation is 6,095 feet. The trail is accessible from April through October, with a winter closure typically running from December 1 to April 15. The average ride duration is approximately 12 to 16 minutes. Pets are permitted on the trail.