Hot and Nasty

About

Hot and Nasty is a difficult singletrack mountain biking trail in Rifle, Colorado, located on the Western Slope. The trail offers a sustained downhill experience with fast, flowy sections and technical features suitable for riders seeking more than an easy ride. It is approximately one mile long, though some segments extend further when connected to adjacent trails like Roan Cliff Chaos and Salty Rim. The route can be ridden in either direction, with an average completion time of 18 minutes for the primary segment. Elevation data varies by source, with specific mentions of an 88-foot climb and a total elevation of 5,347 feet at the trailhead. The trail is accessible from April through October, provided weather conditions allow. A key practical detail is the entrance: it can be difficult to locate due to a less obvious start point near the intersection of Lower Faceplant and Faceplant. Riders must head east on a Jeep road for about 150 yards, cross a gravel BLM road, and enter an open sagebrush area to find the trail beginning among junipers. A lightning-struck tree and a discarded pillow often mark key turns. The terrain includes loose soil, ledgy drops, gullies, and dirt mounds that allow for jumping. Parking is available at the trailhead, and pets are permitted on-leash or off-leash depending on specific management zones. E-Bikes are also allowed.