Palisade Plunge: Complete Ride

About

The Palisade Plunge: Complete Ride is a 32-mile point-to-point mountain biking route in Palisade, Colorado. It descends from the Grand Mesa to the Colorado River with approximately 6,000 feet of vertical drop and 1,700 feet of climbing. The trail is classified as difficult and requires a full day, typically taking between 3 and 12 hours depending on rider speed. The route runs from April through October, with seasonal closures often occurring from December 1 to May 1. Riders begin at the Mesa Top Trailhead or Shirttail Point Trailhead, both of which offer parking and vault toilets but no running water. The trail traverses diverse terrain, starting with flat, open-range singletrack across the mesa where cattle graze. It transitions into steep, rooty sections and ends with desert-style slickrock and exposed side-cutting near Palisade. Warning signs mark difficult sections that require scouting, particularly in the lower desert stretch. The trail is pet-friendly with dogs allowed on leashes and permits equestrian use for the first 18 miles. Riders should carry ample water, especially in summer when temperatures reach the high 90s. The route is well-marked and remote, requiring self-sufficiency for tools, food, and clothing.