Palisade Rim Trail Connector

About

The Palisade Rim Trail Connector is a difficult singletrack route in Palisade, Colorado, designed for experienced mountain bikers. The trail features a significant elevation change of 1703 feet, starting with an initial 800-foot climb characterized by switchbacks and short technical challenges. Riders then access the upper loop, which spans four miles of varied terrain including rocks, dirt, shale, and berms. This section offers substantial cliff exposure on the west side, requiring speed control. The connector allows riders to drop 800 feet back toward the parking lot near petroglyphs visible on the sandstone. The trail is accessible from April through October and permits dogs. Parking is available at the river launch site, located approximately 200 yards north of the main trailhead gate. The route is well-marked and supports two-way traffic, though it flows better in the recommended direction. Local resources include the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association and nearby shops like Rapid Creek Cycles for condition updates.