Plunge to Powderhorn

About

The Plunge to Powderhorn is a 17-mile, 2,500-foot vertical descent mountain biking route located on the Grand Mesa in Western Colorado. It serves as an intermediate alternative to the more technical and exposed Palisade Plunge, utilizing existing singletrack segments including Deep Creek, Rim View, and West Bench trails. The route begins at the Mesa Top trailhead and concludes at the base of the Powderhorn Bike Park. Riders typically access the start via the Powderhorn Plunge Shuttle service, which transports them from Palisade to the top of the mesa. The trail is rated difficult and is accessible from April through October, though seasonal closures may apply. Parking is available at the trailhead. The route is pet-friendly. Riders must sign a liability waiver with the Bike Patrol at the top of Powderhorn if dropping in during Bike Park operating hours. The trail features varied terrain, including uphill sections across the mesa top, a gradual climb to Anderson Reservoirs, and technical rocky descents along the rim.