Twist-N-Shout and Butterknife Loop: A Cardio-Intensive Experience in Grand Junction, Colorado

Overview

Hidden in the outskirts of Grand Junction, Colorado, the Twist-N-Shout and Butterknife Loop offers a challenging and exhilarating ride for mountain bikers with an appetite for distance and elevation. This 13-mile intermediate-level loop guarantees a heart-pumping adventure filled with twists, descents, and techy spots.

How to Get There

• Location: From I70 Business, take Broadway to Monument Road. Drive 1.2 miles beyond the well-marked "Little Park Trailhead" on Little Park Road.
• Parking: Despite no-parking signs, a large, unmarked dirt lot 75 yards before the Third Flats trailhead is your go-to parking area. You can also park at Bang's Canyon Trailhead and ride down to the starting point.

To deter ATV and dirt bike trailers, parking signs are strategically placed, making it tricky but not impossible to find the perfect spot for your vehicle.

Trail Experience

Twist-N-Shout

Starting from the trailhead across Third Flats Road, a tenth of a mile ride will lead you to the inception of the Twist-N-Shout trail. With an approximated 400-foot descent stretched over 2.3 miles, this section of the trail has a series of curves and corners designed to engage your riding skills.

Butterknife Loop

Post Twist-N-Shout, Butterknife Loop appears—a 6.3-mile single-track segment that descends another 600 to 800 feet. Here, expect a lengthy but rewarding ride, concluding at an elevation of about 4900 feet.

The Ascent: Third Flats Road

Your ride's not over until you regain the 1000 to 1200 feet of lost elevation over a brutal 3.9 miles on Third Flats Road. Dubbed as a "lung buster," this jeep road can also be bypassed by a well-equipped 4-wheel drive reaching the end of Butterknife.

Trail Tips and Precautions

• No water at the trailhead: Pack at least 100 oz for the trip.
• Technical and washed-out spots: Keep a sharp eye on the trail.
• Late-night riders: Ensure you have lights, especially during twilight hours.

Community Reviews

Riders frequently acclaim this as one of the best trails in the Little Park Road trail rotation, provided your cardio is up to par. Be cautious about the trail's technical areas, which can catch you off guard if you're not paying attention.

Final Thoughts

If you're up for a lengthy, cardio-intensive, and technically challenging experience, the Twist-N-Shout and Butterknife Loop should be your next biking destination. This loop offers a fulfilling journey for the dedicated mountain biker, but it's no place for beginners or those without good cardio endurance. Make sure to come prepared and stay sharp to fully enjoy what many consider a premier trail in Grand Junction, Colorado.