Pet-A-Kes: Your New Gateway to the Lunch Loops in Grand Junction

Overview

Just when you thought the Lunch Loops couldn't get any better, enter Pet-A-Kes—a 1-mile, moderately technical climb that serves as an entertaining alternative to the monotonous dirt road ascent. Nestled in Grand Junction, Colorado, this trail offers intermediate riders an entry point into the expansive Lunch Loops network, including iconic rides like Widowmaker, Holy Cross, and Eagles Tail.

Getting There

• Location: From Grand Junction, head west on Broadway aka Hwy 340. Take a left on Monument Road and go about a mile to find the parking area on your left.

Trail Highlights

Spice Over Monotony

The Lunch Loops used to be accessible mainly through dull doubletrack roads. Pet-A-Kes shakes up the routine with a singletrack filled with just enough technical parts to keep riders intrigued. What once was a wearisome ascent has now become an engaging prelude to the extensive trail system above.

Moderate but Entertaining

The grade on Pet-A-Kes won't decimate your energy levels. It's moderate enough to serve as a warm-up but sufficiently challenging to demand focus. From intermittent rock gardens to sudden switchbacks, the trail presents four notable 'obstacles.' Conquering these can serve as your litmus test for what's to come in the broader Lunch Loops.

Points of Connection

• Holy Cross: A gnarly descent best suited for those who like it technical.
• Widowmaker: Another climb that leads to Andy's Loop and Eagles Tail.

Solo or as a Circuit

Pet-A-Kes works perfectly as a standalone ride or as part of a larger circuit within the Lunch Loops network. Once you reach the top, options are plenty—take on the daunting Widowmaker or roll down the Holy Cross for a speedy descent.

Tips and Cautions

• Trail Width: The singletrack narrows at some sections. Keep an eye out.
• Temperature: Opt for a spring visit. Riders found the end-of-March climate to be ideal.
• Younger Folks: Look out for the adjacent jump park for some airborne thrills.

Conclusion

If you've found the ascent to the Lunch Loops to be a tedious task, Pet-A-Kes might be just what you're looking for. This trail enhances the entire Lunch Loops experience, making the ride up as exciting as the journey down. It's a fresh, welcome addition that has quickly become a staple in the Grand Junction mountain biking community.