Prime Cut Trail Review: The Perfect Gateway to Fruita's Thrilling Downhill Experiences

Overview

• Distance: 3 miles
• Level: Intermediate
• Route Type: Out & Back
• City: Fruita
• State: Colorado

Introduction

Prime Cut serves as the backbone of Fruita's 18 Road trail system, offering riders the perfect introductory experience. Although this trail might not be the star of the show, it's the essential route to get to all the exciting downhill adventures, like Kessel Run, Joe's Ridge, or Chutes and Ladders.

The Ride Experience

Prime Cut unfurls its course as a narrow, flowing singletrack. Starting from the lower parking lot, it offers an array of terrains including:

• Smooth dirt sections
• A series of rocky steps
• Boulder crossings
• Wash traverses

It's a sweet singletrack that will satisfy all sorts of riders. Though not riddled with steep challenges, it gives you a decent warm-up with a gradual climb.

How to Get There

From Fruita, head toward N 3/10 Road after taking Route 17.5. Turn right onto N 3/10 Road and then make a left on 18 Road. Keep riding until the pavement turns into a dirt road. Approximately 4.3 miles in, you'll find the trailhead on the left.

Tips and Tricks

• Trail Traffic: While there's no official designation, Prime Cut is mostly used as an uphill trail. It's the most enjoyable alternative to the main road for reaching the downhill trailheads.
• Combining Trails: To maximize your ride, combine this with trails like Joe's Ridge, PBR, or Chutes and Ladders. This gives you a rounded biking experience.
• Obstacles: Near the top, watch out for a few boulders and a challenging slab that can be easily walked if need be.
• Wildlife Sightings: Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional appearance of brightly colored lizards along the path.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Prime Cut's strategic location makes it the ultimate starting point to all the downhill trails that make Fruita a mountain biker's dream. Its 'out and back' nature allows riders to get a feel of the ride before plunging down through the adrenaline-pumping descents that follow. While some riders opt for a shuttle to the top, Prime Cut offers an entertaining, gradual climb that every Fruita visitor should experience at least once.So if you're keen on avoiding a "flat, boring, washboard road," as one rider aptly put it, Prime Cut is your best bet for a fun, challenging ascent. It might not be the most scenic or technical trail around, but what it lacks in glamour, it more than makes up for in utility and pure biking fun.