West Bench Trail: A Scenic Ride Through Sunset Lake's Woods and Beyond

Overview

Situated in Grand Junction, Colorado, the West Bench Trail offers an intermediate-level cycling experience that's sure to satisfy adventure-seekers. With a manageable distance of 5 miles, this "out & back" route takes you on a delightful journey through the woods surrounding Sunset Lake, past the Foerst Station, and onto more challenging terrains like Powder Horn downhill trails.

How to Get There

• Location: Head east from Grand Junction on I-70, take a right on CO 65. Arrive at Mesa Lakes and turn right to park near Sunset Lake.

Terrain and Features

From Serene Woods to Technical Challenges

The trail starts off pleasantly enough, guiding you towards the serene woods around Sunset Lake. It transitions smoothly into suburban scenes until reaching Foerst Station. From there, it becomes a choice of adventure as one can head right to continue on the West Bench Trail, leading towards Powder Horn downhill trails, or go even further to lands end.

Notable Points and Challenges

• West Bench Trail: A satisfying and somewhat flat path for most of its length.
• Stream Section: Prepare for a unique experience where the trail actually becomes a stream for a quarter-mile.
• Rock Gardens: Adds a technical flair to the otherwise serene trail.

Seasons and Weather

Even in the height of summer, this trail remains comfortably cool, courtesy of its high elevation and wooded areas. The area tends to be wet until July, so late summer offers optimal riding conditions.

Rider Insights and Recommendations

Riders love the sense of solitude this trail offers, along with the change in terrains that keeps the ride engaging. It's a trail where one can literally "go with the flow," be it resting at a chair lift, taking in views from radio towers, or exploring deep creek trails. However, a word of caution: the creek bed is noted for its rocky challenges and has been the site of a few bruised egos.Here are a few points from fellow cyclists:

• The views are particularly noteworthy during fall, with aspens adding a vibrant touch to the scenery.
• Beware of mosquitoes around the mesa area. There are more than 300 lakes here, making it a breeding ground for these pests.
• The trail is hard to find but well worth the effort for those who venture to explore it.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for a peaceful ride through lush woods or the challenge of navigating rock gardens and creek beds, the West Bench Trail offers something for every intermediate rider. Its secluded nature and scenic points make it a worthy addition to any Grand Junction cycling adventure.