Where You’ll Be:
Located less than an hour from Grand Junction, the North Fruita Desert Recreation Area lies in the foothills of the Book Cliffs, a stretch of desert mountains and cliffs extending from Colorado to Utah.
This area is a top-tier mountain biking destination, recognized for its extensive network of challenging trails that wind through desert scrublands, grasslands, badlands, and piñon-juniper forests. North Fruita is particularly popular among beginner and intermediate mountain bikers, making it unique among nearby areas like the Kokopelli Trails, Lunch Loops, and Palisade.
Other attractions in the area include access to the North Fruita trails, the Colorado National Monument, the McInnes Canyon System, and the town of Fruita.
What You’ll Do:
Volunteers ages 14+ will help build the final segment of the North Fruita Desert Trail. VOC first assisted in the trail’s construction in 2022, and now we’re returning to complete the last 3-mile segment! Designed primarily for mountain bikers, the trail will also be open to hikers and horseback riders.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday.
Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend.
Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 PM on Friday.
Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!
We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen!
View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up!
Why It Matters:
Since a master planning grant was awarded to the City of Fruita in 2018, this trail system has grown significantly, with over 29 miles of new trail built by various groups, including VOC in 2022. This year, we’ll work on the final 3-mile segment, which represents a critical connection within the local trail network and a significant addition to the region’s recreation opportunities. The completed trail will become a key highlight of the local trail system, benefiting both the community and outdoor enthusiasts.
This project is held in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management’s Grand Junction Field Office and the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association (COPMOBA).
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 14+
For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
Project Difficulty:
This project is rated moderate to difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Physical Considerations: The terrain is relatively flat but includes the removal of some scrub brush and small boulders.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Accessibility: 2WD accessible – no vehicle restrictions.
