Calamity Mesa Loop

Total Miles
16.6

Elevation

2044.85 ft

Duration

4 Hours

Technical Rating

8

Difficult

Best Time

Spring, Fall

Trail Overview

This remote and difficult loop is full of obstacles and amazing views. There are a lot of trails to explore in this area, so don't forget to fuel up.

Difficulty

Difficult. Several obstacles have no bypasses. The road is very rocky in spots due to excessive erosion of soft soils. Some sections of the trail have Bentonite clay which is slippery when wet or dry. One narrow spot along a shelf road forces you very close to the edge. Don't drive this trail by yourself.

Technical Rating

8

Access Description

From Gateway: Head north on Hwy. 141 about 4 miles to 6.3 Road on right. From Grand Junction: Take Hwy. 50 south and turn right on Hwy. 141. Go about 39 miles to 6.3 Road on left. From 6.3 Road: (Reference small map on pg. 71) Cross one-lane bridge and continue east. Pass through wash and eventually climb to high shelf road. At 5.8 miles stay left on 405. At 7.4 stay right on more-traveled 405. When you reach major intersection at 8.7 miles, continue straight on 405.3B to Waypoint 01 at 12.6 miles.