PALISADE CYCLES IS CLOSED FOR THE 2024 SEASON. SHUTTLE BOOKINGS FOR 2025 SEASON OPEN JANUARY, 2025.
Palisade Plunge Shuttle
One-way shuttle to Mesa Top and Shirttail Point Trailheads or early season Wild Rose Picnic area. We only offer the early shuttle during the summer months.
Last day for commercial shuttles is October 8th!
Drop off: Mesa Top & Shirttail Point!
Afternoon thunderstorms are likely this time of year!
Make your reservations now if you want them for beautiful Fall riding on the Plunge.
Want to ride 32 miles of world-class singletrack? The whole Palisade Plunge is open. An epic point-to-point challenge, from the alpine aspen groves of the Grand Mesa to the desert shores of the Colorado River, the Palisade Plunge is a dynamic ride through unique scenery. The Palisade Plunge is an adventure ride – it is not a beginner, nor intermediate ride. Even seasoned cyclists will find it quite difficult. This is not a downhill ride, it is an advanced adventure trail with close to 2000 feet of climbing as you traverse the top and then follow the contour of the Mesa Slopes down to Palisade. All who choose to drop-in will be rewarded with an incredible purpose-built singletrack and amazing views of the San Juans, Uncompahgre Plateau, Colorado Monument, and the omnipresent Book Cliffs. Come experience the thrill of descending over 6000′ in 32 miles.
Palisade Plunge History:
Want to ride 32 miles of world-class singletrack? The whole Palisade Plunge is open. An epic point-to-point challenge, from the alpine aspen groves of the Grand Mesa to the desert shores of the Colorado River, the Palisade Plunge is a dynamic ride through unique scenery. The Palisade Plunge is an adventure ride – it is not a beginner, nor intermediate ride. Even seasoned cyclists will find it quite difficult. This is not a downhill ride, it is an advanced adventure trail with close to 2000 feet of climbing as you traverse the top and then follow the contour of the Mesa Slopes down to Palisade. All who choose to drop-in will be rewarded with an incredible purpose-built singletrack and amazing views of the San Juans, Uncompahgre Plateau, Colorado Monument, and the omnipresent Book Cliffs. Come experience the thrill of descending over 6000′ in 32 miles.
Palisade Plunge Shuttle Information:
Palisade Cycle & Shuttle offers daily shuttles and bike rental for Palisade Plunge riders. We rent KONA, IBIS and REVEL bikes. We can do custom shuttle times, call for pricing and time options.
Things To Know Before Taking The Plunge
Be Prepared
This trail is for experienced riders with excellent judgement, we recommend the 21 or 17 mile ride if this is your first time on the Plunge. This is a cross country trail with 1,300 feet of elevation gain.
Heed trail warnings and be prepared to walk your bike when necessary
Take food and water with you, we strongly recommend a water filter if your do the 33 mile ride so you can refill at Whitewater Creek – no other water is available on your shuttle route or on the trail
Be aware of personal ability, mileage, weather, time of day, appropriate clothing, heat, food, water, and bike condition
If assistance is needed, call 911 (not local bike shops, shuttle companies, etc)
Know the locations of the emergency exit double track road to Palisade via Cottonwood Canyon.
Trailhead Locations
Full Route, -32 miles, starts at Mesa Top Trailhead
Partial Route, ~20 miles, starts at Shirttail Point Trailhead
Partial Route, ~19 miles (includes 2.3 mi climb), drop-off at Wild Rose Picnic Area, trail starts at Lands End Rd
Shuttles
When self-shuttling, recommended route is 1-70/Hwy 65 and approximate time is 1.5 hours each way
Pending USFS approval, paid shuttles are available and highly encouraged from May 1-September 30 each year (weather permitting)
Book here to get shuttle to the Palisade Plunge
Seasonal Closures
Winter closures are a CRITICAL tool to mitigate the impacts of recreation on wintering wildlife, and this means no tires on trails during this period!
Book here to get shuttle to the Palisade Plunge
Open To
Open to non-motorized users, including mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and other non-motorized users
The trail is open to equestrians only on USFS managed land (parts of Phase II) OPEN
The Plunge is not open to eBikes
Facilities
There is no food or water available anywhere on the trail, at any trailheads, or along the shuttle route
You MUST bring plenty of water, at least 5 liters, there is one creek crossing at Whitewater Creek (mile point 16) where you can filter water. We highly recommend your refill with filtered water at this point. There is no other water on the trail.
Restrooms- available at Shirttail Point and Mesa Top trailheads
Dogs
Please leave all canine companions at home
The length, heat, exposure, and tread combine to make unsafe conditions for your dog to accompany you on your ride
Palisade Plunge Maps
