Just south of Moffat County lies Rio Blanco County, Colorado—another pristine, uncrowded playground for cyclists. Spanning from the lush, high-alpine valleys of Meeker to the rugged, slickrock desert of Rangely, Rio Blanco County offers an exceptional contrast of terrain for mountain bikers and gravel grinders looking to escape the traffic and map their own frontier.

🏔️ Mountain Biking: From Flowy Singletrack to High-Desert Slickrock

Rio Blanco County delivers two completely distinct mountain biking experiences depending on which side of the county you explore:

The Meeker Trail System (Alpine & Valley Views)

Just on the northern edge of the historic town of Meeker, tucked into the Phillip & Dorcas Jensen Memorial Park, sits an expanding network of pristine, non-motorized singletrack trails.

• China Wall Trail: A beautifully designed, machine-built singletrack that switchbacks up the mountainside. It’s a steady climb, but you are rewarded with a rest bench at the top showcasing spectacular, panoramic views of the White River Valley. The 2.4-mile descent is fast, smooth, and incredibly flowy.

• Meeker Flow Trail: If you love gravity and features, this downhill-only trail forks off China Wall and is packed with berms, table-tops, step-downs, and wooden features.

• Hidden Valley & Lions Canyon: For a true backcountry feel, the Hidden Valley Trail offers tight berms and gorgeous overlooks, while Lions Canyon provides rugged, side-slope singletrack that challenges intermediate riders.

• Meadow Loop: A flat, gentle trail winding through a mountain meadow—perfect for a family warm-up ride.

Rangely (The Slickrock Desert)

An hour west of Meeker, the landscape shifts dramatically into canyon country. Rangely is famous for its desert terrain and unique rock formations.

• Little Gillam Draw Trail: This is Rangely’s signature mountain biking route, giving riders a chance to test their tires on technical desert singletrack and rugged terrain.

🚲 Gravel Biking & Bikepacking: Remote Backcountry Roads

If you prefer long dirt roads, expansive skies, and complete solitude, the gravel riding in Rio Blanco County is world-class. With massive tracts of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and remote county roads, you can string together epic multi-day bikepacking trips or peaceful morning loops.

• Dragon Douglas Trail to CR 116: A rugged, remote gravel route starting off Highway 139 that cuts through deep canyons and connects back toward Meeker, offering a stunning mix of high-desert and pinon-juniper scenery.

• Rangely Dragon Road to Park Canyon: A fantastic, remote desert gravel grind that winds through the oil-and-gas wild lands and deep desert valleys straddling the Colorado-Utah border.

• Canyon Pintado National Historic District: Located along Highway 139 south of Rangely, the surrounding dirt roads allow you to pair a gravel ride with stops to view ancient Fremont and Ute culture rock art and petroglyphs.

🎒 Forest Trails & Adventure Racing

• White River National Forest (Blanco Ranger District): For the adventurous rider who doesn’t mind a rugged two-track or primitive trail, the national forest surrounding Meeker offers hundreds of miles of remote routes through dense timber, aspen groves, and sweeping wildflower meadows.

• The Wagon Wheel Trail System: While primarily famous as a massive 250-mile interconnected OHV paradise, many of the multi-use forest service roads are highly accessible for rugged adventure touring and bikepacking.

📋 Know Before You Go

• High Elevation & Arid Climate: Meeker sits at 6,240 feet, while the surrounding trails climb much higher. Pack ample water and sunscreen.

• Self-Reliance: Cell service can be spotty to non-existent in the deep canyons of Rangely or the high forest of the Flat Tops. Carry a repair kit, spare tubes, and downloadable maps.

• Share the Trail: Keep an eye out for wildlife, as Rio Blanco County is home to some of the largest elk and deer herds in the state.