Mary's Loop / Horsethief Bench

I try to save my 5-stars, but this is one of them because it fits my preferences: mostly flow with some intermediate tech, a full loop (rather than out-and-back), great scenery, and a local community that "gets" mountain biking. Some climbing, but not too crazy. If there is a small downside, not much for facilities on site.

These two trails make up a really good combined loop. They are both nicely technical, make for a great workout and have fine views. They do have trouble deciding what grade they are with some easy sections and some short unrideable sections.

I do love high desert riding, so I am bias. 5 stars on beauty and 5 stars on trail. Definitely in the argument for favorite trail. Monarch Crest beautiful and a better trail- don't hate me! Solid intermediate trail with a few hard spots. The initial "drop in" is scary as sh.., but fun, think I was still shaking ten minutes into the ride.

Here's my full review of both Mary's Loop and Horsethief.
http://getsomeadventures.com/can-you-ride-the-kokopelli-trails-in-colorado/

THis is a classic ride for me. Can't wait to get back.

Awesome trail that has enough to keep most on their toes. Great views over the Colorado River and awesome trail that keeps you tuned in for the next surprise!

The western slope is so spoiled having a trail like this so close to home. Anyone can do the horse thief loop, but expect to walk some long sections. Still worth every minute of it though. Stop and enjoy watching the crazies attempt the massive technical section. Don't let that scare you though, because the rest of the loop is awesome and rideable.

A must do if visiting Fruita! The drop in is insane, but don't let that scare you away. The rest of the trail is super fun with a few technical/hike-a-bike parts to keep you honest. Will definitely keep coming back to this trail when I'm in the area!

Just wanted to add that this a great single speeding loop. I walked a few times on technical sections that I normally ride with my Specialized Enduro. But overall, I think I prefer this trail on my SS 29er. When I bring my Enduro I add on Steve's Loops and More Fun.

Rode Horsethief Bench, will return to do Mary's. Amazing single track trail following the Colorado River, great ride nearing dusk/sunset. Mostly intermediate with a few exceptions of advanced and the expert stepped drop-in at the top - all walkable. A must do if you are in the area.

This is a beautiful trail nestled among the K'pelli system. The climb and loop itself it a little short but you can easily combine with the other trails in the K'pelli system.

Arguably one of the best loops in the world, this trail has a little bit of everything, including techy bits, flow, and scenery. They 'bench' is evolving and so much harder than in years past!

Awesome ride! Horsethief Bench descent is not rideable for me yet, but the rest of the trail is well worth of travel there. Could be an all day ride if include other trails.

While perhaps this entire trail network is worthy of 5 stars, I found myself a little underwhelmed by Horsethief Bench. Perhaps I'm being a little hard on it with a four-star rating, but after all of the hype that this trail has received in magazines and on websites for years, I really had high expectations. And while it was good, it just wasn't... great. But maybe it's just me. Maybe desert singletrack just isn't my thing.

Rode this for the second time ever, this month and I have to say that it is hard to beat a loop that involves Marys, Horsetheif, and Moore Fun if you are looking for an epic legbusting trail with scenery and challenging singletrack. Kudos to COPMOBA. I finally rode all of Horsethief, except the last little section of the bench, but I'm working on it! This trail is what mountain biking in the west is all about.

This is probably my favorite trail I've ever ridden! It's fast and flowy and just technical.enough to keep you on your toes. If you can ride this cleanly you're pretty rad! I plan to ride this everytime I'm in town! We came up wranglers and down Mary's

Marys to horsethief is a great ride. muscle up the 2 mile climb and get to the bench that only the mountain biking gods can decend. great views on horsethief. Careful of the loose soils on the edge of cliffs

One of my all-time favorites. Great singletrack (and double track on Mary's Loop) fun riding on some exposed areas. Know your limitations and don't ride down into Horsethief to show off. Just hike it down if you don't have full padding. You must ride this if you go to Fruita.

The wife and I rode this trail (horsethief) for the first time yesterday and I have to say it's an awesome ride. The climb up that's allegedly 2 miles only really feels like 1 and the technical parts of the trail are all doable yet challenging at the same time. The only negative i'd have to give this trail is on the last mile or so, It goes from fun to just climbing, hike a bike, and a dreary ride through some brush ending in more climbing lol Kind of like your typical action movie, great beginning and middle but a lacking ending :-P Overall though like I said this trail is very fun and challenging with some great views :-)

Very fun trail, one of the best on the western slope, can be challenging in spots. Gravel, sand, and mostly sweet single track with some rocky drops.