Kessel Run
Level: Intermediate
Length: 2 mi (3.2 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +366/372 ft
Total: 316 riders
Mountain Biking Kessel Run
#38 of 1,345 mountain bike trails in Colorado
#236 in the world
Sweet fast singletrack that you can ride after heading up Prime Cut or head up 18 Road to the Joe's/Prime Cut/Kessel Junction. The trail is narrow slalom like trail with dips and tight twisty turns. Locals say it can be used an out and back, but with the amount of people coming back down, its not recommended. And you can always say "I made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs"
First added by R3 on Sep 11, 2006. Last updated May 2, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: yes
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Take 17.5 from town to N 3/10 road and hang a right. Turn left on 18 road and go until the pavement runs out, then stay on the dirt road for 4.3 miles and the trailhead is on the left. From the trailhead, ride on up the dirt road up to the Joe's Ridge/Prime Cut junction and kessel will be on the left.
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Not a hard trail, but it is a fast trail! Put the pedal to the metal.
| ThankPretty nice, quick trail.
| ThankVery gently down-sloping intermediate track that flows but not always well. It does have it's own magic in a natural, old-school way. You won't get a lot of air off it. It doesn't compare to modern flow trails with their big swooping berms and easy-landing jumps. And get this - it's two way!!!
| ThankFast&Awesome!
| ThankFun trail. Thanks to those who built and maintain it.
| ThankTwo miles of non stop fun without so much as a pebble in your way. Bobsledding action along a slight draw.....you will want to ride it more than once.
| ThankGreat flowy downhill directional run for beginners and speed freaks.
| ThankGreat trail. PBR at 18 Road is Kessel adding some fun stuff.
| ThankVideo here
http://getsomeadventures.com/these-trails-are-ranked-3-in-the-world-for-a-reason-18-roads/
Swoop swoop! Like a bobsled track of dirt.
| ThankRode Kessels Run for a warm up to the rest of the area. Despite the easy rating I had a blast on this trail. It was perfect for less experienced riders and I look forward to bringing my boys with me next time so they can get some trail riding in!
| ThankIt's not steep or really tricky but smooth and fast. It's fun.
| ThankFun little trail for the whole family. Last camping trip, it was the first one we would do to wake us up.
| ThankI rode this 10 times in one day. I felt like Han Solo
| ThankAnother one of those trails that makes you want to break the sound barrier on. Just glad it's made so well that other things don't get broken too.
| ThankWorth doing twice or more. Fun, flowy, not overly technical, great trail for an novice or experienced rider!!!
| ThankAs a beginner mtn biker this was the perfect singletrack to start on. I had a great time!
| ThankKessel Run is like the friendly little brother of Zippity-do-da. It's fast, flowy, and smooth but without super steep sections and dropoff ledges on the side of the trail. Might be a good warmup run to get your guts ready for Zippity. Keep in mind that this is located in the North Fruita Desert so it gets HOT in the summer.
| ThankI did it in less than twelve parsecs.
This one is very fun and fast. It's enjoyable swoopy roller coaster for every skill level.
| ThankThis trail is loads of fun for riders of all abilities. You can't find a better way to end a day's ride. It can be ridden up but I wouldn't try it anytime except during very light traffic on the trails. In fact, it would be best if they designated it "down only" like PBR.
| ThankKessel is a blast downhill. Flowing with a few jumps. Beware of the pink tape on the top, it may lead you directly into the trees. As of 8/23/12 the trail has become packed due to the recent rain.* Review edited 8/28/2012
| Thank