Mexican Mountain

Type: Out and back
Rating: Intermediate/Advanced
Length: Up to 34 miles
Notes: Take plenty of water; trail leads to remote areas

THE RIDE: This is a classic backcountry desert tour that can be enjoyed by cyclists of all abilities. The Mexican Mountain Road out and back is a total of 34 miles round trip. Advanced riders may choose to tackle the entire route, while novice/intermediate riders can simply turn around when the reach their desired distance. The route follows a smooth relatively flat road that rises and falls as it follows the red sandstone cliffs of the San Rafael Swell. There are several short spurs that lead to overlooks of the Black Box, a stunning narrow canyon cut by the San Rafael River.

Directions: From Price, travel south on Hwy. 10 to the turnoff between mileposts 39 and 40, signed for Buckhorn Wash/ Wedge Overlook. There is an old wooden corral here. Take a left onto the dirt road heading east and travel approximately 24 miles through Buckhorn Wash to the campground at the old swinging bridge spanning the river. Mexican Mountain Road parallels the river on the north side.

From Green River, travel west on 1-70 about 30 miles to exit 129, signed Ranch Exit. Travel north on the dirt road 21 miles to the campground and bridge. The road follows the river traveling east past Bottleneck Peak and Window Blind Peak. The desert scenery is spectacular and the pedaling smooth along the dirt road. The road rises and falls quickly in roller coaster fashion. After 5 miles pass the mouth of Red Canyon, and cross the wash. After 10 miles, Mexican Mountain and several other formations come into view, enjoy the splendid color of the topography here. There is also a spur road here near an old cattle pond (may be dry) that leads to an excellent overlook of the upper Black Box, a dramatic site is this black stained sandstone, cut into tight meanders by the river, now several hundred feet below you.

Back at the main road, this is a good turnaround for inter- mediate riders. Ahead for the next 7 miles the road drops and becomes rough in spots, as it descends to the river and Mexican Mountain. Eventually, you reach a fence and a barricade that blocks the road and a sign proclaiming the boundary of the Wilderness Study Area. Bikes are not allowed past this point, however it is well worth the effort to hike due east down the trail to another overlook of the narrow slot canyon cut by the river 200 feet below. Mexican Mountain is the huge butte towering above the river here.

Return by the same route and enjoy a spectacular sunset after an excellent day of mountain biking.

Notes: As you travel from the camp- ground, you venture into increasingly remote areas. Be prepared and take plenty of water. There may be sporadic vehicle traffic on the road. The Mexican Mountain Road is cherry stemmed into a Wilderness Study Area. Please obey all signs on spur roads and their restrictions.

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