The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The 18 Road - North Fruita Desert is a perfect example of the Bureau of Land Management's role in the United States. Authorized to sustain isolated sites for the “use and enjoyment of present and future generations,” BLM regulations require visitors to 18 Road - North Fruita Desert to observe and enforce the “leave no trace” rule to minimize human imprint.
Located in the Grand Junction, CO, region, 18 Road - North Fruita Desert lies between the Colorado River and the Book Cliffs. Campers in this arid section of the country find themselves within an easy drive of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Great Sand Dunes National Park. Situated just 13 miles northwest of Grand Junction, 18 Road - North Fruita Desert draws bike riders from March 16 through November 30 to its amazing set of challenging bike trails and its amazing views.
With a trailhead just outside Fruita, the 18 Road System Trail is a loop bike path that gains 1,332 feet in elevation. The bike path is easy to follow. In the spring months, wildflowers cover the hillsides. The challenge comes during the intermittent climbs until you reach the summit of the trail. The descent is steep and is not recommended for beginners. Bumps, launch sites, and impressive views of the Book Cliffs and the distant Colorado River greet bikers at every turn.
Length: 20.7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Zippity Loop Trail is the westernmost pathway in the 18 Road System of bike paths. It is a series of switchbacks that climb and descend ridges. At the summit of the cliffs, bikers often stop to take in the astounding views of the ridgelines that appear to go forever and the desert below with the thin blue line of the Colorado River in the distance. The ascents and descents are rugged and are often used for training by professional bikers.
Length: 13 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The nearest rock-climbing adventure to Fruita, CO, is in the Colorado National Monument, where towering cliffs amid an eroded plateau draw rock climbers from all over the world. The Fruita Canyon is a typical platform for high-risk climbs with significant rewards that take an entire day to reach the summit via a vertical ascent up crumbling rock surfaces.
Life finds a way to thrive even under the parched conditions at 18 Road - North Fruita Desert. Significant populations of prairie dogs cover the landscape, battling diamondback rattlesnakes for domination of the area. Occasionally, visitors spot a lone coyote stalking prey. Falcons, eagles, and vultures nest in Book Cliffs and hunt the desert from above.
Because of the length of the bike trails at 18 Road - North Fruita Desert, many bike paths have waystations with picnic tables. Some provide water stations, and a few offer a vault toilet. However, picnic tables are generally limited to organized camping areas that provide amenities or parks inside communities like Fruita.
The night sky in 18 Road - North Fruita Desert is alive with color, dimension, and design. Located at an elevation between 4,000 and 6,000 feet, the atmosphere is thinner, allowing starlight to penetrate the valley floor. Grand Junction is the nearest large urban center, located 13 miles to the southeast, but it is much lower in elevation, limiting the amount of light pollution that it produces.
There are two types of Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near 18 Road – North Fruita Desert. The first is the developed RV Camping sites that provide limited amenities while preserving the pristine nature of the area. An example of these Bureau of Land Management camping opportunities is the North Fruita Desert Campground which offers 58 campsites with fire rings, concrete picnic tables, and graveled RV pads. RV campers may stay up to 14 days, and BLM provides vault toilets in this location where campsites cost $10 per night.
Bureau of Land Management free camping sites are dispersed throughout 18 Road - North Fruita Desert. These BLM RV camping sites are well-marked. They offer no amenities other than a place to pull off the road and stay awhile. Examples of these free sites include the Grand Valley OHV Recreation Area Campground located between Fruita and Grand Junction, and the Rabbit Valley Camping Area in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. These campsites are primitive, with no water, electricity, restrooms, or other amenities provided. RVs may pull off the road here to spend the night under an incredible star display.
Searching the Internet for “BLM camping near me” is one of the best ways to look for campgrounds. In this case, use Fruita, CO as the center point of the search to find a list of campgrounds.
Camping in a Bureau of Land Management area is challenging for the uninitiated. Check your vehicle before embarking on your journey, including the hitches, the brakes, electrical hookups, and internal systems. Pack extra canned food and fill your water containers. Take extra clothing when visiting 18 Road – North Fruita Desert as the high elevation creates an environment of swift temperature changes. Before heading out on a trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While visiting vulnerable environments like 18 Road - North Fruita Desert, observe the BLM “leave no trace” regulation. Minimize impact by hiking established trails and staying in designated campsites. Clean up all trash and restrict campfire debris by using a deep frying pan as the fire ring.
To reach 18 Road - North Fruita Desert from Grand Junction, CO, take Interstate 70 West for 10.5 miles to exit 19 toward Fruita, CO. Once in Fruita, turn left on Cherry Street and take the first right to get on Aspen Avenue. Drive through the roundabout to stay on Aspen until you reach Maple Street. Turn left on Maple Street until it turns into 17.5 Road. Take a right on N.3 Road and an immediate left on 18 Road. Drive on 18 Road for 7 miles to reach 18 Road – North Fruita Desert Area.
Ready to visit 18 Road - North Fruita Desert? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
