2 minute read
Palisade Plunge
PALISADE PLUNGE
Stats From Mesa Top
• START: MESA TOP TRAILHEAD
• MILEAGE: 32 MILES
• ELEVATION GAIN: 1,745FT
• ELEVATION LOSS: 7,730FT
• ELEVATION HIGH: 10,780 FT
Stats From Shirttail
• START: SHIRTTAIL POINT TRAILHEAD
• MILEAGE: 23 MILES
• ELEVATION GAIN: 1,470FT
• ELEVATION LOSS: 6,591FT
• ELEVATION HIGH: 9,800 FT
Before You Take The Plunge
• BE PREPARED TO PEDAL. A LOT. The course has black diamond sections and there are a lot of quick ups and downs, blind corners, sandy road beds, extreme exposure and even though the total descent is over 6,000 ft. calling it a ‘Plunge’ is VERY deceiving.
• START FROM SHIRTTAIL unless you’re an advanced + rider and prepared for “epic brutality”.
• BRING LOTS OF WATER. If you think you’ve got enough? Pack more. There are no water stations along the way.
• GET AN EARLY START. The full ride will take 5-6 hours for most experienced riders. It is not uncommon for afternoon temperatures to be in the high 90’s during the summer months. July and August temperatures can even reach the low hundreds.
• HONOR THE HARD WORK that went into building the trail and keep yourself safe. Do not ride the trail during, or recently after, inclement weather.
• ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE you’re going. Better yet? Don’t ride alone.
• STAY THE COURSE. Do not attempt to take shortcuts or utilize access roads as they may take you further from your destination. Cell service is limited to non-existent.Pay attention to trail signs and use a GPS communication device.
• THE BIKE MATTERS. Janky bikes will get destroyed and leave you stranded. E-Bikes are prohibited.
• SHUTTLE SERVICE is highly recommended. It’s an hour+ drive up to retrieve your vehicle.
The Plunge is closed from December 1st - May 1st every year.
