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A combined singletrack and road run with great views of the Colorado River.


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Map Key

7.8

Miles

12.6

KM

96%

Runnable

5,035' 1,535 m

High

4,431' 1,350 m

Low

644' 196 m

Up

641' 195 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The trailhead is near a cattle guard. It is best to start this loop run in the morning when the road is quieter. Run down the road about 1.5 miles to the McDonald Canyon trailhead. There is an outhouse at this trailhead. Take McDonald Creek Trail and watch for the cairn on the left marking the start of Jouflas Trail at about 2 miles from the start of the run. The singletrack trail continues in a southern direction until reaching the rim overlooking the Colorado River.

The trail now hugs the rim giving you lots of opportunities to see the river rushing far below. At about the 5 1/2 mile mark, the trail turns away from the river and now follows below some dramatic sandstone cliffs. Watch for cairns (small stacked piles of rocks) when the trail crosses sections of slick rock. The singletrack trail weaves through the juniper forest until it reaches a cattle fence. The Jouflas Trail follows the fence until it gets you back to your parked vehicle.

Flora & Fauna

Watch for bald eagles along the river in the winter. Western bluebirds are often seen. Lots of wildflowers in the spring.

Contacts

Shared By:

Janice Shepherd with improvements by John Danese

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 10 votes

#3473

Overall
  4.0 from 10 votes
5 Star
30%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
30%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#551

in Colorado

#3,473

Overall
10 Views Last Month
2,518 Since Apr 23, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

13%
0%
63%
13%
13%
0%

Photos

First views of the Colorado River running Joufla's Loop clockwise
Nov 24, 2019 near Loma, CO
Native American petroglyphs on the trail
Aug 18, 2017 near Loma, CO
On top of plateau looking down the Colorado River
Aug 18, 2017 near Loma, CO
Red cliffs, white snow, blue sky. Gotta love it!
Apr 23, 2015 near Loma, CO
Walking under the overhang on the McDonald Trail. This is a mile or so from the road running Joufla's Loop clockwise
Nov 24, 2019 near Loma, CO
I found what appears to be more rock art handprints? You be the judge. Enjoy!
Aug 18, 2017 near Loma, CO

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Check-Ins

Jun 20, 2021
Ian Christie
Hiked on solstice in the morning. Added a good amount of distance by going to the petroglyphs and then climbing the ridge line
Nov 24, 2019
John Danese
Ran it clockwise. Some confusing unmarked intersections early on, but otherwise a fantastic loop. Had a bit of everything this area has to offer! 7.9mi — 2h 00m
Apr 10, 2019
Andy Bird
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