Mountain Biking Phil’s World (26 May 2017)
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Where should we go, where should we go? After years of hearing about Phil’s World outside Cortez, we decided it would be a great destination for us over Memorial Day weekend. After all, it isn’t much farther than Fruita, and it’s actually closer than the overhyped and overcrowded Moab. Phil’s World is located just east of Cortez, but it isn’t well marked, so keep your eyes peeled for the turnoff and parking lot. Phil’s World is a collection of shorter trails, but thankfully almost all of them connect so if you always go left, you’ll ride most everything.
Many of the trails here are smooth and fast, so they’re more fun if you pedal hard and keep your momentum.
Great views of the nearby mesas. You could also see the snowcapped La Platas to the east.
Other areas of Phil’s World, however, featured the same sandstone rocky outcrops that we’re used to seeing in Fruita, Moab, and even parts of the front range.
This recent forest fire burn area marked the farthest point away from the trailhead, on the ledges trail. It was also the highest and greenest part of the big loop.
More Ledges Trail:
After the Ledges trail, you would normally go to the Stinking Springs trail if you were doing the big loop, but the trail goes through private property so it is closed right now. So we skipped that and found ourselves on the crown jewel of Phil’s World- Rib Cage. This trail is so fun- basically a roller coaster that makes your stomach drop repeatedly as it goes up and over several dirt ribs. If there is one reason to visit Phil’s World, this is it.
We finished up the ride on some easier trails- Hippy House and trust Loop, which were fun in their own right. I got a little artsy:
We had a good time at Phil’s World, but decided to check out Boggy Draw and the new McPhee Overlook trail the following day. Both areas were great, and I think we’ll be back, especially since it’s so easy to add on more choices in Durango, too. Check it out if you get the chance.
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