I visited the Cash Canyon trailhead recently to do some mountain biking on the recently constructed trails that emanate from there.

The year-old Bureau of Land Management parking lot was almost full of cyclists from around the region – young, old, families. Build it and they will come!

I started with the recently completed Talon Trail on the northwest side of Road L, swooping up and down through shaggy old forests. Halfway through, the trail skirts the edge of Cash Canyon, offering impressive views of mysterious forested canyons to the northeast.

The return trip through more open country rewards you with expansive views of the Montezuma Valley and Sleeping Ute Mountain. Then it was back across Road L for a loop of the Highline/Canal trails.

Phil’s World has always been a great mountain biking trail system, but with the addition of all the new trails to the north, it is truly world-class, a local gem.

Kudos to the all-volunteer Southwest Colorado Cycling Association for the thousands of man-hours they have put in building these trails as well as the officials at the BLM who worked with the club. Tourists and dollars will follow.

If you live in Montezuma County and you haven’t tried out this trail system, I strongly suggest you stop by Kokopelli Bike and Board, grab a rental and see what you’re missing.

And I never want to hear another Cortez parent say, “There is nothing for kids to do around here.”

Joe GreenDolores