Grafton is as rough and Gnarly as the pioneers that first settled there. We met up at the cemetery and spent some time reading the grave markers. Indians, sickness, and even a swinging accident was the cause of many of those resting there. It is remarkable how tough those initial settlers were.
The final trail to the valley was cut by those pioneers into the side of the Mesa to get timber. Ravines and gullies were filled with rocks until the trail was usable. In recent years that trail has been resurrected by Mountain bikers, but it hasn't lost a bit of it's original grit. The scenery isn't bad as well, although as we stood on the overlook below, before the final descent, I wondered if the people who originally lived here, after a long day of gather wood during a long hot summer day in a location that can begin to feel like the surface of the sun, thought is was. I am doubtful.
The final trail to the valley was cut by those pioneers into the side of the Mesa to get timber. Ravines and gullies were filled with rocks until the trail was usable. In recent years that trail has been resurrected by Mountain bikers, but it hasn't lost a bit of it's original grit. The scenery isn't bad as well, although as we stood on the overlook below, before the final descent, I wondered if the people who originally lived here, after a long day of gather wood during a long hot summer day in a location that can begin to feel like the surface of the sun, thought is was. I am doubtful.
We were lucky to ride it with someone who has spent some time exploring the upper trails and was able to link together a great system of trails. The link below is the GPS to that track;
The trail ends with some pretty decent drops and one gap jump. Guthrie decided to try one of the more mellow ones, I opted for the easy way out and longer way around. This one actually looks works from the bottom.
We ended up riding it twice then went into Springdale for some lunch. After a long lunch, drawn out by a St. Patrick's day parade through town, then out of town will all the cars leaving, we headed up to Guacamole.
The trail is fairly, mellow, intermediate, with small elevation gain, but still a lot of fun, with some good views.
Guthrie tried out the Bronson on some a few steep drops and was impressed with how easy they seemed, or at least I was.
The only drawback to the day was the Maxxis Ardent 2.25 tire. Here is our review; it sucks don't buy it. If it does last more than two or three rides, you will suffer constant flats and lack of traction. On the positive side, it was fairly easy to get off the rim, so a new tire could replace it.
Grafton is on our list as a favorite. There are a lot of options out there and opportunities to keep exploring one trail at a time.
