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Loma is a small unincorporated community in Mesa County on Colorado's Western Slope, sitting at roughly 4,500 feet elevation near the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. With a population of around 1,300, it functions more as a rural crossroads than a traditional town center, but its location gives it outsized appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
The community sits just west of Grand Junction along I-70, placing it at the doorstep of some of the region's most dramatic high-desert landscape — mesa tops, canyon rims, and river corridors carved from sandstone and shale. This is classic Colorado Plateau terrain: wide open, arid, and starkly beautiful.
Loma is best known among cyclists and off-road riders as the western trailhead for Kokopelli's Trail, a roughly 142-mile route linking Loma to Moab, Utah. Beyond that singular draw, the surrounding area offers river access, wildlife viewing, and proximity to the larger Grand Junction hub for amenities.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Loma is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, as rules vary significantly by nationality.
Climate
The Western Slope has a semi-arid, four-season climate. Summers (June–August) can push well above 95°F (35°C) in the canyon areas, making midday outdoor activity uncomfortable and potentially dangerous without adequate water. Winters bring cold nights and occasional snow, though the lower elevations around Loma receive far less snow than the mountains to the east. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for trail use.
What to Pack
- High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brim hat — UV exposure is intense at this elevation and latitude
- Multiple liters of water capacity per person; potable water sources along trails are scarce
- Layers for temperature swings between day and night
- Detailed offline maps or a GPS device — cell coverage is unreliable outside of town
- If cycling or riding Kokopelli's Trail, carry bike repair essentials and plan resupply carefully
Getting There
By Air
The closest commercial airport is Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), approximately 15 miles east of Loma. It serves several major U.S. hubs with connections via carriers that vary seasonally — verify current routes directly with the airport or airlines.
By Car
Loma is easily reached via Interstate 70. Take Exit 15 westbound from Grand Junction. A personal vehicle is the practical standard for reaching the area; most trailheads and river access points require driving.
By Bus
Intercity bus service (including Greyhound) stops in Grand Junction. From Grand Junction, no fixed public transit extends to Loma itself. Verify current Grand Junction Transit routes if you plan to travel without a car.
By Train
Amtrak's California Zephyr passes through Grand Junction with regular service connecting Denver and Salt Lake City. From Grand Junction station, you would need a car or rideshare to reach Loma.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or bicycle is essentially required to get around Loma and access its surrounding recreation areas. There is no local public transportation within the community itself.
For cyclists tackling Kokopelli's Trail or exploring the area's dirt roads, a mountain bike with appropriate gearing for sandy, rocky desert terrain is standard. Be aware that the trail traverses remote terrain across state lines into Utah, requiring significant logistical planning including shuttles or a second vehicle at the Moab end.
Rideshare availability (Uber, Lyft) is present in Grand Junction but may be limited in Loma's rural surroundings — verify app coverage before relying on it.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels or established lodging properties within Loma proper. Travelers base themselves in Fruita or Grand Junction, both of which have a range of chain hotels, motels, and independent lodging options — verify availability and current rates through booking platforms or directly with properties.
Camping is a popular alternative. The BLM land surrounding Loma and the Kokopelli's Trail corridor allows dispersed camping in many areas, subject to Leave No Trace principles and any site-specific rules. Rabbit Valley has a campground area; verify current conditions and any fee requirements with the BLM Grand Junction Field Office before arriving.
For Kokopelli's Trail through-riders, primitive camping along the route is typical. Water sources are extremely limited — research water caches (maintained voluntarily by trail user groups) and carry enough capacity to bridge long dry stretches.
Things to See & Do
Kokopelli's Trail
The defining attraction for Loma is serving as the western trailhead for Kokopelli's Trail, a non-motorized multi-use route stretching approximately 142 miles to Moab, Utah. The trail is popular with mountain bikers, but hikers and equestrians also use segments of it. The full route typically takes experienced mountain bikers three to five days. Day riders and hikers can explore the first sections from the Loma trailhead without committing to the full route.
Colorado River Access
The Colorado River runs nearby, offering opportunities for fishing (check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for licensing requirements), wildlife observation, and informal recreation along its banks. The river corridor supports cottonwood riparian habitat that attracts a variety of bird species, making it of interest to birdwatchers.
Rabbit Valley Research Natural Area
Located just west of Loma along I-70, Rabbit Valley is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) area open to hiking and OHV use on designated routes. It also contains a paleontological site — Trail Through Time — where visitors can view dinosaur bones in situ along a short interpretive trail. Verify BLM site hours and any current closures before visiting.
Fruita and the 18 Road Trail System
A short drive toward Fruita (roughly 5 miles) opens access to the celebrated 18 Road mountain bike trail system, widely regarded as one of the premier desert singletrack networks in the American West. Trails range from beginner to advanced.
Food & Drink
Loma itself has virtually no food or dining establishments of its own. All practical dining options are found in Fruita (approximately 5 miles east) or Grand Junction (approximately 15 miles east).
Fruita has a small but solid selection of cafes, breweries, and restaurants catering to the outdoor recreation crowd — you will find post-ride burritos, local craft beer, and casual dining without difficulty. Grand Junction offers a full range of options from fast food to sit-down restaurants.
If you are heading out on Kokopelli's Trail or spending a full day at Rabbit Valley, pack all food and water you will need. There are no services along the trail or at remote BLM sites.
Practical Information
Emergencies
For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. Mesa County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas including Loma. Cell coverage in remote BLM land is unreliable — a satellite communicator device is strongly recommended for anyone venturing into the backcountry.
Water
This cannot be overstated: the desert environment around Loma is genuinely arid. Carry far more water than you think you need. Heat-related illness is a real risk in summer months.
Permits
As of the time of writing, no permit is required to access the Loma trailhead for Kokopelli's Trail or Rabbit Valley, but BLM land use rules can change. Verify with the BLM Grand Junction Field Office before your trip.
Fuel and Supplies
There are no gas stations or general stores in Loma. Fuel up and resupply in Fruita or Grand Junction before heading out to remote recreation areas.
Safety
The primary safety concerns around Loma are environmental rather than crime-related. Flash flooding can occur in canyon areas with little warning, especially during monsoon season (roughly July–September); always check weather forecasts and be alert on canyon trails.
Extreme heat in summer months poses a genuine risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early morning, carry abundant water, and know the symptoms of heat-related illness.
Wildlife in the area includes rattlesnakes — watch where you place hands and feet on rocky terrain. Black bears and mountain lions are present in the broader region, though encounters near Loma are uncommon.
The remote nature of BLM land means that help can be slow to arrive in an emergency. File a trip plan with someone you trust before heading into the backcountry, and carry a means of emergency communication.
