Love this trail. I cycle this trail regularly; at least 3-4 times per week.

Rode both the south (Ridgway) and north (Montrose) ends of trail. Liked both ends. South end is longer with extension into Ridgway SP (no fee for bikers). Section is state park is mostly paved with a couple sections of single track. The north end of single track is a bit more challenging with steep hill and cliff side exposure. The north end of trail is paved through the river bottom area with lots of trees and park area. Will be great once the two portions are connected. South end has a nice short side trip to Dennis Weaver Memorial Park.

I often ride this trail from Fruita into Grand Junction (Eagle Rim Park) and back. The first couple miles from Fruita are a bit boring as it is a straight shot and parallel to I-70 but after that it gets more interesting. Today lots of bikers and walkers, plenty of room for everyone. The section from Fruita into Grand Junction is the newest portion and the trail is nice wide concrete. The older section of trail is narrower and some asphalt. Still a nice ride. Many of the underpass sections have some nice art work on them. A few weeks ago a bobcat ran across the trail only a few feet in front of me. Another section of trail is being built going from Fruita west, I believe it will then connect to the Kokopelli Trailhead near Loma.

A nice and pleasant, flat ride especially if you keep your focus toward the river and not the usual urbanization or industrial influences or highway hijinks in the opposite view direction. Brief sections have less intrusive stuff and more natural beauty than others. Only climb of note is the short easy one to Eagle Rim Park where you can take a lap and do some tricks in the nice bike park there. There is a very good overlook of the entire Grand Junction valley there too.

There is some great public art, "graffiti-like", along the way too. 

This area of Colorado can be exceptionally hot in the summer. But that means it can be really pleasant in the cooler months and very ride-able on nice winter days. Given the abundance of vegetation along the river course (lots of big Cottonwood trees), it would be spectacular in fall when the leaves are changing. Spring would nice too with it all greened out and likely lots of birds.

Judging from the other reviews, I don't think I rode the most scenic part of this trail in my out and back. One one hand, there are a few nice stretches along the river, but there is quite a bit of the trail that's close to the busy highway. The paved trail is in good shape and the ride is easy.

I rode this trail with one of the local tour outfitters. (There are at least two companies that organize bike tours out of Telluride and Mountain Village.) I highly recommend doing this, especially if you are new to mountain biking like I am. The guides haul everyone's bike up to the Lizard Head Pass trailhead, and from there it is downhill to Iium.

The tour company advertised this as a ride that is good for beginners and families. Take that with a grain of salt, and realize that this is rugged country - what the locals consider "easy" feels challenging to someone without mountain bike experience and who comes from a flat state like Illinois. Also realize that there are a couple of steep (but short) descents, and a few places where there are steep side slopes. If you are not comfortable being near the edge of a drop-off, there are places on this trail where you might be a bit nervous. (You could always dismount and walk the bike on these sections.)

Those caveats aside, this was one of the most memorable bike rides I've taken, and the scenery is spectacular! I would do it again.

I read about this trail and wanted to check it out on my drive between Durango and Telluride. I am from out of state and not familiar with this area. I started in Ridgeway and headed out to the state park. I asked a gentleman at the visitor center right in town about the trail beyond end of pavement because I had both road and mountain bike with me, and he informed the trail continues beyond end of pavement, so I took mountain bike. Overall it was a warm July afternoon ride, and dry. The scenery is ordinary with not much foliage or greenery The trail at the end of pavement is a fun single track and it is cooler there due to body of water. Being alone I did not go too far and recommend avoid solo travel as the area was quite deserted, even though a state park.

The bike shop in Telluride runs guided trips and shuttle on this trail.

Looking forward to the new rest area, peach groves, shaded benches, not to mention a great view. Located near the new RV campgrounds. A nice ride or hike from Junction to Palisade.