Just to the east of popular Rabbit Valley area is the little known West Water Trails. Trails are for hiking, biking, jeeping, moto and equestrian. From the Western Rim double track trails to the natural arches of West Water Trail – there is something for every adventurer. The rugged sandstone canyons, natural arches, spires, and alcoves carved into the Colorado Plateau provide some of the most scenic views in the valley.
The Westwater Mesa Loop is located just west of the Colorado/Utah state line in the BLM Utah Rims area west of Grand Junction, Colorado. To the east the trail overlooks the Bitter Creek drainage that is between the Utah Rims and Rabbit Valley areas. The west side of the trail overlooks the Westwater Creek drainage. Looking over the rim toward the south, the Colorado River can be seen plying its way past the mouth of Jones Canyon and the Westwater Landing where rafters that began at the Loma boat launch, and floated through Ruby Canyon, generally take out and those heading on down stream through Westwater Canyon toward Moab put in.
To get there take Exit 227 on Interstate 70 and follow the paved road south for 3.5 miles. At that point the Kokopelli Trail makes a junction with the paved road. Passenger cars will need to park here and either hike or bike the remaining 1.7 miles to Westwater Mesa. Moderate to high clearance vehicles can continue past the kiosk in this picture and drive 0.9 miles where another road departs on the right. Follow the right fork for 0.8 miles to the trailhead. There are a few spots that are a little rocky and one that requires more clearance than most passenger cars will have. In anything other than the best of conditions a 4-wheel drive may be needed to cross the washes and make it back up the hill on the trip out. If you happen to be on a mountain bike it is a quick ride to the trailhead and may even be faster than driving a vehicle.
Link to Maps for Rabbit Valley and Westwater Trails