Developed by the Owner of Kokopelli Bike and Board, Pete Eschallier, The West La Plata Grinder is a challenging gravel tour of Montezuma county. Setting off from Cortez, CO, and gaining 6,716 feet into the foothills of the La Plata mountain range and near the outskirts of Mesa Verde National Park before looping back into Cortez.

A nine-part segment, the trail begins with around a steady grade through Hay Camp Mesa and Cash Canyon. The intensity ramps up through the Road 30.5 Climb and Haycamp Climb into the foothills of the La Plata mountain range. The ride offers reprieve for a straight-shot out of Mancos, Colorado before rising again through the County Road 33 and County Road 34 climbs toward Cortez. The grade flattens slightly on Highway 160 toward Denny Lake before rounding back into the heart of Cortez, CO.