Moab, Hurricane, Park City… Green River? Utah has many towns that are known for world-class mountain biking. Green River is not one of them. But that distinction may change in the near future. This small town in Emery County is building a network of trails and the Green River Athena Trail will be the first to open on March 17th.
Green River Athena Trail
According to a press release, the Green River Athena Trail is several years in the making. The trail is a step in a new direction for the City of Green River as there are many more in the planning stages. The city has been working on a master plan for a trail system that would allow greater access to the natural beauty and history surrounding the Gunnison Valley. This is possible after securing a grant through the National Park Service and forming the Green River Trails Committee in 2014.
The Athena Trail is the first to come from this plan and offers a taste of what is on the horizon. The trail is a 5.5 mile loop designed for intermediate to expert riders.
The trail is named for the Athena missile. This was a long range intercontinental missile that was regularly launched from the Green River Test Site. The former launch complex operated in the 1960s. When the military closed the site in the 1970s, the buildings and infrastructure were abandoned. The Green River Trails Committee hopes that the former complex will transform into a launch site for mountain bikers and hikers.
Green River Athena Trail Location
The Green River Athena trailhead lies adjacent to the former missile base, just off of the I-70 exit. Locals refer to the place as “tent city” for the concrete pads that once housed dozens of military tents. From the trailhead, bikers will climb nearby hills and buttes. The trail meanders to a point that overlooks the Green River and San Rafael Swell. Bikers who are well acquainted with the terrain of southern Utah will enjoy unique features along the loop.
Perhaps Green River will no longer be just a gas and food stop over for mountain bikers heading to Moab. With a new trail system, Green River may become the destination. Or riders en route to Moab and Fruita will now include Green River as part of a trail circuit.
The ribbon cutting happens at the trailhead on March 17th at 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend and ride the trail immediately after.
For more information, contact the visitor center at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum in Green River, Utah.
See also Mountain Biking the Good Water Rim Trail.