A fantastic introductory gravel ride that starts and ends from downtown Fruita. Utilizing the bike path along the Colorado River, this route is easily accessible to all skill levels. Hawkeye Road goes through the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, which was named after a prominent family in Mesa County. John A McInnis first arrived in 1882 and proceeded to build cattle and sheep ranch operations, a general store and a post office. Set up as an out and back, there are options to add onto this ride. The route holds less than 1,000 ft of climbing, but has commanding views of the surrounding Grand Valley desert. You will be riding by access points for the Kokopelli MTB trail system just off Hawkeye Road. The Kokopelli Loop Trail are too rough for gravel bikes but there are two short gravel road sections to explore at the Lion’s Trailhead and before the turn around at Troy Built Trailhead. These are just small out and back branches if you feel compelled for an extra adventure.