One-way Distance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
MTB Skill level:
Elevation: 5499 - 5652 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: Third Flats
Fee: none
Attractions: Multi-use trail
The Nut-N-2-It trail is located in the BLM Third Flats Area in Grand Junction, Colorado. Nut-N-2-It begins at the 1.5 mile point of the Twist-n-Shout trail. From there it follows a gradual uphill course that takes it to the Third Flats Road about 6 tenths of a mile from the trailhead. A loop that is just under 3 miles can be created by combining the first mile and a half of the Twist-n-Shout trail with Nut-N-2-It and the Third Flats Road.
To get to the start of the Nut-N-2-It trail follow the directions for Twist-n-Shout and watch for the sign near the 1.5 mile point.
The trail is open to ATVs so it is a double track and that tends to make it a little easier for hikers and mountain bikers.
While there are a few rocks here and there they aren't much of an impediment.
The Third Flats Area is 'day use' only. Any primitive campsites that you might see are relics from long ago.
At the 0.3 mile point the Short Shot trail branches off on the right. Short Shot is about a quarter mile long and it reconnects with Twist-N-Shot about 3/4 of a mile from the trailhead. If you head back using Short Shot you will only cut a tenth of a mile or so off of the full loop but it might be a nice change of pace.
After passing Short Shot the trail continues its gradual climb through the pinion and juniper trees that cover the side of the hill.
There are several vantage points where you can look out across the valley toward the Little Book Cliffs and the Grand Mesa as well as a few of the other trails in the Third Flats Area.
Eventually Nut-N-2-It passes through a trail squeeze where it meets up with the Third Flats Road and comes to an end.
It is about 6 tenths of a mile up the Third Flats Road to get back to the trailhead and it is uphill the entire way gaining almost 170 feet of elevation in that direction. The 3 mile loop is short enough to do after work during the spring, summer and fall months and it has enough elevation change to get a good workout from it. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.