Hard to believe, but the GVAS will transform this alien landscape into a wildlife sanctuary.

Here, like any many areas of the trail, pedestrians can be hidden behind a 
blind curve.

The entrance to Connected Lakes State Park is next, but you and your bike do not require the fee, so you can enjoy the new concrete trail. Not long ago signs warned of mountain lion sighting in this area. Many people seem to move faster on this section of the trail.

The park provides a great place for fishing, birding or just relaxing.

Two diversions of the trail lead to bridges crossing the Redlands Power Canal and a climb above the park.

 

After you cross the bridge, you can see the trail move toward the Redlands neighborhoods.

The view reveals the valley and the distant Bookcliffs as well as the bridge you just crossed.

At the top you can also get your bearings, but...

...after a left turn and bearing to the right, you find this sign to get you headed west toward the Redlands Parkway.

The trail heads north down to the river.

Update: This section of well worn trail just south of the bridge over the Colorado river was completely reconstructed in the summer of 2005. Thanks for the good work. The trail south toward the monument has been upgraded. But be very careful crossing the intersection on a bicycle path on a path that is parallel to a road is very dangerous.

 

The Colorado River is joined by the Redlands Power Canal with the backdrop of Thunder Mountain - the Grand Mesa.

 

Shadows grow long as you approach your staring point on the Blue Heron Trail.

We're finished!

Your journey of about 19 miles can be added to your other accomplishments. This virtual ride is complete, give the real one a try. This is one of my favorite rides.

Back to the start

Live simply, so that others may simply live.