Guidebook
Discover Stunning Rock Formations in Colorado National Monument
Explore one of the great landscapes of the American West on Colorado National Monument's best hiking trails.
Rock scrambling opportunities increase the view factor.
Grand views of Fruita, CO
Views of the mesas.
High above the canyon.
View the canyon in the distance.
Amazing rock formations seen throughout the canyon hike.
Climbers on Independence Monument.
Rock Spires.
Gorgeous wildflowers in the spring.
A vast canyon.
Descending deep into the canyon.
Rock steps built into the trail.
Sun setting on the canyon.
Colorful rock on the canyon walls.
Slick rock.
Slickrock ledge makes up part of the trail.
Views of Grand Junction, CO
One of 16 switchbacks.
This overlook gives views of Rimrock Road.
While the road climb looks gentle, it climbs nearly 800' over its 1¾ miles.
Steps are cut into the slickrock.
Scramble up to a cubby hole for a rest.
Lots of places to explore at Devils Kitchen.
Get up to a higher view.
Overlooking the valley below.
Beautiful sunsets on this route.
Slickrock trail most of the way.
Rock formations all around.
Golden colors in the autumn.
Description
"Colorado National Monument is an absolutely gorgeous place that very few hikers know about," writes Nancy Anderson. "It is Colorado's version of the Grand Canyon... without all the people!"
Indeed, this epic natural area is home to towering red rock cliffs, deep canyons, and rock monoliths, along with an expansive network of hiking trails. Even from the paved Rim Rock Drive road "you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles," according to the National Park Service. This all adds up to way more adventure than most people can fit into a visit to the monument!
Black Ridge Trail
Black Ridge Trail
Fruita
2 - 3 hrs
11.0 km
263 m
263 m
A beautiful backcountry trail with plenty of solitude.
Difficult
Private
Monument Canyon Trail
Monument Canyon Trail
Colorado
2 - 3 hrs
10.6 km
360 m
360 m
A stunning sampler of the canyon's best rock sculptures.
Difficult
Private
Echo Canyon Trail
Echo Canyon Trail
Grand Junction
1 - 2 hrs
4.4 km
187 m
187 m
A short hike to a lovely box canyon.
Moderate
Private
Serpents Trail
Serpents Trail
Grand Junction
1 - 2 hrs
5.9 km
235 m
235 m
16 switchbacks take hikers up a historic old road.
Moderate
Private
Devils Kitchen Trail
Devils Kitchen Trail
Grand Junction
0 - 1 hrs
1.8 km
65 m
65 m
A short hike to a lovely rock grotto.
Moderate
Private
Old Gordon Trail
Old Gordon Trail
Grand Junction
2 - 3 hrs
10.2 km
544 m
544 m
A gorgeous slickrock route with plenty of scrambling opportunities.
Moderate
Private