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Colorado National Monument
Hiking
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Hiking Lower Monument Trail. |
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Colorado National Monument's trails offer many opportunities to hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. Bird-watchers and photographers discover the splendor that they traveled so far to find. Find hikes ranging from only 1/4 mile to over eight miles.
Hiking Trails
Short Trails
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One-Way Distance
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Backcountry Trails
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One-Way Distance
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Window Rock
Level loop trail through pinyon-juniper woodland to overlook with excellent views of monument and Wedding canyons and most of their major rock formations, including Independence Monument.
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0.25 mile
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Old Gordon Trail
Steadily ascending trail that follows the path of historic lumber and cattle drive road. The park’s geologic story is told almost in its entirety through the layers of rock naturally exhibited along this largely undeveloped trail route.
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4 miles
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Canyon Rim
Level trail following the cliff edge above colorful Wedding Canyon. Outstanding views.
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0.5 mile
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Black Ridge
Highest trail in the park with far-reaching views west to Utah canyonlands, east to Grand Valley, and south to the San Juan Mountains. Follows up-and-down terrain of Black Ridge. Trail crosses Bureau of Land Management Lands.
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5.5 miles
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Ottos Trail
Gently sloping trail that leads to overlook with dramatic view of many monoliths.
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0.5 mile
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Monument Canyon
Steep 600-foot descent from the plateau into Monument Canyon where many of the park’s major rock sculptures-Independence Monument, Kissing Couple, and the Coke Ovens-tower overhead.
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6 miles
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Coke Ovens
Trail descends gradually to overlook above the massive rounded Coke Ovens.
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0.5 mile
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Ute Canyon
Rigorous descent into narrow Ute Canyon from the plateau follows a maintained trail. The route then follows streambed with seasonal stream and pools bordered by cottonwoods and willows. A few arches may be seen.
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7 miles
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Devils Kitchen
Gradual ascent to Devils Kitchen, a natural grotto surrounding by huge upright boulders.
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0.75 mile
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Liberty Cap
Trail winds across gently sloping Monument Mesa through pinyon-juniper forest and sagebrush flats for 5.5 miles to Liberty Cap rock sculpture. Ideal for horseback riding. Last 1.5 miles drops steeply to Grand Valley.
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7 miles
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Serpents Trail
Called “the Crookedest Road in the World,” this historic trail has more than 50 switchbacks. The trail climbs steadily from east to west. Built in the early 1900s this route was part of the main road until 1950.
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1.75 mile
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Corkscrew Trail (via Corkscrew Connector Trail) Loop
Originally built by John Otto in 1909. Follow the Liberty Cap Trail until you reach a trail junction sign at 1.0 mile. Turn left and hike 0.2 miles to the Corkscrew Trail sign and descend the steep “corkscrew” switchbacks. Enjoy spectacular views along the way. Follow the Corkscrew Connector Trail signs back to the trailhead.
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3.3 miles
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Alcove Nature Trail
Self-guiding nature trail on the Kayenta bench.
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0.5 mile
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No Thoroughfare Canyon
Ascent on maintained trail followed by undeveloped route through remote No Thoroughfare Canyon. Canyon walls rise more than 400 feet above floor. Steep terrain!
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8.5 miles
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C.C.C. Trail
Short trail connects the Monument Canyon and Black Ridge Trails.
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0.75 mile
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Your Safety Learn more about how to safely enjoy the monument more... | | What About my Pet? Can you enjoy the monument with your pet? more... | |
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Did You Know?
Colorado National Monument's 23-mile Rim Rock Drive was built almost entirely using picks, shovels, and sheer muscle strength to remove massive rocks and debris. The engineering skill of Rim Rock Drive workers can be seen today in the road's tunnels and stonework.
more...
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Last Updated: March 01, 2009 at 13:34 EST |