Hike Canyon Rim Trail in Southwest Colorado: Position on map

Hike Canyon Rim Trail

Canyon Rim Trail

Elevation

Min: 5676 ft
Max: 5741 ft
Uphill: 102 ft
Downhill: 92 ft
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last update on Sep 12, 2016
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Facts
Difficulty
Easy
Distance: 0.54 miles
Duration:30 min
Min: 5676 ft
Max: 5741 ft
Uphill: 102 ft
Downhill: 92 ft

Trail characteristics

Hiking trail

Webcams

Unfortunately, there is no webcam available yet!

Route description

The Canyon Rim Trail is a short and easy hike in the Colorado National Monument, which provides a wonderful view into Wedding Canyon. Because the trail either ends or begins at the Visitor Center, it is a great trail to start with, if you are hiking for the first time in the protective area.

The hike begins at the look-out point Book Cliffs View. At this point you get a view over the Grand Valley and the Book Cliffs, an incredible mountain range in the northern part of the valley. From there you simply follow the path at ground level alongside the Wedding Canyon. The trail is really wide, so you do not have to worry if you are a little afraid of heights.

On this only one kilometer (1093yd) long trail there are many look-out points. You get views very far into the canyon (one of the eleven in the Colorado National Monument!) or you can admire the fascinating rock formations like Pipe Organs or the Independence Monument. Shortly before the Visitors Center the trail rises a little bit until you finally reach the building. Inside the Visitors Center is a free exhibit you can look at or buy a book or souvenir of the Colorado National Monument. If you have any questions, the rangers and employees of the center are happy to help you anytime. The rangers also have different programs for visitors, which they offer Memorial Day until Labor Day (May through September).

Suitable for kids

Where to eat

A real possibility for resting is not available. But since the trail is not very long, you can always bring a little snack and eat it at the end or the beginning of your tour.

Interesting facts

Read more
  • You're traveling a distance of 1 mile on this easy trail. The hike is therefore not too long. Average length of all hikes in Colorado is 9 miles.
  • Elevated between 5676 ft and 5741 ft, the hike is among the 5 highest elevated hikes in the USA. You're facing an uphill climb of 31 vertical meters on this hike. The track is therefore relatively flat.
  • Don’t hesitate to take your kids along on this easy hikes.
  • Hiking boots are not required, but the hike might be more enjoyable with sturdy footwear (especially in wet conditions).

Video

Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Hike | 05:05

Highlights of the tour

Even though this is a rather short hike, you should definitely make the time for it. It has one of the greatest views onto the unbelievable landscape of Colorado National Monument. Apart from the stunning view into the valley you get to see into the Wedding Canyon and into the Monument Canyon. While hiking you can also see the impressive rock formations called Pipe Organs and the world famous Independence Monument, where every 4th of July the American flag flies.

Variations

You can hike this trail either starting or finishing at the Visitors Center. These two are the only possibilities.

Equipment

Because of the height and the drought you should bring enough water to drink.

Getting here

To get to the start of the trail, you best enter on the western entrance of the national park. You get off Highway I-70 at exit 19 (Fruita). From there you take Highway 340 southward. It takes you directly to the entrance of the Park. Follow the Historic Rim Drive for a couple of miles until you reach Saddlehorn Camping Grounds or Book Cliffs View.

Contact

Colorado Tourism Office
E-Mail
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