Top 10 Grand Junction Hikes
We found the best Grand Junction hikes during our week-long stay in this quirky city. Rebecca was taking some time from her travel therapy career as we slowly heading back home for Loran’s mom’s wedding. Our AirBnB hosts have been exploring Grand Junction for over a decade (and one even works at the Colorado National Monument) so we picked their brains on the best hiking trails in Grand Junction. Here are the Top 10 Grand Junction Hikes:
1. Coke Ovens Trail in Colorado National Monument
The Coke Ovens Trail is a short and easy 1-mile hike offers “the grandest view” in Colorado National Monument. The trail winds through a scenic canyon with towering sandstone cliffs and cone-shaped rock formations that resemble coke ovens. Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the iconic red canyons and the surrounding mesas.
2. Lost Lake Trail in Grand Mesa National Forest
The Lost Lake Trail is a moderate 1.5 mile hike that leads to a beautiful lake surrounded by large basalt boulders. The lake is known for its reflective, emerald waters and is a quiet spot for meditation, fishing, and watching wildlife. Hikers may also have the chance to see moose grazing in the meadows near the lake, so be knowledgeable about moose encounters. Nearby Grand Mesa National Forest is a hidden gem for outdoor recreation near Grand Junction!
3. Rustler’s Loop in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
The Rustler’s Loop is an easy 3.5 mile loop in the Kokopelli Trail Network. The trail offers sweeping views of the red bluffs and the Colorado River. It’s also very popular for mountain biking, so watch out for nearby cyclists. Be sure to look for the house built directly into a cliff! Rustler’s Loop is dog friendly, and pups can be off leash in some areas making it a favorite Grand Junction hike for dog owners.
4. Crag’s Crest in Grand Mesa National Forest
The Crags Crest Trail is a moderately difficult 10.3-mile loop hike that offers stunning views of the Grand Mesa, the Colorado River, and the surrounding mountain ranges (La Sal Mountains in Utah and the San Juan Mountains of Colorado). The trail winds through forests, meadows, and along a craggy ridgeline or spine of Grand Mesa. Locals love this trail for the panoramic views and cool temps in summer.
5. Devil’s Kitchen in Colorado National Monument
The Devil’s Kitchen Trail is a moderate 1.5-mile hike to a unique rock formation with towering boulders and spires. The trail offers scenic views of the Colorado National Monument and the surrounding mesas. During the spring, hike a little further to No Thoroughfare Canyon for seasonal waterfalls.
6. Coal Canyon Trail in Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area
The Coal Canyon Trail is a moderate-difficult 6-21 mile loop hike (depending on how far you’d like to venture). While this hike is not as scenic as some of the others near Grand Junction due to the dusty arid environment, it is well worth seeing the herds of wild horses! Hikers may also spot bighorn sheep and some faded petroglyphs along the trail as well.
7. Big Dominguez Canyon in Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
The Big Dominguez Canyon Trail is a moderate 12-13-mile hike that winds through a beautiful canyon with tall cliffs, green plants, and wild animals. Hikers can admire bighorn sheep, historic petroglyphs (at 3.75 miles), and several waterfalls (two within first 4 miles) along this trail. Some people just do the initial four miles as an out and back. Short or long version, the Big Dominguez Canyon is a local favorite!
8. Mount Garfield
The Mount Garfield Trail is not for the faint of heart. It is a strenuous 4-mile hike with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The trail offers stunning views of the Grand Valley, wild horses, the Colorado River, and the surrounding mountains. Be sure to check out this iconic Grand Junction hike for a challenging workout with a huge payoff.
9. Trail Through Time at Rabbit Valley Natural Research Area
The Trail Through Time is an easy 1.5 mile loop is an extraordinary trail within the active Mygatt-Moore dinosaur quarry, which has been designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern by the Bureau of Land Management. Hikers can see fossils of 140-million-year-old dinosaurs, read interpretive signs about the fossils found in the area, and (if you’re lucky!) witness some of the active excavations.
10. Rattlesnake Arches Trail in Black Ridge Canyon Wilderness
The Rattlesnake Arches Trail is a moderately difficult 14.3-mile out-and-back hike that is loved by hikers searching for a more off-the-beaten path adventure. Rattlesnake Canyon is home to the second largest collection of natural arches, only second to nearby Arches National Park (but without the insane crowds). This hike offers stunning views of arches, spires, windows, giant alcoves, and desert patina. It’s easy to see why locals and visitors have ranked Rattlesnake Canyon in the roundup of best Grand Junction Hikes.
Visiting Grand Junction?
Have we sold you on this city yet?! Grand Junction is a new favorite of ours and we plan on being back very soon. The city has year-round outdoor recreation, rich arts and culture, and phenomenal access to nearby attractions. Consider Grand Junction for your next weekend getaway or book a longer stay in the city and explore several different National Parks and western Colorado cities. Here are some lodging options to fit all budgets and party sizes. Note: this is an affiliate link so we will earn a small commission for each stay booked and completed through this link. We appreciate your support while we chase our dreams.
Conclusion
Grand Junction is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages! We are so surprised we haven’t heard more about the incredible hiking and recreation this city offers. Weather you’re just visiting for the day or moving here permanently, this list of Top 10 Grand Junction Hikes will…