Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A variety of hiking trails start on Rim Rock Dr, most of them relatively short, such as the
half-mile hike starting from the
Coke Ovens Trailhead
or a quarter-mile stroll starting at the
Devils Kitchen Trailhead
. The numerous canyons are more interesting, but the rugged terrain
makes loop hikes difficult or impossible; a steep descent from the canyon rim means an
equally steep ascent on the return. One alternative is to use either a car or bicycle shuttle,
since some trailheads outside the park are reached most easily from Hwy 340, the Broad-
way/Redlands Rd between Fruita and Grand Junction.
Perhaps the most rewarding trail is the 6-mile
Monument Canyon Trail
, leading from Rim
Rock Dr down to Hwy 340, past many of the park's most interesting natural features, in-
cluding the Coke Ovens, the Kissing Couple and Independence Monument. Another pos-
sibility is the less precipitous Liberty Cap Trail, which links up with the much steeper Ute
Canyon Trail to form a lengthy 14-mile loop.
If you have half a day and lots of ambition, it's interesting to make for
Rattlesnake Arches
,
the largest collection of natural arches anywhere outside Arches National Park. Getting
there is a bit tricky, since the arches can be accessed by trailheads in the BLM Black
Ridge Wilderness Area or within the national monument. Inquire about directions at the
BLM office in Grand Junction or the Saddlehorn Visitor Center.
Sleeping
Saddlehorn Campground
( 970-858-3617;
www.nps.gov/colm
;
Rim Rock Dr; campsites $20)
The only organized camp in the
monument has good car camping with expansive views. It's easy for RVs and near the vis-
itor center.
CAMPGROUND
$
Information
Saddlehorn Visitor Center
( 970-858-3617;
www.nps.gov/colm
;
Rim Rock Dr; 9am-6pm Mon-Sun Jun-Oct,
low season hr vary)
Rangers are happy to suggest hikes, climbs and outings and they issue
backcountry camping permits. There's also a small on-site bookstore.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Grand Junction
POP 58,700 / ELEV 4586FT
