Hiking & Trail Running in Grand Valley

The Trails
Are Calling

The Grand Valley is a premier destination for hiking and trail running due to its diverse landscapes, stunning scenery, favorable climate, extensive trail networks, and easy access. Whether you prefer the thrill of running along the rim of a canyon or the tranquility of hiking to a hidden waterfall, there’s sure to be a trail suited for you.

Where to
Hike and Run

For a comprehensive guide book, we recommend you take a gander at Visit GJ’s Grand Junction Adventure Trail Guide that highlights a number of trails and provides a brief summary to include trailhead locations, mileage and level of difficulty.

Another great resource, targeted to Trail Runner’s but just as useful to hikers, is Trail Run Project.

The Grand Mesa

The Grand Mesa holds the title of being the largest flattop mountain globally, spanning over 500 square miles and boasting more than 300 lakes. Standing at an impressive elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level, it features lush aspen forests and groves of pine trees that enhance its natural beauty. If you’re in search of memorable trail runs or day hikes leading to alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and rugged mountain cirques, visit the link below.

PALISADE

Whether you’re navigating the rugged terrain of Palisade Rim Trail or scaling the summit of Mount Garfield, your efforts will be rewarded with expansive views of lush vineyards, fruit orchards, and the majestic Colorado River below.

Palisade Rim Trail

8.8 Miles – Lollipop
1,514’ Elevation Gain
6% Avg Grade
Intermediate / Difficult

Mount Garfield Trail

3.5 Miles – Out & Back
1,869’ Elevation Gain
20% Avg Grade
Difficult

GREATER GRAND JUNCTION AREA

Hiking and trail running in Grand Junction provide a dynamic fusion of outdoor exploration amidst stunning landscapes. Whether you’re in search of trail runs or leisurely hikes, iconic destinations like the Colorado National Monument and local favorites such as Lunch Loops promise an unforgettable experience.

Mica Mine up Ladder Canyon

5.2 Miles – Out & Back
593’ Elevation Gain
4% Avg Grade
Intermediate

Lower Liberty Cap Trail

3.3 Miles – Out & Back
1,103’ Elevation Gain
12% Avg Grade
Difficult

Devil’s Kitchen / CNM

1.1 Miles – Out & Back
242’ Elevation Gain
8% Avg Grade
Intermediate

Rough Canyon Loop

4.5 Miles – Loop
1,070’ Elevation Gain
9% Avg Grade
Difficult

Serpents Trail / CNM

3.8 Miles – Out & Back
789’ Elevation Gain
8% Avg Grade
Intermediate

No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail / CNM

6.7 Miles – Point to Point
1,980’ Elevation Gain
6% Avg Grade
Intermediate / Difficult

Otto’s Bathtub / CNM

8.5 Miles – Out & Back
696’ Elevation Gain
3% Avg Grade
Intermediate

Coke Ovens / CNM

1 Mile – Out & Back
156’ Elevation Gain
6% Avg Grade
Easy / Intermediate

Black Ridge Trail / CNM

11.4 Miles – Out & Back
1,204’ Elevation Gain
4% Avg Grade
Intermediate

The Ribbon / Lunch Loops

3 Miles – Point to Point
1,515’ Elevation Gain
10% Avg Grade
Very Difficult

Andy’s Loop / Lunch Loops

3 Miles – Point to Point
752’ Elevation Gain
7% Avg Grade
Difficult

Holy Cross Trail / Lunch Loops

2.7 Miles – Point to Point
159’ Elevation Gain
5% Avg Grade
Difficult

Ute Canyon Trail / CNM

3.0 Miles – Point to Point
752’ Elevation Gain
7% Avg Grade
Difficult

Eagle’s Nest Loop / Lunch Loops

6.2 Miles – Loop
1,168’ Elevation Gain
7% Avg Grade
Intermediate / Difficult

Rigg’s Hill

.75 Miles – Loop
132’ Elevation Gain
Easy

Turkey Flats Trail #2661

1.6 Miles – Point to Point
365’ Elevation Gain
6% Avg Grade
Intermediate

Fruita

Discover the beauty of Fruita by hiking or trail running in iconic destinations such as Flume Canyon, 18 Road, and Rattlesnake Arches. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful canyon hike or an exciting trail run, Fruita’s natural wonders will not disappoint.

The Cabin Loop

6.9 Miles – Loop
788’ Elevation Gain
4% Avg Grade
Intermediate / Difficult

Fruita Trail Half / 18 Road

12 Miles – Loop
1,111’ Elevation Gain
4% Avg Grade
Intermediate

Window Rock Lollipop / CNM

1.7 Miles – Lollipop
182’ Elevation Gain
4% Avg Grade
Intermediate

Monument Canyon & Wedding Canyon

7.2 Miles – Lollipop
961’ Elevation Gain
5% Avg Grade
Intermediate / Difficult

Flume Canyon Trail

4.8 Miles – Loop
504’ Elevation Gain
4% Avg Grade
Intermediate

Rattlesnake Arches & Pollock Bench

16.4 Miles – Out & Back
2,587’ Elevation Gain
6% Avg Grade
Difficult

Loma

Hiking and trail running in Loma, Colorado, offer exhilarating adventures along the famed Kokopelli and Rabbit Valley trails, where you will encounter impressive mesas, colorful rock formations, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Rabbit’s Ear

6.1 Miles – Loop
792’ Elevation Gain
5% Avg Grade
Intermediate

Rustler’s Loop / Kokopelli

4 Miles – Loop
406’ Elevation Gain
4% Avg Grade
Easy

Jouflas Loop / Rabbit Valley

7.8 Miles – Loop
644’ Elevation Gain
3% Avg Grade
Intermediate

Mary’s Loop / Kokopelli

5.6 Miles – Point to Point
651’ Elevation Gain
4% Avg Grade
Intermediate

Trail Through Time

1.6 Miles – Loop
155’ Elevation Gain
4% Avg Grade
Easy / Intermediate

Upcoming Events

There is no Event

Community Partners

Clubs & Associations

Guided Hikes

Retailers

Apps & GPS Mapping

Conservation & Stewardship

Etiquette on the Trails

Utilizing your local trails comes with responsibility – respect the soil, the trail system, and your fellow trail users.

The TrailsAre Calling

Where toHike and Run