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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.

GRAND MESA

PALISADE RIM

THE RIBBON TRAIL

TURKEY FLATS

COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT

KOKOPELLI LOOPS

TRAIL THROUGH TIME

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.
Day Hikes & Backpacking Recommendations
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
Map

Mount Garfield Trail

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

Lower Liberty Cap Trail

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

Devil’s Kitchen / CNM

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

Rough Canyon Loop

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

Serpents Trail / CNM

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

No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail / CNM

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

Otto’s Bathtub / CNM

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

Coke Ovens / CNM

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

Black Ridge Trail / CNM

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

The Ribbon / Lunch Loops

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

Andy’s Loop / Lunch Loops

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

Holy Cross Trail / Lunch Loops

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

Ute Canyon Trail / CNM

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

Eagle’s Nest Loop / Lunch Loops

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

Rigg’s Hill

  • .75 Miles – Loop
  • 132’ Elevation Gain
  • Easy
Map

Turkey Flats Trail #2661

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

Fruita Trail Half / 18 Road

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

Window Rock Lollipop / CNM

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

Monument Canyon & Wedding Canyon

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

Flume Canyon Trail

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

Rattlesnake Arches & Pollock Bench

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

Rustler’s Loop / Kokopelli

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

Jouflas Loop / Rabbit Valley

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

Mary’s Loop / Kokopelli

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

Trail Through Time

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

Upcoming Events

10 May 2024
CMU Outdoor Program Masquerade Gala
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
CMU, 1280 Cannell Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Find out more

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.

Know your right of way

Make yourself known

Stay on the trail

Do not disturb wildlife

Be mindful of trail conditions

Know the pet rules and regulations; pack out waste

Biking

The Grand Valley is cyclist’s paradise, offering something for every type of bike enthusiast. The variety in terrain and the beauty of the landscape make it a unique spot that attracts riders from all over. Fruita has earned its reputation as a mountain biking haven, thanks in part to its trails at 18 Road like Chutes and Ladders and Zippity Do Da, whereas the Colorado National Monument offers miles of pristine pavement with breathtaking views. Come summertime, the Grand Mesa provides a break from the heat and boasts trails and roads that cater to cyclists of either persuasion. Come spring and fall, the region also plays host to a number of biking events like the Fruita Fat Tire Festival, Rides & Vibes, Tour of the Moon and Rexy
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Camping

Camping in Colorado’s Western Slope offers an unparalleled connection with the natural world, blending adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re nestled in the high desert’s unique landscape or atop the vast expanse of North America’s largest flattop mountain, these settings provide a perfect basecamp and memorable starlit backdrop.
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Climbing

The Grand Valley’s geological landscape is a rock climber’s dream due to its jaggy red rocks, exposed cliff faces, and technical boulders. Be it the endless crack climbing routes and boulders in Unaweep Canyon, the granite canyon walls and sandstone blocks in Grand Junction, or the desert cracks and towering spires in the Colorado National Monument, something is sure to call your name!
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Fishing

The Grand Valley and its surrounding areas truly offer an abundance of freshwater fishing opportunities. With the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, anglers have access to some of the best trout fishing in Western Colorado. In addition to these two iconic rivers, the region boasts numerous smaller streams, creeks, and alpine lakes that are waiting to be explored.
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Hiking & Trail Running

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.
LEARN MORE

Hunting & Sport Shooting

Hunting in Mesa County is as much about the experience and the landscape as it is about the hunt itself. The region offers breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a chance to connect with nature in a profound way, whether you’re tracking elk through the high country of the Grand Mesa or stalking mule deer in the desert lowlands. The region and its diverse landscape also afford opportunities for moose, various small game and waterfowl.
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Motor Sports

There is no better place to experience the grandeur of the great outdoors while driving off-road. Boasting over 1.6 million acres of public lands, the Grand Valley is second to none when it comes to trail connectivity and a diverse range of trails suitable for most skill levels. Between Powderhorn Mountain Resort and the flattop mountain terrain of the Grand Mesa, opportunities are endless for fresh tracks, fresh air and beautiful views.
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Paddle Sports

The Grand Valley is best known for the Colorado National Monument as well as its incredible network of singletrack trails, but the area also boasts some of the best access to water sports in the Centennial State. Home to the confluence of the Colorado River and Gunnison River, the “String of Pearls”, and over 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa; whether your preferred means of locomotion is a SUP, canoe, kayak or raft, there’s a body of water for you in Mesa County!
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Snow Sports

Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling is synonymous with winters in Colorado and the Western Slope is no exception. Between Powderhorn Mountain Resort and the flat-top mountain terrain of the Grand Mesa, opportunities are endless for fresh tracks, fresh air and beautiful views.

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Stewardship

Being a good steward of our public lands is directly tied to the well-being of our outdoor recreation industry. It requires collective action, commitment, and ongoing investment to ensure that these invaluable assets remain vibrant and resilient for years to come. We invite you to explore West Slope Outdoor Volunteers; a regional stewardship collaboration of seven organizations in Mesa County.

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