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5.7 miles
Distance
245 ft
Climb
-1,638 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
-1,393 ft
Altitude change
4,737 ft
Altitude min
6,130 ft
Altitude start
4,738 ft
Altitude end
-4.6%
Grade
-94.5%
Grade max
27.7%
Grade min
1 mile
Distance climb
4 miles
Distance down
3,130 ft
Distance flat
Monument Canyon Details
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Activities
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaColorado National Monument
Grand Junction, Colorado -
Difficulty Rating
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Local Popularity85 in Hiking [+]
- 60 in Trail Running
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Global Ranking
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Hiking SAC ScaleT1 Hiking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Physical RatingModerate
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eBike Allowed
Difficulty Level: Moderate to steep
Elevation: 6,140 to 4,700 feet (1871 to 1433 meters) from upper trailhead to lower trailhead.
Average time: 4 hours
Usage: Hiking only. Horseback riding permitted along the lower 5 miles.
Description (from upper access): Steep 600-foot descent from the plateau into Monument Canyon where you can walk beside many of the park's major rock formations: Independence Monument, Kissing Couple, and the Coke Ovens.
Pets are not allowed on hiking trails or anywhere in the backcountry. This prohibition includes pets that are being carried or are placed in a stroller, bag, or backpack. Pets may not accompany cyclists while riding on Rim Rock Drive.
The general rule for pets is 'paws on pavement.' Pets may accompany their owners in the developed campground area and may be walked in the park along paved roads. They are also welcome in picnic areas and in the amphitheater. Pets must be leashed at all times when outside a vehicle, on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets may not be left tied unattended.
source: NPS Trail website
Access Info
Two access points:
(1) from the Saddlehorn Visitor Center, turn left onto Rim Rock Drive and travel 3.8 miles (6.1 km) to the trailhead on the left. It is also the trailhead for Coke Ovens Trail.
(2) from the west entrance of the monument, turn right onto Highway 340 (going east); after 2.1 miles (3.4 km) turn right just beyond mile marker #5 onto a dirt road that appears to be a driveway; go 0.1 mile (0.2 km) to the trailhead.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 2 rides
- 11 miles avg distance
All
- 12 rides
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Monument Canyon Trail Reports
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Directions to monument-canyon trailhead
(39.077740, -108.728110)
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Routes with this trail
11 miles • 1,969 ft • 3 •
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Nearby Trails
- Coke Ovens 367 ft
- Ccc 3,655 ft
- Ottos Trail 2 miles
- Wedding Canyon Trail 2 miles
- Black Ridge 3 miles
Colorado National Monument
- By todd
Trailforks & contributors - #171868 - 1,624 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Monument Canyon
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Where is Monument Canyon located?
Monument Canyon is located in Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Colorado National Monument trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 39.07774, -108.72811.
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How hard is Monument Canyon?
Monument Canyon is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 4.6%.
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What is the elevation gain for Monument Canyon?
Monument Canyon has 245 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,638 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 4,737 ft to 6,130 ft.
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How long is Monument Canyon?
Monument Canyon is 5.7 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
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