Canyon Rim Trail Colorado National Monument

For a view of Praying Hands, Independence Monument, and the other statuesque monoliths in Monument Canyon, take a stroll along Canyon Rim Trail. The track crosses the canyon rim between Saddlehorn Visitor Center and Book Cliff View, and is a great way to begin your visit of Colorado National Monument. The trail is half a mile one-way or one mile round trip. Additionally, the hike can be extended beyond Book Cliff View by hiking another quarter mile to Window Rock. No matter what distance you hike, this is an easy trek with excellent views.

Canyon Rim Trail
Independent Monument and Praying Hands

Canyon Rim Trail is fairly straightforward. OK, technically it heads to the left, but it is easy to follow the entire way and there are no junctions. Pick up the trail behind the visitor center, and take it down to the edge of the canyon.

The view across Monument Canyon are excellent from this lofty perch atop Wedding Canyon (Where park founder John Otto was married). Make your way northward along the sandstone cliff through Utah juniper and Pinyon pines that are typical to the area.

Canyon Rim Trail
Looking out from Bookcliff shelter

The level trail ascends to Book Cliff View where a shelter offers shaded benches and scenic views. Look out beyond the park over the cities of Fruita and Redlands. Also to the north, spot a pointed cliff with a hole near the top. This is Window Rock.

To continue hiking to Window Rock, follow the connection path beyond the shelter to Window Rock Trail. The trailhead and shelter are also accessible via a paved one way road that circles the bluff behind Saddlehorn Visitor Center and Campground.

The hike from the visitor center to Window Rock and back is 1.5 miles round trip. If you turn around at the Bookcliff Shelter, the hike is just a mile (or half a mile if you are dropped off at one end and picked up at the other). Canyon Rim Trail is an easy hike that makes a great introduction to Colorado National Monument.

Canyon Rim Trail
Monument Canyon
Window Rock Trail Map
A map of the Saddlehorn area courtesy of the National Park Service

To get to the trailhead: from the west entrance of the park, drive 4.3 miles south on Rim Rock Drive to Saddlehorn Visitor Center. The trail begins behind the visitor center.

Trailhead address: Rimrock Drive, Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction, CO 81507
Trailhead coordinates: 39.1009, -108.7348 (39° 06′ 03.24″N 108° 44′ 05.3″W)

Elevation Profile
Click or hover over any spot on this elevation profile to see the distance from the start and elevation above sea level at that location, which will be highlighted on the map.
Trail Map

View Colorado National Monument in a larger map
Or view a regional map of surrounding Colorado trails and campgrounds.

Photos

Canyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim TrailCanyon Rim Trail

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.
Nearby Trails
Colorado National Monument Trails Alcove Nature Trail
This one-mile round trip hike is less scenic than others in the park but offers information about the plants, animals, and geology of the park.
Colorado National Monument Trails Window Rock Trail
This 1/3-mile round trip hike ends at a distinct point on the wall of Monument Canyon where a natural window appears just below the top of the cliff.
Colorado National Monument Trails Otto's Trail
This 0.75-mile round trip hike visits an overlook near the Pipe Organs with an excellent view of Independence Monument and Monument Canyon.
Colorado National Monument Trails More trails in Colorado
Explore other destinations in Colorado National Monument.
Camping
Colorado National Monument camping Saddlehorn Campground
This 80-site campground is the only designated camping area in Colorado National Park, conveniently located near Saddlehorn Visitor Center.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike
Tagged with · Desert Canyons · Fruita · Grand Junction
Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 100 feet

Ask a question or share your experience

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Go the extra miles...
Submit a rating of this hike to go with your comment. Contribute to the average trail rating.