Hiking from Devils Kitchen Picnic Area (U.S. National Park Service)

Stone structure with open walls covering picnic tables, in an open area surrounded by canyon walls — Devils Kitchen Picnic Area
Terri Ahern

You can access many amazing hiking trails from Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. This area is just inside the Monument from the East Entrance, closest to the city of Grand Junction. There's a parking area on the east side of the road that often fills up quickly. More parking is available on the west side of the road at the Picnic Area. Check out the What To See tab in the app to choose between Short Hiking Trails and Longer Hiking Trails and see descriptions of each.

Stay hydrated by drinking water at least every half hour, and wear plenty of sunscreen. Hats and sunglasses are highly recommended. Practice Leave No Trace principles by staying on the main trail, ensuring your trash gets taken with you and is stored securely, and taking only pictures and memories. It is illegal to approach wildlife, so admire lizards, desert bighorn sheep, and other critters from a distance.

Shorter Hiking Trails

Devils Kitchen Trail

Location: From the east entrance, travel 0.2 miles (0.3 km). Limited parking is on the left. For additional parking, turn right into the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. The trailhead is shared with two other trails: No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail and Old Gordon Trail. Serpents Trail access is across the road.
Mileage: 0.75 one way (1.2 km)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation: 4,990 to 5,060 feet (1521 to 1542 meters)
Average time: 1 hour
Usage: Hiking and horseback riding.
Description: Gradual ascent to a natural opening formed by a circle by huge upright boulders. At the first fork, go right. At the second fork, go left. Follow the trail across the wash. As you proceed up the canyon, you will see the large rock grotto that is Devils Kitchen. Keep on the established trail and follow the carved steps up the slickrock. As you approach the base of the rock formation, go left around it and hike into the rock opening.

Serpents Trail

Location: From the east entrance, travel 0.2 miles (0.3 km). Limited parking is on the left. For additional parking, turn right into the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area.
Mileage: 1.75 one way (2.8 km)
Difficulty Level: Steep
Elevation: 5,060 to 5,760 feet (1542 to 1756 meters)
Average time: 2 hours
Usage: Hiking only. Horses prohibited.
Description: Called "the crookedest road in the world," this historic trail has 16 switchbacks. The trail climbs steadily from east to west through Wingate Sandstone. Built in the early 1900s, this route was part of the main road until 1950.

Echo Canyon Trail

Location: From the east entrance, travel 0.2 miles (0.3 km). Limited parking is on the left. For additional parking, turn right into the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. This trail starts out as the Old Gordon Trail, at the same trailhead as No Thoroughfare and Devils Kitchen.
Mileage: 1.5 one way (2.8 km)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation: 4,990 to 5,060 feet (1521 to 1542 meters)
Average time: 2 hours
Usage: Hiking only. Horses prohibited.
Description: Follow Old Gordon Trail for 0.5 miles to a signed junction directing hikers down the slickrock into Echo Canyon. This canyon's shady interior offers an escape from the relentless midsummer heat and ends at a pool beneath towering cottonwood trees.

Longer Hiking Trails

Old Gordon Trail

Location: From the east entrance, travel 0.2 miles (0.3 km). Limited parking is on the left. For additional parking, turn right into the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. The trailhead is shared with two other trails: No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail and Devils Kitchen Trail.
Mileage: 4.0 one way (6.4 km)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation: 4,980 to 6,620 feet (1518 to 2018 meters)
Average time: 2 1/2 hours
Usage: Hiking and horseback riding.
Description: Steadily ascending trail that follows the path of a historic lumber and cattle drive road. The park's geologic story is told almost in its entirety through the layers of rock exposed along this mostly undeveloped route. Enjoy the great variety of cacti blooming in the spring.

No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail

Location: From the east entrance, travel 0.2 miles (0.3 km). Limited parking is on the left. For additional parking, turn right into the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. The trailhead is shared with two other trails: Old Gordon Trail and Devils Kitchen Trail.
Mileage: 8.5 one way (13.7 km)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to strenuous
Elevation: 5,000 to 6,820 feet (1524 to 2079 meters)
Average time: Full day
Usage: Hiking only. Horses prohibited.
Description (from lower trailhead): Enjoy a moderately easy hike along the canyon wash for 1 mile to the First Pool, sometimes dry by mid summer. Continue for another 0.8 miles to the First Waterfall, also often dry by summertime. Canyon walls rise over 400 feet around you. If you decide to hike the entire canyon, take a compass and topographic map. The trail is unmaintained beyond the second waterfall. Isolated. Primitive. Most hikers do not attempt the entire route. Check the weather as flash floods pose an imminent danger.

Length of your hike depends on which trail you choose, how far you go, and how often you stop to admire the views!

Pets are not allowed on any trail in the Monument. Do not leave pets in a car - even with the windows down, it gets too hot. Service animals are welcome in any building and on any trail. However, Black Ridge Trail is steep and not recommended for service animals.

Entrance fees are paid at the entrance station on your way to the visitor center. There are no additional fees for hiking or backpacking.

In spring and summer, you will often find lots of wildflowers on these trails. In spring, you may find pools and waterfalls in No Thoroughfare Canyon.

Devils Kitchen Picnic Area has accessible restrooms and picnic tables. None of the trails in this area are considered accessible, due to uneven terrain and/or steepness. Service animals are welcome on all trails but not recommended on Serpents Trail due to its steepness.