Hiking in Colorado National Monument

Discover beautiful canyons, interesting plants and perhaps even a glimpse of the bighorn sheep.

NPS Photo / Spencer Stokes

Colorado National Monument's trails offer many opportunities for hikers. Bird watchers and photographers discover the splendor that they traveled so far to find. There's a hike for everyone, whether you're here for an hour or are staying all day. Hike distances range from only 0.25 mile to over 14 miles in length. Check out the What To See tab in the app to choose between Short Hiking Trails or Longer Hiking Trails and see descriptions of each.

Details

Duration

15-360 Minutes

Short trails to overlooks often will take 15-20 minutes. Longer trails such as the popular Lower Monument Canyon Trail to Independence Monument might take a half a day. The rugged No Thoroughfare Canyon will take all day.

Activity

Hiking

Explore trails along mesa rims or within canyon bottoms. There are trails for all ages and abilities. 

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on trails within Colorado National Monument. Service animals are welcome. Keep in mind trail surfaces can be hot and rough on paws.

Activity Fee

Yes

Colorado National Monument has a $25 entrance fee for vehicles, $20 for motorcyclists and $15 for pedestrians. The monument honors all America the Beautiful passes.

Location

West Entrance to Colorado National Monument

Hiking trails can be found throughout Colorado National Monument. A good place to find information is at the visitor center or on the park's hiking webpage.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Trails are open all year. During the winter, in shaded portions the trails can be icy. Cleated treads are recommended.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Trails are open 24 hours a day, however for safety, we recommend traveling primarily from dawn to dusk.

Accessibility Information

Alcove Nature trail has a crushed granite accessible surface for the first 1/4 mile to an overlook. A nature trail guide is available at the visitor center. Other trails are uneven, sandy, rocky, steep, and travel through desert environments along canyon ridges or below cliffs.