Last updated: February 26, 2025
Thing to Do
Short Hikes in the Monument
NPS Photo
These out-and-back short hiking trails start from along scenic Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. All are less than two miles round-trip, perfect for short treks from the car to get better views of these outstanding canyons.
Canyon Rim, Alcove Nature, and Window Rock Trails
Starting at Saddlehorn Visitor Center, Canyon Rim Trail and Alcove Nature Trail introduce you to the landscapes and ecosystems of the monument. Window Rock Trail can connect from Canyon Rim Trail at the Book Cliff Shelter, or from the trailhead on the north side of Saddlehorn Campground Loop C.Otto's Trail
A mile east of the visitor center, Otto's Trail takes you to the end of a peninsula into the canyons, and you're surrounded on three sides by the panorama of Wedding and Monument Canyons.Coke Ovens Trail
At the Upper Monument Canyon trailhead, you also access Coke Ovens Trail, which descends from the road part-way down into the canyon and leads you to the top of the southernmost "Coke Oven" rock formation.Details
Duration
20-60 Minutes
The shortest trails might take you less than a half hour to go to the end and back, but stopping to look at the scenery and take photographs will extend your time!
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed on any trails in the monument. Service animals are welcome.
Activity Fee
Yes
An entrance fee is required to access trails along historic Rim Rock Drive. Stop at either the west (Fruita) or east (Grand Junction) entrance stations on your way into the monument. Federal Recreational Lands Passes are accepted here as well.
Location
Saddlehorn Visitor Center
Your route through the monument can start at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center, where several short hikes begin. From here, travel Rim Rock Drive to access other short hikes along your scenic drive.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Occasionally, winter snows or shoulder-season rainstorms will leave trails icy or muddy. Check weather conditions before your visit.
Accessibility Information
Only the first quarter mile of Alcove Nature Trail is considered an accessible trail. It is unpaved, but the tread is compacted, decomposed gravel. Other short hikes in the monument might still require stone steps, uneven terrain, and close proximity to steep canyon drop-offs.
More About These Trails
Showing results 1-5 of 5
- Colorado National Monument
Canyon Rim Trail (Colorado National Monument)
- Locations: Colorado National Monument
Canyon Rim Trail begins behind Saddlehorn Visitor Center. About a half mile walk along the rim of Wedding Canyon provides scenic views.
- Colorado National Monument
Alcove Nature Trail (Colorado National Monument)
- Locations: Colorado National Monument
Alcove Nature Trail, located across Rim Rock Drive from Saddlehorn Visitor Center, is a half-mile out-and-back nature trail. Paper trail guides are available at the trailhead or at the information desk in the visitor center.
- Colorado National Monument
Window Rock Trail (Colorado National Monument)
- Locations: Colorado National Monument
Window Rock Trail in Colorado National Monument can be accessed from Canyon Rim Trail, Book Cliffs View, or the trailhead at the far end of the Saddlehorn Campground access road.
- Colorado National Monument
Otto's Trail (Colorado National Monument)
- Locations: Colorado National Monument
Otto's Trail in Colorado National Monument leads to excellent views of Wedding and Monument Canyons, including Independence Monument.
- Colorado National Monument
Coke Ovens Trail (Colorado National Monument)
- Locations: Colorado National Monument
Coke Ovens Trail in Colorado National Monument is a short hike down onto the rock formation of the same name. You won't find views of the Coke Ovens themselves, but you'll find excellent views of the upper reaches of Monument Canyon.