This post will highlight hikes around the Grand Valley that I use for training and bliss. This will also serve as my resource to use for introducing my grandson to hiking. I will try to link an AllTrails link for each hike to offer some navigation and directions. I would also recommend looking up these hikes on the gjhikes.com site.

I have set up this list from easy to hard.

1. Miracle Rock Trail, 1 mile 200′ vertical
2. Devils Kitchen Trail, 1.5 mile 311′ vertical
3. Echo Canyon Trail, 2.4 mile 500′ vertical
4. Mica Mine Trail, 2.6 mile 290′ vertical
5. Palisade Rim Trail, 3.3 miles 616′ vertical
6. No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail, to 1st waterfall ~ 3 miles
7. Gunny Loop/Connector, 4 miles 480′ vertical
8. Gunnison Bluffs, 4.3 miles 305 ‘ vertical
9. Flume Canyon, 5 mile 500′ vertical
10. Second Thoughts + Twist-N-Shout Trail, 4.9 miles 617′ vertical
11. Monument Canyon Loop Trail, 5 miles 750′ vertical
12. Devil’s Canyon D1 and D7 Loop, 5.1 miles 670′ vertical
13. Pollock Bench Trail, 7 miles 920′ vertical
14. Rough Canyon Loop Trail, 4.5 miles 900′ vertical
15. Devils Canyon Loop Trail, 7 miles 800′ vertical

Miracle Rock Trail, 1 mile 200′ vertical

Miracle Rock Trail is located in the area of Glade Park just off of 9 & 8/10 Road. Miracle Rock weighs 12,000 tons and stands 85 feet tall, massive boulder, weighing hundreds of tons, that is perched on top of an area that is only 1 foot wide. The Trailhead is a very nice Picnic Area with a pit toilet.

Some interesting history of this site.

The hike up to the Miracle Rock is fairly straightforward of moderate difficulty. The primary views are of the Glade Park area but also some views toward the Little Dolores River valley.

I hiked beyond the Miracle Rock at first. where the trail wraps around a rock wall, but there were some interesting formations and a nice place for a campfire.

Heading back north toward the Miracle Rock began the array of views of this amazing perched rock.

Views up close help to show how precarious this perch really is. You can’t help but wonder when this rock will fall over, hoping it is not when you are under it.

Overall Miracle Rock was an amazing reward for such a simple hike.

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Devils Kitchen Trail, 1.5 mile 311′ vertical

The Devils Kitchen Trail located just inside the East portal of the Colorado National Monument is perfect for getting started. I ended up hiking more then the 1.5 mile 311 ft vertical but that was because I was a bit rusty at using my hiking app. But this trail is doable by most anyone who can walk and the beauty offered the inspiration I needed. This hike starts from the Devil’s Kitchen Trailhead which serves the 4 hikes listed on the sign.

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Echo Canyon Trail, 2.4 mile 500′ vertical

The Echo Canyon Trail in the Colorado National Monument is a moderately challenging 2.4 mile hike into what is truly an echo canyon. The waterfall is probably dry most of the year but the canyon and water spout is beautiful. This hike starts from the Devil’s Kitchen Trailhead which serves 4 hikes.

The echo canyon is the end of the trail and then you return. There are some minor boulder climbs of about 2 or 3 feet but not too difficult. There is a mining cave in the side wall, but it does not look like it was ever seriously used.

The hike back to the trailhead is just as beautiful. Overall this is a short hike with a lot of scenic value.

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Mica Mine Trail, 2.6 mile 290′ vertical

The Mica Mine Trail was a 2.6 mile pleasant surprise for shear beauty. The reviews talk about the incredible rock formations which are totally confirmed. I was snapping photos all the way.

This is an easy hike, however, there are some high stepping in the beginning. You are basically hiking in a small stream canyon with very interesting rock formations, but what impressed me the most were colors & striations of the rock.

Of course the canyon rock formations grab your attention.

The added treat for this hike is the investigation of the old mica and quartz mine.

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Palisade Rim Trail, 3.3 miles 616′ vertical

The Palisade Rim Trail gave me a different view of the valley and increased the physical effort to 3+ miles and 600+ vertical. This trail is located on the East end of Palisade up against the canyon wall created by the Colorado River. The distance and vertical were double that of my first hike but just right to create some positive pain in my legs. The fabulous views of the Grand Valley looking west confirmed for me how lucky I was to be living here. The trail is moderately challenging with a loop portion that highlights the view and the back canyon.

I recently returned to the Palisade Rim Trail to checkout the backside Palisade Plunge Trail.

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No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail, to 1st waterfall ~ 3 miles

The No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail in the Colorado National Monument was intriguing to me because I wanted to hike the 6 mile version from above, but I needed to hike the popular portion of the trail from the Devils Kitchen Trailhead up to the first 2 waterfalls. I tried to climb above the first waterfall, however, I chickened out so I definitely won’t be doing the longer version of the trail from the upper trailhead. The beginning of the hike offers these amazing fortress views.

You come to a water pool area which is like a small waterfall, the around it is beautiful. You then climb up and over via a fairly nice step climb.

The hike up to the first falls provides more canyon beauty.

The first falls present interesting wall stains from the dry waterfall.

This is where I tried to climb up and over but halfway up I chickened out due to a narrow slanted section that if I slipped up would have been a 50′ fall.

Heading back down to the Trailhead was an easy downhill trek.

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Gunny Loop/Connector, 4 mile 480′ vertical

The Gunny Loop combined with the Gunny Loop Connector is one of many trail options in the Lunch Loops Trail area of the Bangs Canyon SRMA. This Gunny Loop reference from AllTrails is pretty close to accurate. This map to the right shows my path. I turned this hike into about a 4 mile 480′ vertical loop with a side link up to a great lookout at 5424′.

This hike is one of many in the area which are designated for foot or bike traffic. I would definitely classify this route a moderate. The trail hiked clockwise offers excellent signage and is well maintained. The first half of the hike offers numerous excellent views of the Grand Valley.

The second half of the trail back to the trailhead provides access to small interesting canyon undulations with views to the South and West.

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Gunnison Bluffs, 4.3 miles 305 vertical

The Gunnison Bluffs Trail is a beautiful and easy hike along the bluffs of the Gunnison river just east of Grand Junction outside of Whitewater. This hike is part of the Old Spanish Trail System and is mostly on private land that . The trail travels along the bluffs above the north side of the Gunnison River. The typical semi arid desert terrain of the area is enhanced by bluffs overlooking the green vegetation along the river corridor. I loved the expansive desolate views which offer their own form of beauty. The views of the Gunnison truly reflect how a river brings life to the desert.

The loop identified in Alltrails may only be 4.3 miles, however, you can create whatever length hike you desire. Definitely some nice options for mountain bikers with side trails.

You may also be joined by a train chugging through the little canyon.

This is a great hike to feel the great open space with awesome views of the Gunnison river from the bluffs and the view of the Grand Mesa to the Northeast.

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The Flume Canyon, 5 miles 500′ vertical

The Flume Canyon Trail in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area does not get high marks for excitement but that is only based on the trail documented on Alltrails. I would rank the area as exceptional using the actual Flume Canyon Trail as a baseline. You definitely want to do the actual Flume Canyon referred to as the Inner Flume. Plus there is reference to the Flume 1 Trail which confuses what should be the best path. I came to a fork in the trail which I assumed was the Flume Canyon Trail because it took me into a small canyon to the east for the actual trail. The yellow line shows my exploration. I knew I was off the main trail but used a path that took me to a small box canyon. I did end up hiking about 5 miles.

Then it was easy to backtrack a bit and find a real trail that took me to the Devils 1 Trail which merged with the east side of the Flume Trail.

Shortly after rejoining the Flume Trail I came across the end of the canyon from above.

As I travelled back toward the trailhead on the Flume Trail I realized that this canyon was the true Flume Canyon and it looked like it needed to be explored. After about a mile I could tell that the canyon was shrinking enough to allow me to find a trail down into it. If I had stayed on the Flume Trail I would have seen the sign designating the Inner Flume which is basically what I was able to access.

Overall this Flume Canyon area was awesome and definitely calls me back to properly identify a new route. BTW, I met a couple my age who had set out to hike the Devils Canyon Loop but got stuck on the Devils D1 Trail taking them over to Flume. As I was leaving I found this out after I offered them a ride back to the Devils Canyon Trailhead.

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Second Thoughts Trail and Twist-N-Shout Trail Loop

The Second Thoughts Twist-N-Shout Trail is another hike from the Lunch Loop Trail System of the Bangs Canyon Recreation Area, BLM. This moderate 4.9 mile 600+ vertical hike provides almost a constant view of the Grand Valley. I started this hike from the Third Flat Trailhead, but it also appears you could park along the Little Park road and start. My first try for this hike was after a rainstorm which cut it short due to the heavy mud. My second try allowed me to complete the entire loop starting with the Second Thoughts route and then finishing with the Twist-N-Shout to complete the loop. The vertical does give you a serious workout. My recent hike with my 7 month old Lab, Gracie, definitely wore her out. I was also surprised by the view of our new house in Spyglass Ridge to the north.

I also like the view over to the Black Ridge of Colorado National Monument.

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Monument Canyon Loop Trail, 5 miles 750′ vertical

The Monument Canyon Loop Trail gives you access to the amazing rock sculptures that you typically take in from the road above through the Colorado National Monument.

The loop is created by combining the trail to Independence Monument and the Unimproved Wedding Canyon Trail. I believe starting the loop counterclockwise with the Wedding Canyon Trail is the most scenic direction. The term “unimproved” is apt, with a few steep sections that slow you down a bit but are not a problem. There are magical views as you approach the Independence Monument section of the loop. This hike takes you below a number of scenic overlooks used by visitors to the National Monument. The photos follow the counterclockwise direction of the loop.

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Devil’s Canyon D1 and D7 Loop

The Devil’s Canon D1 to D7 Loop was 5.2 miles and 679′ vertical when I hiked it. It is accessed from the very popular Devil’s Canyon Trailhead in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The main hike that I started on was the Devil’s Canyon Trail, but I have come to appreciate all of the D Numbered Trails that are to the west of Devil’s Canyon. In fact, there are various connector trails over to the Pollock Bench Trails.

The D1 trail can take you to the Devil’s Canyon trail or it will take you to a western side overlook of the canyon, which is spectacular. However, the D1 trail climb is all uphill with a final climb up and over a pass that puts you on the D7 trail. There are many unique rock formations and great views of the Fruita end of the Grand Valley along the climb.

The mini pass over to the D7 trail which is a bit steep reminded me of the many passes I have conquered in my backpacking adventures.

This is the high point so it is all downhill from here. The D7 trail provides more valley views along with more unique rock formations as you head back to the trailhead from the west.

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Pollock Bench Trail, 7 miles 920′ vertical

The Pollock Bench Trail is a 7 mile loop with 900+ vertical just east of Devils Canyon is accessed from the Pollock Bench Trailhead. This easy hike offers the different perspective of being above the canyons with great views of the Grand Valley. You are more exposed on this hike so ideal to hike this in the Spring or Autumn. The early part of the hike hits you with most of the climb and the best views of the Grand Valley.

The loop portion of the hike walks you around the top of various canyons that offer unique stone sculptures.

The last portion of the loop offer views back toward Devils Canyon.

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Rough Canyon Loop Trail, 4.5 miles 900′ vertical

I enjoyed the Mica Mine trail so much I wanted to go back to take on the Rough Canyon Loop from the same trailhead. This 4.5 mile trek is listed as moderately challenging but I would categorize the canyon portion as difficult. You want to do this hike clockwise which means you start out going down the ATV road which is above the canyon to the north. This first half of the hike is easy with good views of the Grand Mesa. This trail also accommodates ATVs until you begin the return up the Rough Canyon.

The Rough Canyon return begins with a shift to a less travelled trail that comes upon a sculpted rock trail and scenery. But then you enter into the canyon which on this day in December had a white coat of snow.

The canyon then presents you with one challenging section after another typically requiring you to select the correct route around blocking boulders. If you choose the wrong way just turn around and try another. Lots of 4-5′ boulder climbs which tends to really wear you out.

As you start to approach about a mile from the end you come upon a a canyon obstruction that can’t be climbed over. Then you see stairs leading off to the left which looks like it means traversing along narrow ledges above the unpassable waterfall type area. It does turn out to look worse then it is, but you need to call on your no fear of heights mentality.

The trail goes back to typical boulder climbing, but it does begin to broaden out as you near the finish.

Slideshow Below

Overall a good hike that does push you physically.

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Devils Canyon Loop Trail, 7 miles 800′ vertical

I needed a trail that would push me enough to validate whether I was ready for more serious hikes and backpacking trips in the mountains. The Devil’s Canyon Loop Trail located in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area ended up being 8 miles with about 900′ vertical, which when packaged with approaching storms, gave me just the test I needed. The lower portion of the trail before the loop is a nice hike, but the real magic is found on the upper portion.

I always lose the trail at about the 1.1 mile point where the D1 rejoins the Devils Canyon Trail. You need to drop down to the Devils Canyon Trail. However, you could just stay on the D1 trail and enjoy the great options of the D1, D4, D5, D6 and D7 trails (map right.

I had a close encounter with a hummingbird (photo below), which provided me with numerous amazing photos.

The old shed/cabin signifies the furthest point from the trailhead when I realized that the weather was changing more rapidly than I expected.

I had to rush back to the car, which was actually a perfect way to confirm that I was prepared to resume my old backpacking adventures. The Adventure Continues now.