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Devil's Kitchen Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 146 Google reviews · Running trail in Grand Junction, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Devil's Kitchen Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Short, easy route that leads to a dramatic sandstone structure with views of the mountains and canyon.
What runners say about Devil's Kitchen Trail
“It reminds me how small we are compared to the earth, but also how beautiful it is that we still gather, learn, laugh, and make memories inside places this grand.”
“There’s not much shade until you make it up to the rocks, so plan for that.”
“The sunlight pouring down through the opening above gives the whole scene a peaceful warmth.”
“Easy family friendly hike, parking lot fills up very quickly but there is a picnic area close by that acts as an overflow.”
Great trail for all ages. Very easy and then somewhat moderate once you get to the rocks. There’s not much shade until you make it up to the rocks, so plan for that. Our 6 year old needed a little help scrambling up some of the rocks but loves every minute of the hike.
Great family hike for young kids and you get stunning views. A 4-year-old and 2-year-old did this hike. Highly recommended for all ages. Parking is very limited so get there early. There is some overflow parking at a picnic area across the road.
Fantastic hike with amazing rock formations. There is some light scrambling to get up to the rocks (Devil's Kitchen) and it's usually more difficult coming down. Not an issue for the young but if you over 70 or have knee/hip issues then the last part of the trail may not be for you.
It was great but we did not realize once you take the rock carved steps you just keep going straight up from there to the devils kitchen rocks. We went half a mile past it along the edge of the bowl. We didn't find until the way back. The photo is from the backside of the formation
Trail conditions & character
“It reminds me how small we are compared to the earth, but also how beautiful it is that we still gather, learn, laugh, and make memories inside places this grand.”
“There’s not much shade until you make it up to the rocks, so plan for that.”
“Easy hike with a mild scramble climb to the actual big “kitchen” rock area.”
“Easy family friendly hike, parking lot fills up very quickly but there is a picnic area close by that acts as an overflow.”
“Final 1/4 mile is steeper and rocky, so some scrambling is required, but just follow the cairns and footprints.”
Plan your run at Devil's Kitchen Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitehikespeak.com
Running trails near Grand Junction
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Devils Kitchen Trail
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Popular hiking area featuring a picnic area and kid-friendly trails.
Lunch Loop Trailhead
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Old Kiln Trailhead
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Bangs Canyon Trailhead (Mica Mine)
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Easy, out-and-back trail (1–2.5 hrs) that winds through a canyon to a mica mine with gleaming quartz rocks.