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Monument Canyon Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 219 Google reviews · Running trail in Grand Junction, Colorado · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Monument Canyon 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.
Looping trail with views of the valley, bighorn sheep and the rock formations.
What runners say about Monument Canyon Trail
“The first part of the hike runs along behind some private residences but then it turns toward the Monument and it's quite scenic.”
“Top tip that helped a lot in the heat was having my small umbrella for some follow me shade all the way round which was a god send today.”
This is a challenging, but very rewarding trail. It has rocks, elevation gains, and no shade, but the views are so worth it. Don't be discouraged by the walk behind private properties at the start; once you get into the canyon, it is quite a sight. Even had a chance to meet some of the local wildlife :)
Tough one today, we started too late (9:30am) and took 3hrs 15 mins. Finished in 103 degrees heat! Not great. Should have started at 07:00 when not so hot. You have to be pretty fit in these conditions. Take plenty of water and snacks.
About 5 miles round trip to follow the Monument Canyon Trail to Independence Rock, a little less than two hours. On the way in was a decent climb it seemed. The first part of the hike runs along behind some private residences but then it turns toward the Monument and it's quite scenic.
Round trip of 12 miles. Vigorous climb up and down from Rim Road. Moderate climb from lower trailhead. Every step is rewarded with great views. Pass Independence, Kissing Couple and Coke Ovens.
Trail conditions & character
“Breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for off-path rock scrambles, especially if you veer off the trail and get lost, as we did.”
“The trail has some steep parts but the views are so incredible you aren’t even thinking about it.”
“Took the loop, which would recommend taking the Wedding Canyon section on the way out.”
“Top tip that helped a lot in the heat was having my small umbrella for some follow me shade all the way round which was a god send today.”
“Oh and the parking lot has lots of dips there's a out house at the beginning of trail .”
Plan your run at Monument Canyon Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(970) 858-2800
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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