This Colorado National Monument Trail Is In Full Bloom Right Now

Many of the trails inside the Colorado National Monument are designed to be short, fun adventures that almost anyone can enjoy. The park has several short trails that allow visitors to easily access some of its must-see features.

The monument (enter in Fruita or Grand Junction) is also home to longer trails such as Monument Canyon Trail (11 miles), Liberty Cap Trail (13 miles), Otto's Tub (8.5 miles), and Ute Canyon (6.5 miles).

Ute Canyon in the Colorado National Monument

Hiking longer-distance trails in the Colorado National Monument often means lots of sun exposure. I recommend hiking these trails during the spring or fall, or waiting for cooler, overcast days during the summer. You'll need lots of water and plenty of sunscreen.

Read More: 5 Fun and Easy Hikes at the Colorado National Monument

Ute Canyon in Full Bloom

The hike down from the Upper Ute Canyon Trailhead to the Corkscrew/Liberty Cap Trail is a six-mile hike that is all downhill. This hike is ideal for wildflowers and birdwatching, and you may even see additional wildlife along the way. Take a look at some of the wildflowers I saw in full bloom in Ute Canyon over Memorial Day Weekend.

Ute Canyon to Wildwood Court

If you have the legs for it, park at the Wildwood Trailhead and make the 1200-foot climb up the Liberty Cap Trail, and join up with the Ute Canyon Trail for a spectacular out-and-back. Option 2: If you can get a ride from the Liberty Cap Trailhead up to the Ute Canyon trailhead, the hike becomes a downhill adventure at half the distance (but with all the views).

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