There are so many great hikes in and around Grand Junction. But, for me, one of them towers above the rest as the best hike in Grand Junction.
Independence Monument is iconic for Grand Junction. Independence Monument trail also has some of the most accessible and spectacular views of the cliffs, canyons and if you’re lucky, the resident flock of big horn sheep that graze the areas around the trails.
Cliffs along the Monument Trail
I pulled up to the parking lot for the first time, and figured it was just going to be another fairly standard trail hike. The view was pretty, but nothing to write home about. The surrounding areas were shrubby with sage brush, juniper and cactus. The single track trail was dusty tan and covered in fine, desert sand. Dry but not yet hot in the day, the trail led us along the old buffalo fencing that marks the boundary of the Colorado National Monument.
A fairly sharp turn around the base of the rising berm set our course southwest, and there rising in the distance was the tip top of Independence Monument still tiny against the canyon wall back drop. The sheer sandstone cliffs rose vertical in the orange morning light. We started walking up the trail steps, and I felt myself prickle with sweat. Past the frog-head rock. Occasionally people put smaller rocks in its mouth to give it teeth. I always look to see.
Chatting as we hiked, my friend and I skirted along the cliffs as we gained elevation towards the monument. Big horn sheep watched us and chewed slowly as we passed. They are typical residents of the hike, and clearly used to humans. I couldn’t help but stop to take too many pictures of them.
The trail zig zagged as we went up and up still and took another hard to turn to the right along the sheer band of cliffs. We would pass other fellow hikers from time to time. But, the tranquility and stillness of the morning air had me drifting in wonder at the surrounding nature.
Sweating it out on the trail
We hiked closer and closer until Independence Monument towered above us. No climbing signs posted mark the season when the raptors are nesting. A quick 2.5 miles out and an even faster (it’s downhill) 2.5 miles back, the loop is a steady, sweaty spectacle of Grand Junction nature at its finest.
The only downside for me, is that it’s not dog friendly since the trails in the National Monument are pooch-free. If you’re looking for some great dog-friendly trails, I’d give Devils Canyon and the Fruita Paleo trails a try.
Check out the trail system and other info here: https://www.blm.gov/visit/fruita-paleo-area
If you’re looking for an easy to get to, moderate, breathtaking hike, Independence Monument loop is hard to beat. Find out more about it here: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/monument-canyon-loop-hike.htm
Oh, and I wouldn’t recommend it during summer days. It’s hot. Like, blisteringly hot. Any other time of year (including winter) is fantastic.
So, take a break from reading blogs and go out there and hike!
To your health,
Alanna
Alanna Spees, REALTOR®
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Frog Head Rock. Someone put kids it in today too (it was me!)
Camouflaged big horn
It’s family friendly
