Coal Canyon Trailhead

About

The Coal Canyon Trailhead in Clifton, Colorado, serves as the access point for a moderate 5.7-mile out-and-back hike through the Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area. The trail begins at an elevation of 4,975 feet and typically takes about two hours to complete. The route follows a road for approximately three miles before connecting to the Hoodoo trail, leading hikers through colorful sedimentary cliffs displaying red, yellow, and orange layers. The area is part of the Wild Horse and Burro Management Area administered by the Bureau of Land Management, where wild horses are frequently encountered. The trailhead offers parking and restrooms but no potable water source. It is pet-friendly, with dogs required to remain on a leash. The optimal hiking season runs from September through November, offering mild temperatures and clear views of the Grand Valley, Colorado National Monument, and distant La Sal Mountains. The site is managed by the BLM Grand Junction Field Office.