Hiking · Paonia, CO
Desolation Ridge
Before you go
Live · nearest station Delta County, 16 miStorms build later today. Plan an early finish.
Thunderstorms
Feels like 71°
Trailhead temp
66° est. at 6,288 ft
Storm chance
51% afternoon
Wind
5 mph W
Distance
0.5mi round trip
Elevation gain
—
High point
6,288ft
Season
Jan - Dec
About
Desolation Ridge is a 0.5-mile hiking trail located in Paonia, Colorado, within the Jumbo Mountain Trails System. The trail connects to the Shitake Ridge and Wapity Whip trails at its upper end, starting near the junction of 3rd Street and Rio Grande Avenue. From there, hikers follow Pan American Avenue to the trailhead at the end of the road. The route descends along a straight ridgeline for half a mile, losing approximately 280 feet of elevation. The average grade is about 11%, with steeper sections reaching 20%. The trail ends where the Wapity Whip trail crosses Plumbers Crack. Parking is limited at the immediate trailhead, but additional spaces are available at Apple Valley Park near the bottom of the hill. A restroom is located at Apple Valley Park. The trail is open year-round and offers views of the surrounding valley, with wildflowers visible in spring and early summer. Cell service is generally available with 3 to 5 bars.
Trail profile
Gain
—
Avg grade
—
Steepest
—
High point
6,288 ft
Good to know
Parking at the trailhead
Waypoints
Latest trail reportgood
Trail is in good condition. No significant obstacles or hazards reported.
Reported Mar 2, 2025Verified
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Within 30 miles