Desolation Ridge

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.