Devil's Kitchen Trail

About

The Devil's Kitchen Trail is a moderate, out-and-back hike located just inside the east entrance to Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction. The trail begins on Rim Rock Drive, roughly 0.2 miles from the park entrance, with limited parking available on the left and additional space in the nearby Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. The route shares its trailhead with the No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail and Old Gordon Trail, while Serpents Trail access lies across the road. The trail covers 1.2 miles total, with an elevation gain from approximately 4,990 to 5,060 feet. Hikers follow a gradual ascent up slickrock and carved steps to reach a natural grotto formed by large upright boulders. The path crosses a wash and navigates two forks before leading into the rock opening. While some local guides suggest pets are permitted, multiple sources including AllTrails and Visit Grand Junction explicitly state that dogs are not allowed on this specific trail. The typical duration is about one to two hours, making it a manageable outing for fall hiking between September and November.