Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area

About

Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area is a 2,080-acre wildlife habitat along the Colorado River near Fruita. The area offers moderate fall hiking on trails that wind through the canyon. The hike typically takes about 2 hours to complete. Access requires a valid hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area (SWA) pass for anyone 16 or older. Parking is available at the site. Pets are permitted. The trail is graded as moderate difficulty. Insects can be a nuisance, particularly in spring and early summer, so repellent and long clothing are recommended. The area is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Getting there involves taking I-70 to Fruita, heading south on Highway 340 for 4 miles, turning west at King View Estates onto County Road 1.3, and driving approximately 2 miles to the boundary. GPS coordinates are 39.17723, -108.81333.