Jouflas Loop

About

The Jouflas Loop is a moderate, approximately 7.8-mile hiking trail located near Fruita, Colorado, within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The route begins near a cattle guard and requires a 1.5-mile road hike to reach the McDonald Canyon trailhead, which includes an outhouse. From there, hikers follow the McDonald Creek Trail to a cairn marking the start of the Jouflas Trail. The singletrack descends south to the rim of the Colorado River, offering views of the river below. At roughly 5.5 miles, the trail turns away from the river, running below sandstone cliffs and slickrock sections marked by cairns. The route continues through juniper forest, follows a cattle fence, and returns to the parking area. Elevation sits around 5,035 feet. Wildlife observations include bald eagles along the river in winter and western bluebirds. The trail is accessible year-round.