Monument Canyon Trailhead

About

The Monument Canyon Trail is a 6-mile one-way route in Colorado National Monument, accessible via two trailheads: the upper trailhead off Rim Rock Drive (near Saddlehorn Visitor Center) or the lower trailhead off Highway 340 near the west entrance. The trail descends approximately 600 feet from the plateau into the canyon, offering views of major sandstone formations including Independence Monument, Kissing Couple, and the Coke Ovens. The route is generally considered moderate to steep, with an average completion time of 4 hours. While the database lists the duration as 2 hours, multiple authoritative sources including the National Park Service and AllTrails indicate a longer duration of 4 to 5.5 hours for the full out-and-back or loop variations. The trail is open year-round, though fall (September through November) provides pleasant hiking conditions. Parking is available at both trailheads. Dogs are permitted on the trail, though some sources note they may be restricted in specific areas or require leashes; verify current NPS regulations. Restrooms are available at the trailheads. The trail is used for hiking and horseback riding along the lower 5 miles.