Rabbit Valley 3

About

Rabbit Valley 3 is a difficult, point-to-point hiking trail in Fruita, Colorado, situated within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The 3-mile route connects to Rabbit Valley 4 and traverses a pinyon-juniper desert landscape characterized by red sandstone formations, rimrock outcrops, and overhangs. Hikers ascend via Rabbit Valley 4 to a bench below the mesa top, then follow a relatively flat section through several gulleys before reaching the rim. The trail offers views of the Colorado River and peaks. A rugged descent with large rock steps leads back to the valley floor. The trail is motor-legal and allows multi-use traffic, including ATVs and motorcycles. Parking is available at the trailhead. The route is accessible year-round, though hikers should verify current conditions due to potential fire evacuation orders in the Critical Gold Mountain Fire zone. The total elevation gain and loss result in a net elevation of 4,949 feet at the start. Typical completion time is approximately two hours.