Serpents Trail

About

The Serpents Trail is a 3.79-mile out-and-back hiking route located in Colorado National Monument, just east of Grand Junction. The trail climbs steadily from the Devils Kitchen Trailhead through Wingate Sandstone to the rim, featuring 16 switchbacks that give it the nickname "the crookedest road in the world." Originally built as a roadway in the early 1900s and used until 1950, the path is now restricted to hikers only. The elevation gain ranges from 700 feet on the shorter local route to nearly 1,800 feet for the full ascent. The moderate difficulty makes it suitable for beginners and trail runners, with a typical completion time of two hours. Parking is available at the Devils Kitchen Trailhead near the east entrance, with overflow options in the adjacent picnic area. Dogs are prohibited on all trails within the monument. The trail is open year-round, though winter conditions may bring snow and ice.