devils canyon hiking trails

Mostly I'm writing this review so I can add some pictures - I'm researching another trip to Fruita and noticed there weren't any photos for this hike.While not epic, it is a pleasant hike into the desert and a beautiful canyon. The signage is quite good if you have a map - just stay on the correct trail! Note that this hike is south of Fruita - not in the Colorado National Monument (that's the Devil's Kitchen hike).Bring plenty of water and a camera - my favorite shot was of the collared lizard. We went early morning in July and the heat wasn't too bad . . . plan accordingly.Suitable for hikers of all levels (well, maybe not the navigational challenged.

The directions arent far off from the private looking dirt parking lot. Hiked for a great sun set but was forced back due to poor signage with washed out trails and rocky drainages. Not too impressed

Excellent vistas. Choice of many trails. Easy to hard. Clean trails and trailheads. Not a lot of shade so wear a hat and the sun beats off the rocks, so shades a good thing to have. No real need for hiking poles unless hiking steeper trails. Beautiful formations everywhere. You share with horses sometimes but they are not many riders and they are always nice to see.

The first part of the hike is a bit boring but once you reach the canyon trails, it's great, with steep cliffs and a trail that wends its way along the bottom, then climbs to some great vistas. We didn't allow ourselves enough time or bring enough water, so we had to turn around before making the full loop. Lots of water needed for this trip.

From the trailhead it is 1.5 mile to the intersection where the loop trail D3 (4-mile long) takes hikers and runners to the historic cabin. Views along this trail are spectacular with tall canyon walls soaring above, stunning rock formations, wildflowers. In the beginning of the loop there is a noteworthy climb regardless whether taking this hike in clockwise or counterclockwise direction. It seems that most runners and hikers prefer clockwise direction. It is a popular trail for local hikers and runners with dogs. I would describe this trail as a 7-mile of a real splendor.There are other trails that could be added to this hike so if a 7 mile hike is not long enough it could be connected with D4, D5 and this can take a hiker to Flume Canyon, Pollock Bench, from Pollock Bench it is possible to hike all the way to Rattlesnake Arches. This last hike (Rattlesnake Arches) I mentioned is a little over 15 miles long round trip. There are more trails in this one area. It is a real joy for hikers, horseback riders, and runners to have so many options available.