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A historic road turned singletrack through pinyon and juniper along the canyon rims of the Monument.


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Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.3

KM

Point to Point

6,550' 1,996 m

High

5,884' 1,793 m

Low

751' 229 m

Up

126' 38 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

Description

Access the trail from the Wildwood trailhead via the Lower Liberty Cap Trail or drive up Rimrock Drive in Colorado National Monument and park at the upper trailhead.

From the bench just before the summit of the Lower Liberty Cap Trail follow cairns right as you contour around the right side of the cliff until you come to a weakness. Switchback up the steep climb where you'll top out and continue following the trail as you pass by some old hitching posts. The trail will continue weaving through pinyon and juniper trees with occasional views down to the canyons on either side.

About 3.5 miles from the upper parking lot there is an unmarked junction heading off to the east. The Upper Liberty Cap trail is obvious to follow, but if you want to take a side trip to check out Otto's Bathtub take the unofficial trail along the canyon rim and explore. The Upper Liberty Cap trail continues to gradually climb up the mesa with a few steeper sections on bentonite (muddy if wet) and then meets up with the road where the obvious white cliff band is located.

The trail is very gentle and smooth and can be a great option for an out-and-back hike of any length. You can also continue on hiking by taking the Black Ridge Trail on the other side of the road from the upper parking lot. The Black Ridge Trail goes all the way to the Visitor Center.

Flora & Fauna

Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes when it gets hot. Lots of rabbits, quail and coyotes in the area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Andrew Walters

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 5 votes

#3

in Redlands

#23517

Overall
  3.6 from 5 votes
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Trail Rankings

#3

in Redlands

#1,837

in Colorado

#23,517

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2,209 Since Jul 13, 2015
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Photos

A dry river runs through it
Jul 14, 2015 near Redlands, CO
Panorama of Liberty Cap during a winter sunrise. with permission from Hobbes7714 Photo Credit: Andrew Wahr  Link: https://twitter.com/WahrAndrew
Jul 19, 2016 near Redlands, CO
Sunset over the Bookcliff Range.  Time to fly in the fading light!
Jul 17, 2015 near Redlands, CO

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