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A quick descent along the mesa-top to gorgeous views of four monoliths and Monument Canyon.


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Map Key

0.4

Miles

0.6

KM

Point to Point

5,824' 1,775 m

High

5,676' 1,730 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

148' 45 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly Children will love the trail's short nature and astounding views.

Description

Otto's Trail's succinct nature and breathtaking views make it a wonderful option for burgeoning hikers, view-seekers, or those seeking the most "bang for their buck" during a short visit to Colorado National Monument.

Beginning at the Otto's Trail Roadside Parking Area, follow the trail along a mesa-top through scrubby Utah juniper and pinyon pine. Descend along the route for about a half-mile before reaching the fenced overlook near the Pipe Organ Monolith.

From this spot, four famous monoliths are visible: to the south lies Independence Monument, towering over 450 feet above the canyon floor, and to the north lies Pipe Organ, Sentinel Spire, and Window Rock.

Flora & Fauna

Typical to this area, Utah juniper, pinyon pine, and sagebrush are in abundance along Otto's Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 7 votes

#8682

Overall
  4.3 from 7 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
71%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#685

in Colorado

#8,682

Overall
3 Views Last Month
706 Since Feb 2, 2016
Easy Easy

71%
29%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Otto's Trail Overlook, Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction, Colorado. with permission from Richard Ryer
Jul 21, 2016 near Fruita, CO
Independence Monument, Colorado
Feb 2, 2016 near Fruita, CO
The view from Otto's Trail down toward Grand Junction, Colorado. with permission from Richard Ryer
Jul 14, 2016 near Fruita, CO
Monument Canyon, Colorado National Monument. with permission from G Eaton
Jun 28, 2016 near Fruita, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 26, 2022
Su Jin Kim
Oct 21, 2021
David Carter
Oct 13, 2021
Randy Turner
Short easy trail just to get to the views of Monument Canyon. Worth doing.
Oct 4, 2021
Noelle Frantz
May 14, 2021
Kristie Reynolds
May 2, 2021
Breck Tuttle
Oct 11, 2020
Lou Hibbard
With Jan. Great look at Independence which I have climbed. 0.8mi
Oct 3, 2020
Kayla Finklein
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