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Natural arches, lush riverbed greenery, and stunning canyon walls await all who descend Ute Canyon.


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Map Key

4.1

Miles

6.6

KM

Point to Point

6,432' 1,961 m

High

5,546' 1,690 m

Low

53' 16 m

Up

939' 286 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

Family Friendly A great option for older kids who can navigate the first steep section.

Description

Descend along the Ute Canyon Trail for a truly mesmerizing experience hiking through the towering, broad walls of Ute Canyon.

Starting at the Ute Canyon Trail Parking Area, follow the dirt and rock-treaded trail as it descends sharply to the canyon floor. Thankfully, parts of this descent have been constructed with large stone steps, making it considerably easier than slip-sliding down a loose dirt hillside.

Upon reaching the canyon floor, head east along the trail, following a seasonal stream bed lush with greenery. Take time to enjoy this portion of the trail, as verdant cottonwood and willow trees occupy this oasis, while sage, scrub oak, and pinyon pine pepper the remaining valley floor.

Along the route, keep your eyes peeled for naturally occurring stone arches carved into the sheer sandstone of the canyon cliffs.

After reaching the trail's end, visitors have the option of returning the way they came or continuing their hike on the Corkscrew Trail or Bench Route.

Flora & Fauna

Cottonwood, willow, sage, scrub oak, and pinyon pine are abundant in this area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 8 votes

#6840

Overall
  4.6 from 8 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#469

in Colorado

#6,840

Overall
13 Views Last Month
2,550 Since Jan 29, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

17%
0%
67%
0%
17%
0%

Photos

View from trailhead after snow.
Dec 29, 2020 near Redlands, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 21, 2021
David Carter
Dec 29, 2020
Jesse L
Attempted in heavy snow. Descent was doable, though a bit slippery. Canyon beautiful but difficult to pass in this weather. Opted to return shortly…
May 12, 2018
Kelly Phillips
Feb 7, 2017
Jared Rourk
Jul 14, 2016
Ace Whatstheirface
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