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An awesome hike with views of the Colorado River, the La Sal Mountains, and Mee Canyon.


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Map Key

6.1

Miles

9.8

KM

Loop

5,726' 1,745 m

High

5,017' 1,529 m

Low

792' 241 m

Up

792' 241 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views

Family Friendly Kids will love the views and the ability to play on rocks and in the tight sandstone slot near the start.

Directions:
Google Maps will not get you to the start of this Hike!

From Grand Junction, head west on I-70 to Rabbit Valley (exit 2). Turn south and cross the overpass and into the Rabbit Valley OHV parking area. Turn left on the gravel road just after the first parking area and drive 4.5 miles to the Rabbit's Ear Trailhead.

Overview

This hike is the perfect getaway from the crowds usually found in the Colorado National Monument. Most folks might be thinking, "...hiking. In Fruita!?" Alas, it's here, and it's good!

Earn awesome views of the river, the far-off mountains, and some unique canyons.

Need to Know

Bring a lot of water for this exposed, hot hike.

Description

From the trailhead, head south and enjoy great views of Rabbit Valley and the Grand Valley. After passing through a sandstone slot, you'll emerge to a La Sal Mountain's vista in the distance and the Colorado River below you before proceeding to a trail junction.

Take the right fork and work your way along the southern edge of Rabbit's Ear before ascending to the mesa top. Follow the trail around the mesa with awesome vantage points of the Colorado River, Mee Canyon, and the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness.

In the summer, keep an eye out for boaters on the Colorado River and camping at the mouth of Mee Canyon. Advance along the mesa top before descending the northeast side of the mesa and reconnecting with the trail heading back to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 9 votes

#1227

Overall
  4.7 from 9 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#239

in Colorado

#1,227

Overall
24 Views Last Month
4,657 Since Apr 22, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

The Colorado River winds its way through the desert sandstone.
Dec 6, 2020 near Loma, CO
The short narrow section is a favorite spot along the trail.
Dec 6, 2020 near Loma, CO
A dashing view with my friend's dog Dash.
Dec 6, 2020 near Loma, CO
A comprehensive slideshow of photos from Rabbit's Ear Trail.
Apr 25, 2016 near Loma, CO
In the spring and summer you can often find delightful wildflowers offering a splash a color on your hike. But come winter it is the lichen that add the eye popping colored fun. What do the patterns "say" to you??
Dec 6, 2020 near Loma, CO
Mormon Tea is a common plant in Western Colorado. Navajo Indians are said to have made a cough medicine from the tops, while Mormons made a tea that is supposedly a laxative.
Dec 6, 2020 near Loma, CO
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