The coke ovens overlook trail is an easy, short hike with great views of geologically significant rock formations. Located just a few miles from Grand Junction in Colorado National Monument, this viewpoint offers a great way to experience the
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Skill Level: Beginner friendly, all skill levels and ages can enjoy.
- Distance: 1 mile (out-and-back trail).
- Cost: $25 per car, $15 for individual hikers walking or bicycling into the park, or use the America The Beautiful Pass.
About the Coke Ovens in Colorado National Monument
The coke ovens overlook is one of the most visited short trails of Colorado National Monument. The Monument, as the locals refer to it, was preserved by President Taft due to its geologic significance. The rock layers showcase years of erosion that has altered the landscape of the sandstone cliffs. The Precambrian, Entrada, and Morrison rock layers connect to other neighboring protected lands of the Colorado Plateau.
The coke ovens are linear pillar rock formations on the west side of Monument Canyon. The rock is made of Wingate Sandstone, capped by erosion-resistant Kayenta sandstone that takes a whitish color. The sloped base of the cove ovens is composed of rock from the Chinle Formation.
Add a pop of color to your hiking outfits with fun crew socks!
History and Purpose of Coke Ovens
The overlook is named after the beehive coke ovens that were once used to produce coke, a fuel that was used in the production of steel. Coke ovens were built in the early 1900s and were in operation until the 1950s. Today, the rock coke ovens are a historic landmark and serve as a reminder of the area’s industrial past.
Trailhead for Coke Ovens Overlook
The trailhead is accessible within the park’s main road called Rim Rock Drive. This road is considered an engineering masterpiece that was built in years following the Great Depression. This scenic roadway is protected by the National Register of Historic Places.
Going from Saddlehorn Visitor Center, turn left onto Rim Rock Drive and go for almost 4 miles. The trailhead will be on your left and is also shared with the trailhead for the upper Monument Canyon Trail.
Hiking to Coke Ovens Overlook
This easy hike in Colorado National Monument is just under a mile round trip. It takes you on a gradual descent along the hillside to the coke ovens overlook (you’re protected here by metal railings for safety).
The overlook itself offers visitors a panoramic view of the canyon around you and below. From the overlook, you can see the towering rock formations, the winding roads, and the lush greenery that covers the canyon floor. The view is particularly stunning at sunset, when the sun casts a warm orange glow over the canyon.
Wildlife of Colorado National Monument
Within Colorado National Monument, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds live, nest, and hunt. Some of the types of animals you may see include:
- Mule deer
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Coyotes
- Mountain lions
- Grey foxes
- Hopi chipmunks
- Golden eagles
- Red-tailed hawks
- White-throated swift*
- Red-spotted toad
- Canyon tree frog
The white-throated swifts are a sight to see with many acrobatic tricks and lightning fast speeds. At the coke ovens overlook, we were greeted by a grouping of white-throated swifts zipping through the air at incredible speeds. They were almost too close for comfort as all we heard were “wooshes” and then a flash of their tiny black and white bodies diving, twisting, and turning. These birds mate while in flight and nest in the crevices of the cliffs.
The Colorado National Monument is home to over 54 breeding songbird species and nine breeding raptor species. The area is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy.
