Hike into a natural opening formed by monumental boulders in Western Colorado near Grand Junction. Colorado National Monument is a breathtaking park that offers views of the desert landscape, wildlife, and unique geologic formations like Devils Kitchen. The trail is well marked and relatively easy with a rewarding experience as you go inside a natural rock chamber.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Skill Level: All skill levels can enjoy this trail, although there is some minor scrambling to get to the viewpoint.
- Distance: 1.9 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.
What is Devils Kitchen in Colorado?
Devils Kitchen is one of the most popular trails in Colorado National Monument (referred to as the Monument by locals) near Grand Junction. It’s located close to the east entrance, so it’s a great starting point for visitors checking off hikes on their lists.
The trail is relatively easy and clearly marked up until you reach the ending where there is some loose rock and a minor scramble up into the rock chamber. Generally, this trek takes about an hour and a half round trip.
Plenty of families hike this path with young children, just note that there are canyon drop offs without fencing. However, if you follow the trail properly, it is easy to stay far away from the cliffs. No dogs are allowed on this trail, even on a leash.
Why is it Called Devils Kitchen?
So many hikes, trails, and places in Western United States have the word “devil” in their name. This terminology is typically used to describe unusual landmarks that were not easily understood or could be simply explained by our ancestors. These areas should be protected through conservation.
Devils Kitchen in Colorado follows that description in that it’s an unexpected geologic formation that was created many years ago by nature. The area is composed of a mix of sandstone, shale, and volcanic rock from the Jurassic period, around 160 million years ago.
At the end of this trail, there is a canyon below and above are monoliths and boulders that enclose an inner rock chamber. Wind and water erosion over time shaped the rocks into this special rock formation. The sight is unique and different compared to the other trails in this park, making it an interesting experience.
Location and Parking for Devils Kitchen Trail
To get to the Devils Kitchen trailhead, begin at the east entrance of Colorado National Monument. The trailhead is very close to the entrance and offers limited parking spots on the left. If you turn right, you can also park at the Devils Kitchen picnic area. There are bathrooms near the picnic area, too.
Other nearby trails that share this parking area include No Thoroughfare Canyon trail, Old Gordon Trail, and the famously challenging Serpents Trail. If you’re looking for other short hikes in Colorado National Monument, put Coke Ovens Trail on your list for another easy trail with interesting rock formations.
How to Hike to Devil’s Kitchen Trail
From the parking areas, the trail is clear, wide, and easy to follow. You’ll be walking through a wash and then come to a fork in the road with a sign to go left for Devils Kitchen. Look for cairns once you reach the areas where you’re walking up across rock. In some sections, you will walk up quarried stone stairways and then stairs etched in the slick rock along the perimeter of the canyon.
Keep in mind, you want to proceed up the rock, not just go across. So, proceeding up the canyon walls, you should see a large rock grotto which is your endpoint. Once you reach the base of the rock formation, you can go inside through the opening and then you’ll be at Devils Kitchen.
About Colorado National Monument
Due to its geologic significance, President Taft preserved the park for its historic sandstone cliffs and rock layers that showcase millions of years of erosion. Rock layers of this park, such as Morrison, Entrada, and Precambrian, connect it to other neighboring protected lands across the Colorado Plateau.
Scenery and Wildlife
In Colorado National Monument, the surrounding scenic canyons are automatic perfect screensavers. Driving through the park, you’ll have many chances to soak in these stunning views of the red rocks and canyons, along with the potential to see wildlife.
Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes, as well as tons of species of birds like red-tailed hawks and golden eagles live in this park. Colorado National Monument is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy. The land is home to nine breeding raptor species and more than 54 breeding songbird species.
Devils Kitchen Trail tends to be fairly quiet from a wildlife perspective, however, you should always keep your eyes peeled just in case!
