Near Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon
Monumental in Grand Junction, this is what running on the Western Slope is all about
Near Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon
More beautiful formations with cloud and sun caught during the end of a storm
Near Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon
The base of the cliffs on Monument Canyon Trail, the day before the snow
Near Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon
Other side of Kissing Couple monolith
Near Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon
Independence Monument (left) and the Pipe Organ formation (center right)

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon

4.6 (33 Ratings)
A beautiful hike in Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon.
6.9
mi
Distance
1,071
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
ViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.94mi
Distance
1,071ft
Elevation Gain
1,071ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
5,389ft
High Point
4,683ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the parking area, start up Monument Canyon Trail. Follow the trail over one little rise before it continuously climbs for around a mile with variations of rock, technical spots and packed trail. There are several cliffs rising above the trail on your right as you ascend to the spire. There are trail markers when you get to the split between the Monument Canyon Trail and Wedding Canyon Trail. Continue on to the left over rolling terrain for the next few miles. The trail will twist and turn, working its way around smaller canyons. At about 3.5 miles in, you'll have seen some of the cooler rock formations there are to see, so this is a good place to turn around and head back to the intersection with Wedding Canyon Trail. The first 0.5 miles features a nice little descent before getting into the very steep stuff for about another mile. This section of trail features some technical and sketchy areas with loose scree or dirt. The trail begins to undulate again as it continues down to the canyon floor and then winds its way out. The rest of the route features rollers and a few small technical spots to climb out and merge back with the Monument Canyon Trail and the parking lot.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Tom Wolfe