Near Rough Canyon Loop
Rough Canyon Trail.
Near Rough Canyon Loop
Rough Canyon Trail.
Near Rough Canyon Loop
Rough Canyon Trail.

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Rough Canyon Loop

4.5 (12 Ratings)
A beautiful hike through the Rough Canyon Trail area.
4.2
mi
Distance
1,421
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
River/CreekViewsWaterfall
Access Issues
Open year-round but likely inaccessible during spring run-off.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.2mi
Distance
1,421ft
Elevation Gain
1,421ft
Elevation Loss
75%
Max Grade
6,211ft
High Point
5,471ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the trailhead, you have the option of taking the western route south into the canyon on the Rough Canyon Trail or the eastern route on the Tabeguache Trail which is actually a rocky off-road vehicle trail for those with high-clearance vehicles. You could also do an out and back just on the western route as it is the highlight of this trail. The Tabeguache Trail is a bail-out return and isn't technical but is difficult in that is all uphill for a couple of miles.As you leave the parking area and enter the trailhead, hug the cliffs to the right until you reach the creek bed. From there you are just picking the best lines until you reach a marked parking area at the end of the canyon, roughly 2.5 miles from the start. About 1/4 mile before the parking lot, you'll arrive at a waterfall point;however, there is no water during the summer months. To see the waterfall you'd have to hike the Tabeguache Trail or use a high-clearance vehicle to arrive at the parking area during the spring when the snow is melting. The views in the canyon are dramatic and beautiful, but at times it gets tight as obstacles that got pushed up when the water was moving through here get in your way. You'll find some pooled, stagnant water that will hold a few mosquitos, although it isn't too bad. When you arrive at the parking area, at the southern end of the loop, turn back north and hike uphill almost the entirety of the Tabeguache Trail back to the trailhead. If it's late afternoon, you'll have the sun in your face the whole way.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Steven Knight