Coal Canyon

Total Miles
5.1

Elevation

1,921.90 ft

Duration

3.5 Hours

Technical Rating

5

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Close to Grand Junction, Coal Canyon provides easy access to multi-use recreation. This route begins in a wash and climbs to an overlook of Palisade. The trail continues in the wash, which gets narrower and eventually stops. Camping available. Please stay on trail and be respectful of hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Open June through November.

Photos of Coal Canyon

Coal Canyon
Coal Canyon

Difficulty

Moderate. Mostly smooth with short rocky sections when crossing the wash. Steep climb to overlook is moderate with some loose rock. Other sidetrails in area can be more challenging. Stock, 4WD, high-clearance SUVs can do it. Not recommended for oversize vehicles.

Technical Rating

5

Access Description

Get off I-70 at Cameo, Exit 46. On north side of I-70, head north on frontage road and turn left to cross river. After power station, cross canal, then stay right at 4-way intersection. Continue in canyon another 1.4 miles to large parking area with kiosk.

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