Grand Junction hiking at a glance
Hikers around Grand Junction have three main choices. Lunch Loops is a network of desert trails close to town. The Little Book Cliffs offer canyon hiking farther north. Mount Garfield above Palisade is a short but steep climb. The trails inside Colorado National Monument have their own page: see hiking in Colorado National Monument.
Most routes here are exposed desert with little shade. Plan an early start in summer, carry more water than you expect to drink and check the access notes below before you drive to a trailhead.
Hiking areas near Grand Junction
What each area offers and what to check first.
Lunch Loops
Lunch Loops has more than 20 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, with no use fee. Difficulty ranges from beginner to extremely difficult, so pick a loop that fits your fitness and shoes. The Tabeguache Trailhead is on Monument Road, about 1.8 miles after the turnoff from Highway 340. The season runs from 1 January to 31 December, but that does not mean every trail is in good shape after rain.
Little Book Cliffs
This wilderness study area has Main, Coal, Cottonwood and Spring Canyon. People come for hiking, horseback riding and watching wildlife. A wild horse herd lives in the area, but a sighting is never certain, so treat it as a bonus.
Mount Garfield
The trail near Palisade is 1.75 miles long and climbs from 4,841 to 6,746 feet, a difference of 1,905 feet. A separate featured route is 3.4 miles. Do not treat it as a flat walk. Hikers and dogs are allowed, bicycles are not.
Riverfront Trail
A paved path for walkers and cyclists runs between Palisade and Fruita. Dogs on a leash are welcome, motorized vehicles and ATVs are not. It is the easy option for a walk. Read more on the Las Colonias Park page.
Our pick: Arches hiking day from Moab
The one guided hiking day we can offer, with a 4x4 drive between the hikes. Arches entry is extra.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hiking and canyon tours near Grand Junction
Guided walks, canyon trips and scenic tours with live prices and availability.
Access, seasons and heat
Two access limits matter in the Little Book Cliffs. The Coal Canyon trailhead is closed to motor vehicles from 1 December to 30 May. Winter Flats Road is a four-wheel-drive route all year and is usually impassable in winter or when it rains. Neither limit is a hiking ban for the whole area, but both change how you reach the trails.
Summer afternoons in the valley are hot, and temperatures in the Monument can pass 100 °F (37.8 °C). Start early, wear a hat and carry plenty of water. For the Monument, NPS advises at least a gallon per person per day. Thunderstorms can send water through dry washes quickly, so leave a canyon bottom if the sky darkens.
On the Grand Mesa, winter ski trails and summer hiking trails are different things. Snow and whiteouts make navigation hard in winter, so do not plan a summer route for late autumn without checking conditions. The Grand Mesa guide has the details.
Plan the rest of your trip
More places to walk and look.
Grand Junction hiking: frequently asked questions
Where can I hike near Grand Junction?
It depends on what you want. Lunch Loops has the most trails close to town, the Little Book Cliffs suit canyon hiking, and Mount Garfield is a steep short climb. The monument has its own set of trails.
Do I have to pay to hike at Lunch Loops?
No. There is no use fee. Follow the signs at the trailhead.
Can I take my dog?
Dogs are allowed on Mount Garfield and on the Riverfront Trail on a leash. They are not allowed on trails inside Colorado National Monument.
Will I see wild horses in the Little Book Cliffs?
A herd lives there, but no sighting is guaranteed. Keep your distance and do not feed any animal.
How much water should I bring?
The National Park Service advises at least one US gallon (about 3.8 liters) per person per day in the monument. Carry plenty on other desert trails too.