Trail Running In The Grand Valley: Your Go-To Guide

Written By Lifes2Short Fitness

Grand Junction and its surrounding areas offer some amazing opportunities for trail running. The area's dry, sunny climate allows for year-round trail running, and the breathtaking views of the Colorado River, desert landscapes, and monuments make every run a scenic adventure.

Whether you want a quick getaway or a more demanding route, Grand Junction has it all! From the smooth, flowy trails in the lunch loops area, to the tough ascent of Mount Garfield you’ll find a variety of landscapes to suit your training needs. 

Check out our top picks for trails ranging from easy to hard, and let us know your favorites in the comments below!

Trails in the Monument

The Monument is one of the closest options for trail running when heading out from Grand Junction. Just a short drive away, it offers a variety of trails with stunning views of red rock formations and the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for both quick runs and longer adventures.

Since the Monument is a national park, there is an entrance fee unless you have a national parks pass. The fees are $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per person if entering on foot or by bike. Alternatively, you can purchase a park-specific annual pass for $45. 

Echo Canyon

  • Difficulty: Easier

  • Distance: 2.5 (out and back)

  • Elevation Gain: 518 ft

  • The area is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the light casts dramatic shadows across the rock formations. The terrain is diverse, featuring both smooth paths and rocky sections.
    Explore Echo Canyon on AllTrails

Monument Canyon Loop

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Distance: 4.5 miles (loop)

  • Elevation Gain: 767 ft

  • This trail showcases the natural beauty of Colorado National Monument. It begins at the Monument Canyon Trailhead parking lot at the end of Fawn Lane. From there, you'll make a loop through the park, featuring steep climbs and slippery descents along rocky terrain.

Since the trail starts outside the park's boundaries and enters the Monument along the route, there is no entrance fee!

Explore Monument Canyon Loop on AllTrails

Serpents Trail

Trails on the Grand Mesa

If you're escaping the heat, the Grand Mesa offers cooler temperatures and shaded trails, making it a refreshing option during the summer months. However, be prepared for some mosquitos in the summer, so don’t forget your bug spray! The Mesa is an especially wonderful option in the fall, as the colors create a stunning backdrop for your trail runs.

Mesa Lakes Trail

Lake of the Woods Trail

Crag Crest Trail

Lunch Loops Area

Lunch Loops offers a variety of trails perfect for quick runs or technical challenges, making them a go-to spot for local runners. These trails provide a mix of terrain, from fast-flowing sections to more technical, rocky paths that will test your skills and endurance. Their proximity to town makes them ideal for fitting in a run before or after work.

Mica Mines Trail

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Distance: 2.7 miles (out and back)

  • Elevation Gain: 314 ft

  • Flowing trails with moderate ups and downs make this a great family-friendly option. Dogs are welcome!
    Explore Mica Mines Trail on AllTrails

Tabeguache, Raven Ridge, and Curt's Lane

Gunny Loop

  • Difficulty: Hard

  • Distance: 10.6 miles (loop)

  • Elevation Gain: Varied

  • Perfect for seasoned trail runners looking for a long, challenging loop.
    Explore Gunny Loop on AllTrails

Trails in Palisade

If you're a Palisade resident, you're lucky to have some beautiful terrain right in your backyard, perfect for running. And if you're coming from Grand Junction, you're equally fortunate to be just about 20 minutes away from Palisade's stunning trails. These trails offer beautiful views of Palisade's wine country, making your run even more scenic and enjoyable. 

Palisade Rim Trail

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Distance: 3.5 miles

  • Elevation Gain: 627 ft

  • A stunning trail, particularly beautiful in the fall. Perfect for pairing with a trip to the Palisade Farmers Market.
    Explore Palisade Rim Trail on AllTrails

Mount Garfield

  • Difficulty: Hard

  • Distance: 3.5 miles

  • Elevation Gain: 1,886 ft

  • Steep and challenging, this trail is great for runners training for vertical races.
    Explore Mount Garfield on AllTrails

Kokopelli Area

Rustler’s Loop

Mary’s Loop

Hey Western Slope ladies!
New to trail running or training for a trail race this year?

Check out our trail running group just for women in the Grand Valley!
In these programs for all levels (10k up to 1/2 marathon) you will join weekly coached runs at different trails all across the Valley leading up to a spring trail race. Enjoy expert coaching, meet new running buddies and explore new trails with the option to support our partner local non profit Girls on the Run Western Colorado.
——> Learn more/register now soon HERE, spaces are limited!  

Lifes2Short Fitness
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