Devil's Canyon

Fruita, Colorado is home to some magnificent rock formations and canyons, and one of the most beautiful and accessible is Devils Canyon. Reachable via a well-maintained dirt road just 20 minutes from downtown Fruita, the trail to Devils Canyon offers excellent views of the canyon walls as well as numerous interesting rock formations along the entire hike. This "lollipop" loop is within a fairly dense trail network, which is well-signed but can be confusing, so downloading or printing a trail map in advance is recommended.

The trail begins off Devils Canyon Road, where there is ample parking for 45-50 cars. Immediately begin climbing gently up a wide rocky road for 0.5 miles, where you bear left to take the K1 trail; shortly after take the D3 trail on the right. This trail passes through a small riverbed canyon until mile 1.4, where the lollipop part of the loop begins. (If you missed the K1 trail, you can also take D4 to rejoin with D3. Again - download a trail map in advance!) This part of the trail fades in and out a bit, but just follow the riverbed until you reach the loop junction, which is signed.

The loop can be done in either direction, but to get the climbing out of the way first, head left at the junction to do the loop clockwise. The trail climbs quickly for a bit then shallows out, offering great views of the canyon all around. The far end of the loop is at around 3.2 miles. This part of the loop has the best views of some impressive hoodoos and rocks deeper into the canyon. After enjoying the views, continue clockwise along the loop. This part of the loop winds along the canyon's valley walls until reaching the loop junction at about 5.7 miles. From here, follow D3 along the riverbed back to the sign for D4, which is labeled "To D1", and take the trail on the left. After reaching D1 (which is the wide gravel road), turn right to head back to the trailhead.

This area can get very hot in summer, and there is very little shade, so bring water. Doing this hike in the morning is also recommended.