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ColoradoGrand JunctionHiking Guides

Hiking Guide: Wedding and Monument Canyons Loop

Monument Canyon

Contents

Overview

In anticipation of our arrival to the Western Slope this summer, I started doing research on climbs and hikes in the area.

Monument Canyon got onto my radar when I found out about Independence Monument, a desert tower that was first ascended by John Otto in 1911. He did it in cowboy boots! The tower is located at the meeting place of two canyons, Monument and Wedding.

When I first got to town, I hit up Randy Langstraat, a Grand Junction local who happens to write one of my favorite desert southwest hiking blogs.

He was kind enough to give me a list of must-do hikes in the area. At the top of the list, was Wedding and Monument Canyons Loop (aka Wedding Canyon Loop).

On a hot August evening, I parked at Lower Monument Canyon Trailhead and ran the loop in a counterclockwise direction, up Wedding and down Monument.

Monument Mesa and Independence Monument
Monument Mesa and Independence Monument

Quick Facts

  • Distance: 4.5 mile loop
  • Hike Time: 2-3 hours
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 620 feet
  • Fee: $15 for individual
  • Dogs: No
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Wedding and Monument Canyons Loop

In August 2021, I ran up Wedding and down Monument then back to Lower Monument Canyon Trailhead, where I started.

At 0.1 miles, I went right at the junction. You can go either way but for whatever reason, I was in a counterclockwise mood.

The first 1.1 miles are mellow, with some gentle ups and downs in and out of washes.

The sun's last beams of light illuminate a mesa in Wedding Canyon
The sun’s last beams of light illuminate a mesa in Wedding Canyon

The next 0.6 miles are a steep climb. This section really got my heart pumping, it was strenuous.

At the 2.4 mile mark, there is another junction. The trail to the right continues another 3.6 miles to Upper Monument Canyon Trailhead on Rim Rock Drive. You are directly underneath Independence Monument here.

Independence Monument
Independence Monument

Bear left to continue down Monument Canyon, past Monolith Spire and to another junction next to the East Entrance of Monument Canyon. This is at the 4.1-mile mark.

Make another left here and finish the last 0.5 miles to the trailhead.

Views of Grand Junction and the Grand Mesa from Monument Canyon
Views of Grand Junction and the Grand Mesa from Monument Canyon

Maps

Colorado National Monument Map – Downloadable PDF

Location

From Grand Junction, head toward Redlands and take Colorado State Highway 340, then turn onto Fawn Lane and park in the dirt lot.

Get Directions

Resources

Guidebooks

Topo Maps

Links

 

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