Last updated: March 31, 2025
Place
Canyon Rim Trail (Colorado National Monument)
NPS Photo / N Scarborough
Quick Facts
Location:
Saddlehorn Visitor Center
Amenities
4 listed
Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead
Canyon Rim Trail (Colorado National Monument)
Map highlighting in red Canyon Rim Trail in Colorado National Monument as it follows the northwest rim of Wedding Canyon, beginning at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center and ending at Book Cliffs Shelter.
- Location: Starts behind the Saddlehorn Visitor Center and ends at Book Cliffs View. One may also start at Book Cliffs View and end at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center.
- Mileage: 0.5 one way (0.8 km)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Elevation: 5,626 feet (1715 meters)
- Average time: 1/2 hour
- Usage: Hiking only. Horses prohibited.
- Description: Level trail following the cliff edge above colorful Wedding Canyon. The trail does have two pairs of switchbacks and railings when the trail is adjacent to the canyon edge. Parents should keep a close eye on children. Outstanding views make this a favorite for landscape and wildlife photographers. Download the Canyon Rim and Window Rock Trail brochure.
- History: This trail was built with the Visitor Center and Bookcliff Shelter between 1963 and 1965 to connect the the two places.Canyon Rim Trail is unchanged from its original design and provides an outdoor experience for visitors thus fulfilling one of the goals of the Mission 66 visitor center design.