Hiking to Devils Kitchen...and Beyond!!: Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction CO

Описание: Of all the places Nancy and I have hiked Devils Kitchen is one we have done the most. It seems that when we are in Grand Junction we gravitate toward this particular trail. I'd say that we've hiked it every year for the past 4 or 5 years. It's not a long hike. It's not hard (except for the climb up to the formation). If you go early you can avoid "people" and just sit and take in the quiet while being surround by huge monoliths of red sandstone. Though it seems that you are far away from civilization the trail is actually close to the park entrance and the town of Grand Junction. If you listen on the video you can hear where I get a "spam" phone call while doing some climbing. Did I mention the views? On a clear day you can see forever, all across the Grand Valley and up into nearby canyons.

Now, normally Nancy and I stick trails. We do not want to damage any cryptobiotic soils or encourage others to follow us and damage fragile ecosystems. But this year we ventured past Devils Kitchen onto a large, mostly flat rock surface of an adjoining outcropping. Watching where we step and being careful to not disturb anything we ventured off the trail. We were careful to try to be inconspicuous so as not to encourage others to follow. I do not consider myself a naturalist or a tree-hugger, but I do consider myself one who wants to protect and preserve God's creation. So I walk a fine line between "protect and preserve" and "enjoying but using" what we have been blessed with while out on a trail.

Once we crossed the large rock outcropping we walked along an overlook near the edge of a drop-off. There's actually two levels to this "ledge" and we explored both the lower and the upper. It was here that I encountered an "attack dove" that startled me. I'm always conscious of snakes and such and, when hiking, my awareness is at 100%. But, this dove got the best of me and you get to hear it all on this video. You also get to see something that Nancy and I still puzzle about: The object hanging up on a high rock. It looked like a rope or string or chain with a large round disc on it. Anyhow, we hiked a little ways on and then turned around to head back. We'll be back and hike it again in 2024, 2025, 2026....

Devils Kitchen is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail with 311 feet elevation gain. It is generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. While people are allowed on the trail you'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. While the early part of the hike is easy, it's the scramble up to Devils Kitchen that can be challenging and where you need good shoes with ankle support. Take plenty of water, sunscreen, insect spray, and a trekking pole to help with coming back down.

Devils Kitchen is actually a wonderful place to eat a snack, have a drink, or just rest and enjoy the solitude. Remember, what you take in you take out. Leave the area cleaner than you found it. Across from the parking area is a nice picnic area with sheltered tables and a restroom. Please do not carve into the formation. Take all the pictures you want, but pick-up your trash and leave everything as is. Our natural wonders should be left "natural". They don't need names, dates, initials, etc., and our garbage left in/on them. Thanks.

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Equipment:
iPhone 13
Akaso EK7000 Camera
GoPro Hero 9 Black
Bcway Phone All-in-One Travel Tripod with Remote
onn. Wireless Selfie Stick
Trekking Poles, Insulated Bottles, and Backpack are Ozark Trail
Hiking hat is a Tilley

Music:
Your Love by Yung Logos

We travel in a 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE front-wheel drive with over 164,000 miles. We are still praying for a small Casita camper to tow behind it.

Recorded July 3, 2023 on location along Devils Kitchen Trail, Grand Junction, CO.