Look: Five Hidden Gems Along Colorado’s Devil’s Kitchen Trail

Grand Junction's Devil's Kitchen Trail is a popular hiking destination inside the Colorado National Monument. This family-friendly hike shows off a unique rock formation that resembles a stone “kitchen” or cave.

Get ready to check out a few extra tricks, shortcuts, and stories that make this hike even better, as we explore five hidden gems you may have missed the last time you visited the Devil's Kitchen.

When to Go to Avoid the Crowds

Visitors like to hike to Devil's Kitchen in the morning or early evening. The trail offers zero shade, so many choose to hike the stairs during these cooler windows. Keep in mind that the early spring and fall seasons mean cooler temperatures throughout the day, meaning afternoon hikes when crowds are small are possible almost daily during those times of year.

The Trailhead Has a Hidden Connection to a Gangster’s Getaway

Read More: 5 Fun and Easy Hikes at the Colorado National Monument

There are plenty of rumors shared throughout the years that say the Colorado National Monument's eastern edge, including the Devil's Kitchen, was used as a prohibition-era hideout by gangsters bootlegging or passing through. These stories are passed on as fun and mysterious layers to the hikes in the monument.

The Rock Formations Look Different Depending on the Season

Locals know that hiking the Devil's Kitchen Trail during different seasons can change the color of the rock formations along the way. The rocks often glow a golden color in the fall. They appear a snow-dusted red color during the winter, and almost a pale orange color during the spring. The colors often look different after it rains and during the golden hours. This can help photographers and nature lovers find the best time for visuals.

Get our free mobile app

The Secret “Window Rock” Most Visitors Miss

Read More: This Trail Has the Best View of Colorado's Independence Monument

It's easy to get so excited that you made it to the Devil's Kitchen that people can forget to notice some of the cool features at the top of the trail. Once inside the "kitchen," look to the right and you'll notice the "Devil's Window" near the top of the kitchen. Scramble up carefully, and you'll notice a shaded spot with great views of No Thoroughfare Canyon.

The Trail is a Gateway to a Bigger Local Network

The Devil's Kitchen Trail System is found on the Grand Junction or eastern side of the Colorado Natural Monument. While parking can be a challenge, once you find a spot, you'll have access to Echo Canyon, the Old Gordon Trail (the old Rim Rock Drive), No Thoroughfare Canyon, Serpent's Trail, and the Devil's Kitchen trail. Keep scrolling for a closer look at these trails below.