Directions:: Take I-70 to exit 19, Fruita, Co. Exit south onto Colo.
hwy 340 and head east on Co. 340 for approx 1.5 miles. Turn right at Kingsview Street( you
will be across from Rim Rock Adventures) Follow asphalt west 1 mile until road becomes
gravel.You will see signs "Horsethief Canyons area". Stay left. In approx 1 mile
the gravel road forms a "Y" . take the left fork, you can see the trailhead from
here. Larger sign say's "Welcome to Horsethief Canyonlands area" . smaller sign
says " Devil's Canyon"...directs you to left and trail head.
Trail Information:: B.L.M. public lands....wide variety of trails
available...Trail sign on large poster map...Take-a-long maps in sign in box. For an easy
flat 4 mile run take trail D-4 back to D-1 and you will run on the canyon floor and look
up at the canyon walls.
For a 7 mile run ON the rim looking down into the canyons take D-1 to D-5 up the rim. At
the high point up will drop over the saddle and then SWITCHBACK over the summit. Rock
cairns mark the trail. Take D-5 and connect to D-1 back to the trailhead.
For a scenic 7.5 loop run to an Old Cow Camp cabin ( sligthty more difficult )take D-1 to
D-4 until you connect with D-3 ( a loop to the old cabin) D-3 can be followed down the
stream bed back to the D-1 and trailhead.
Miscellaneous Information:: GORGEOUS Red sandstone cliffs and rock
formations..take a camera..you'll want pix !
No Water available...TAKE YOUR OWN !! Porta-potty at trailhead only facility !
Best times are spring, fall, and winter....in summer it's very doable providing you start
early and finish by 8 to 9 AM.
Carl Tenpas