Middle Canyon

Managing agency

Forest Service

Middle Canyon is a 7.9-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near Colorado, managed by the Routt National Forest Yampa Ranger District. The trail offers hikers a moderate adventure through the Yampa Range area of northwest Colorado. This out-and-back route allows you to control your hiking distance by turning around at any point along the canyon. The trail follows Middle Canyon, providing scenic views typical of the Routt National Forest landscape. The canyon setting creates varied terrain as you progress deeper into the drainage. The Yampa Ranger District maintains this trail as part of the extensive recreation network in the Routt National Forest. The area is popular for day hiking and offers access to a remote canyon environment away from heavily trafficked routes. Summer and early fall are ideal seasons for hiking this trail, when high country passes are snow-free and weather is most stable. Check with the Yampa Ranger District for current conditions before your visit, as weather and trail maintenance can affect accessibility.