Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Parachute, Colorado
Parachute sits in the Grand Valley along I-70, and the hiking here reflects the landscape: open mesa country, dry gulches, and old ranch and jeep roads that double as walking routes.
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Parachute sits in the Grand Valley along I-70, and the hiking here reflects the landscape: open mesa country, dry gulches, and old ranch and jeep roads that double as walking routes. The seven trails in and around town are almost entirely road-based, meaning you're walking on dirt two-tracks rather than singletrack through dense forest. Story Gulch and its forks are the main draw, with Middle Fork Story Gulch Road and West Fork Story Gulch Road both rated easy and well-suited to casual walkers or families. Story Gulch itself steps up to moderate, with more elevation change as you move deeper into the drainage. Battlement Jeep Road and Pete and Bill Draw Road push into rougher mesa terrain, while Cemetery Road and County Highway 318 offer flatter, more accessible options closer to town. Shade is minimal on most of these routes, so the time of day you head out matters more here than on a forested trail. This isn't destination hiking in the Rocky Mountain sense, but for anyone staying in Parachute or passing through, these routes give you a genuine feel for the high desert terrain of western Colorado without requiring a long drive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difficulty range for hiking near Parachute?
Most routes are easy, including Middle Fork Story Gulch Road and West Fork Story Gulch Road. Story Gulch itself is rated moderate, making it the most challenging option in the immediate area. The jeep road routes like Battlement Jeep Road can involve rougher footing and more elevation gain, though they are not formally rated in the current listings.
When is the best time of year to hike around Parachute?
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures in the Grand Valley regularly push into the 90s, and most of these routes offer little to no shade, so heat is a real concern from late June through August. If you hike in summer, start before 8 a.m. and plan to be off exposed routes by late morning.
What gear should I bring on these trails?
Carry more water than you think you need since there are no reliable water sources along these road-based routes. Sun protection is essential: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Sturdy trail shoes or light hikers are fine for the easy Story Gulch fork roads; the jeep road routes benefit from ankle support given the loose rock and uneven surface.
Are these trails good for beginners or families with kids?
Middle Fork Story Gulch Road and West Fork Story Gulch Road are both rated easy and are reasonable choices for beginners and older children. Story Gulch is a step up and better suited to kids who are already comfortable on uneven terrain. All routes are road-based, so there is no technical navigation involved.
Is there parking and trailhead access for these routes?
These are largely road and jeep track routes rather than developed trailheads with formal parking lots. A high-clearance vehicle is useful for reaching the start of Battlement Jeep Road and some of the Story Gulch routes, particularly after wet weather when dirt roads can become soft. Check local road conditions if you are visiting in early spring when runoff can affect access.
