Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Redlands, Colorado
Redlands is a neighborhood on the southwest edge of Grand Junction, and its hiking is almost entirely built around the Colorado National Monument's front range and the river-bottom terrain along the Gunnison and Colorado rivers.
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Redlands is a neighborhood on the southwest edge of Grand Junction, and its hiking is almost entirely built around the Colorado National Monument's front range and the river-bottom terrain along the Gunnison and Colorado rivers. The trail network here splits pretty cleanly into two zones: the mesa and canyon trails like Redlands Mesa, Zig Zag, Valley of Gwangi, and the creatively named Poultrygeist and Foodfight!, which climb into red-rock terrain with exposure and loose sandstone underfoot, and the flatter riparian routes like Connected Lakes Trail, Waterfowl Loop Trail, and Kingfisher Trail, which follow oxbow lakes and cottonwood corridors closer to the river. Dinosaur Hill sits in its own category as a short, interpretive loop with actual fossil sites along the route. With 36 active listings in the area, there's enough variety to keep a long weekend busy without repeating yourself. Most of the mesa-side trails are shared-use with mountain bikers, so expect company on weekends, especially on Water Tower Trail and Weaver Way. The riparian trails tend to be quieter and are worth saving for early morning when waterfowl activity is highest.
Frequently asked questions
What time of year is best for hiking in Redlands?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures in the Grand Junction area regularly exceed 100°F, which makes the exposed mesa trails like Redlands Mesa and Zig Zag genuinely dangerous midday. If you're hiking in summer, start before 7am and be off the exposed terrain by late morning.
Are the trails in Redlands suitable for beginners?
The riparian routes, including Connected Lakes Trail, Waterfowl Loop Trail, and Kingfisher Trail, are flat and well-marked, making them accessible for most fitness levels. The mesa and canyon trails, including Valley of Gwangi, Poultrygeist, and Ninja Terminator, involve more elevation gain, loose rock, and route-finding, and are better suited to hikers with some experience on desert terrain.
What gear should I bring for a day hike here?
On the mesa trails, bring more water than you think you need, at least a liter per hour in warm weather, since there's no water available on trail and shade is limited. Sturdy shoes with ankle support matter on the sandstone routes where the surface is uneven. The riparian trails are more forgiving, but sun protection is still important year-round given the high desert elevation.
Can I bring my dog on these trails?
Dogs are allowed on most Redlands trails but must be leashed on the Connected Lakes and Waterfowl Loop trails due to the wildlife and waterfowl habitat in those areas. Verify current rules at the trailhead, as access conditions on some of the mesa routes can change seasonally.
Are the trails shared with mountain bikers?
Yes, a significant portion of the Redlands trail network is multi-use. Trails like Water Tower Trail, Weaver Way, and many of the mesa-side routes see regular mountain bike traffic, particularly on weekends. Yield to uphill traffic, stay aware on blind corners, and expect faster-moving trail users on the more technical routes.
