Coke Ovens Trail
in Colorado National Monument
Coke Oven’s Trail shares a trailhead with Monument Canyon Trail and the collection of rock domes can be visited as their own destination or as a side attraction on a longer trek into Monument Canyon. The hike to Coke Ovens is one-mile round trip with 180 feet of elevation loss.
From the turnout along Rim Rock Drive, begin hiking east into the canyon. After descending switchbacks for 0.14 miles, make a right at the junction and follow the dirt path across the ledge to Coke Ovens.
The trail follows the rim out to a point between two channels of Monument Canyon. The point has eroded into a series of fascinating domes known as Coke Ovens. A firm layer of capstone protects a lower layer of Windgate Sandstone, delaying its erosion. The unique formation is named after the dome-shaped ovens that were used to produce fuel coke from coal (back in the olden days).
This perch above Coke Ovens has a sweeping view of Monument Canyon. You might just feel inspired to hike down Monument Canyon Trail toward the alluring formations to the north. Otherwise, return the way you came by hiking back to the junction and up to the parking lot for a one-mile round trip trek.
To get to the trailhead: From Saddlehorn Visitor Center, drive south on Rim Rock Drive for 3.8 miles and turn left into the turnout for Monument Canyon and Coke Ovens. The trailhead is 0.2 miles south of the pull out for Coke Ovens Overlook, where you can get another good look at Coke Ovens.
Trailhead address: Rimrock Drive, Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction, CO 81507
Trailhead coordinates: 39.077713, -108.728112 (39° 04′ 39.76″N 108° 43′ 41.20″W)
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 | Monument Canyon Trail This 7-mile hike travels down into Monument Canyon to visit the tallest freestanding rock formation in the park. |
 | Otto's Trail This 0.75-mile round trip hike visits an overlook near the Pipe Organs with an excellent view of Independence Monument and Monument Canyon. |
 | Canyon Rim Trail This one-mile round trip hike begins at Saddlehorn Visitor Center and travels along the cliffs edge overlooking Monument Canyon. |
 | Devils Kitchen Trail This 1.2 mile hike crosses the bottom of No Thoroughfare canyon to a rock grotto surrounded by tall boulders. |
 | More trails in Colorado Explore other destinations in Colorado National Monument. |
 | Saddlehorn Campground This 80-site campground is the only designated camping area in Colorado National Park, conveniently located near Saddlehorn Visitor Center. |
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