Mr. Williams' Geology Trail |

Grand Junction

Hiking Mr. Williams' Geology Trail - Grand Junction Hiking Mr. Williams' Geology Trail

Grand Junction

Overview

RATING: Easy Hike
MAPS: MACK, CO

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 63. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

63 | 36

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 65. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

65 | 38

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 68.

68 | 37

Fri

Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

68 | 41

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

68 | 42

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Any, though summers can be hot.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 63. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

63 | 36

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 65. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

65 | 38

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 68.

68 | 37

Fri

Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

68 | 41

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

68 | 42

View Full Weather Details
The Cowboy Hat - Along the trail.

The Cowboy Hat - Along the trail.

Mr. Williams' Geology Trail is a tribute to the Fruita Science teacher Mike Williams. Mr. Williams passed away unexpectedly in 2007 while leading his Geology Class on a field trip to Arches National Park.

The trail is two parts: a section that visits Opal Hill, and a section that visits Devils Canyon. The section of trail described here is the Devil's Canyon section. While the geology is interesting, the scenery is stunning. I recommend the loop even if you aren't interested in geology.

Note: Unfortunately, the geology signs have not held up well to the elements. Placed in 2015, by 2018 many of them are becoming difficult or impossible to read. Hopefully, they will be replaced with more long-lived signs in the future.
Additional Note: This is a great short loop, but the trail system in the area is full of much longer possibilities. Those looking for a more extended outing can find plenty of options.
Getting started on a frosty winter day.

Getting started on a frosty winter day.

Getting There

From I-70, take exit 19 for CO-340 toward U.S. 6/Fruita. Head south off the highway, staying straight through the round-a-bout to stay on CO-340. (Signed Colorado National Monument)

1.2 miles from I-70, just after crossing the Colorado River, turn right on Kingsview Road. Follow Kingsview Road another 1.2 miles. The Devils Canyon Trailhead is signed on the left, about 0.2 miles off Kingsview Road.

Diane and Abby enjoying the trail.

Diane and Abby enjoying the trail.

Route

From the trailhead, follow the Devils Canyon trail. The trail is the gated road that is signed and leaves the parking area on the west side. Stay on this road first past a smaller side trail on the right and then past one on the left until you arrive at a major junction.

The junction is signed Devils (right) and Kodel (left). The left trail goes down and crosses a bridge. This junction is the loop junction. The loop can be done in either direction, but we went counter-clockwise, so it is described that way.

From the Devils/Kodel junction, go right. A photogenic tower is visible on the right, known as the Cowboy Hat. Not far after the Cowboy Hat is a trail junction. Go left here, leaving the road and switching to single track trail. The trail follows the rim of Devils Canyon, then descends to the canyon bottom.

Once in the canyon bottom, go up the canyon a couple of minutes to a Geology Tour Sign, then head down canyon. This section, to me, was the most enjoyable,a very pleasant amble through the canyon. The canyon ends all too soon at the wood bridge on the Kodel Canyon trail. Go left, across the bridge, and back to the Devils/Kodel junction where the loop started.

Return down the road the way you came.


Maps

Route / 2.45 miles / Elevation Range 4,585 - 4,741 ft.
Printable Maps:
Trailhead

12S 693917mE 4334696mN

N39° 08' 24" W108° 45' 23"

Jct - Left

12S 693509mE 4334409mN

N39° 08' 15" W108° 45' 40"

Jct - Right

12S 693567mE 4334282mN

N39° 08' 10" W108° 45' 37"

Loop Junction

12S 693627mE 4334233mN

N39° 08' 09" W108° 45' 35"

Devils Jct - Left

12S 693372mE 4333867mN

N39° 07' 57" W108° 45' 46"

Views

12S 693194mE 4333399mN

N39° 07' 42" W108° 45' 54"

D2 / D3 Jct - Left over bridge

12S 693687mE 4334110mN

N39° 08' 05" W108° 45' 33"

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