Upper Ute Canyon Overlook sits on the south rim of Ute Canyon in Colorado National Monument. The scenic viewpoint, near the west end of the steep-walled canyon, looks across at a long, almost unbroken cliff composed of Wingate Sandstone. The rock, forming massive vertical 300-foot cliffs at the monument, was deposited in a huge sand dune field during the early Jurassic Period about 200 million years ago. The cliff is streaked with black desert varnish, a thin veneer on the light-colored rock surface. Above the Wingate is a caprock of white Kayenta Sandstone and above that is a thin slab of Entrada Sandstone. Fallen Rock is just visible down the canyon to the east. Ute Canyon is narrow here since a high pour-off, which forms a waterfall after summer thunderstorms, is just west of the overlook.

Pro Tips

  • Two more dramatic overlooks are east of Upper Ute Canyon Overlook along Rim Rock Drive, a 23-mile scenic drive at Colorado National Monument. Fallen Rock Overlook views Fallen Rock, a huge sandstone block that slid over 100 feet down the cliff face. Farther east is Ute Canyon Overlook perched above a sheer cliff where Ute Canyon makes a dog-leg bend right. It offers spectacular views into the heart of the wild canyon below.
  • Ute Canyon Trail begins 0.25 miles east of Fallen Rock Overlook at a small roadside parking area on the north side of Rim Rock Drive. The scenic seven-mile trail descends 550 feet into upper Ute Canyon and then follows the canyon floor east and then north to Liberty Cap Trail, which steeply descends to a trailhead on Wildwood Drive in the Grand Valley. If you want to check out Fallen Rock, descend 15 switchbacks to the canyon floor and hike 0.3 miles until you’re below the rock. Return uphill to the trailhead for a two-mile hike. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and don’t plan on seeing anyone else on the remote trail.
  • Stop at Saddlehorn Visitor Center before heading out on Rim Rock Drive. The center, four miles from the Fruita entrance, offers exhibits about natural history, geology, and human history, as well as two educational movies. An information desk is staffed by a park ranger who answers questions and suggests hikes. A bookstore sells books, postcards, and memorabilia. Daily ranger-led programs are held in summer.
  • If you want to do a great workout hike, then head to Serpents Trail to the east of Upper Ute Canyon Overlook. The trail was called the “Crookedest Trail in the World” after John Otto, the monument’s first superintendent, finished building it in 1921. The twisting road, now a 1.75-mile hiking trail, gains 800 feet in 18 switchbacks. The trail is best hiked from the top trailhead on Rim Rock Drive down to a lower trailhead near the east entrance station since its all downhill.
  • Recommended season(s): Year-round.

    —Stewart M. Green

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