Battlement Mesa
Garfield County, Colorado
View this on the Colorado Trailheads Map

Nearby Towns: Parachute, Grand Junction
Trail Length: 4.15 miles
Elevation: 8,449 to 10,412 feet
Named Obstacles: Rock Garden, Hell's Gate

This is probably the muddiest trail in Colorado, so if you'd like to avoid mud or muddy water this is not the trail for you. It also has a great section of rocks and amazing views near the top.

The trail starts just south of Parachute, and if you're on your way to the trail and you notice that it is very green and lush for this area of Colorado you should expect lots of mud on the trail. There are almost always lots of mosquitos, but there may be quite a few if it is very wet. There is a large area for airing down at the trailhead.

The climb starts right away as you work your way around to the Rock Garden. It isn't long before you come to a fork in the road. The left fork takes you to the Rock Garden, and the right fork is a fairly easy bypass. Neither one is very long, and they both meet just about 500 feet further up the trail.

The Rock Garden is challenging when dry, but it is rarely completely dry. The mud and standing water make it very challenging. The mud in this area of Colorado contains a lot of clay, and it packs your tires completely, making things very slippery. You go up and around a corner in the rocks, then meet up with the bypass after going through a large crack in the dirt trail.

The climb continues, with many rocky sections. Once you get higher you will find more mud puddles. Some of them are very large and unavoidable. Be careful to stay on the true trail -- do not follow any man-made, illegal routes through the trees or in sections of meadow. Do not make your own bypasses!

You come to another fork in the road where you need to turn right to go up the steepest hill yet. This takes you up to a big meadow. The views are spectacular, and the meadows are often covered in flowers.

Hell's Gate is a steep, rocky hill that you go down on the way to the end. Though it is named, it is no more difficult than any of the other rocky sections.

Once you reach the Battlement Reservoirs you are at the end of the trail. It appears to keep going, but this is actually a narrow trail fit for only ATVs, motorcycles, horses or hiking. It ends soon after at the Battlement Reservoir Number 4, a short hike from where the trail becomes too narrow. It is worth the walk to the final reservoir.

Member Reports

• July 21, 2006: ran by Bob S., Bud, Don, Gary, Monica and Robert

Driving Directions

From Parachute (exit 75 on I-70) travel south to turn right on West Battlement Mesa Parkway. Pass the golf course on your left, then turn right on Stone Quarry Road. There will be a cemetary on your left, then turn left on Underwood Road. This road takes you up to the Battlement Mesa trailhead in about seven miles.

Meeting Places

Meet at the gas station at I-70 exit 75 in Parachute.