Devil's Kitchen, CO

Overview: From the National Park Service:
Devils Kitchen, a large sandstone monolith, is reached by following the No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail for 0.25 miles to a signed junction directing hikers to turn left. The trail follows rock stairs and cairns up slickrock to a large opening into Devils Kitchen.


Warning: There is no shade along the route until you reach Devil's Kitchen, and no water anywhere. If rain is in the forecast, be aware the trail does cross a creek bed. Be on the look out for flash floods. Depending on where you choose to visit in Devil's Kitchen, there can be serious vertical exposure.History: Part of this trail follows the old historic Gordon Road, now part of the Old Gordon Trail. This was a toll road that pioneer John Gordon built through the area.

Hike: The hike starts at the Devil's Kitchen/No Thoroughfare Canyon trailhead and descends gently down towards a stream bed. This is part of the old Gordon toll road and provides views of the terrain ahead of you at the mouth of No Thoroughfare. At the signed junction turn right.

You are now following the No Thoroughfare Canyon trail. You will be treated to beautiful views up the canyon, though occasionally a car may drive by on your right - you are not far off Rimrock Drive. The trail meets the bottom of the canyon after a short bit and you follow it along through a sea of sage and the occasional juniper. About a quarter mile after leaving the trailhead there is another signed junction for Devil's Kitchen. Bear left at the sign.

The trail remains obvious as it begins its ascent into the side canyon. On your right a knob of red Entrada sandstone towers over you - this is the Devil's Kitchen. You will cross the creek bed of the side canyon and begin your ascent to the kitchen. The trail is easy to follow, though steep in some places, and well-cairned. You'll draw closer to a pinnacle on the south side of the knob, then veer back towards a narrow passage in the butte. Once you've walked through this narrow passageway, you are in the Devil's Kitchen! There are climbing routes in the kitchen, and several view points that allow you to see up No Thoroughfare as well as back towards the trailhead and Grand Junction.

Once you have drank your share of the scenery, return to your vehicle the way you came. Alternately, this is a great extension to a trip to First Falls on the No Thoroughfare trail.

Water Sources: None, bring your own.

Camping: There is a developed campground in the Monument and a picnic area nearby.

2016-01-10 PaleoRob