Ute Canyon and Upper Liberty Cap Loop in Colorado National Monument, CO

Hike Ute Canyon and Upper Liberty Cap Loop Colorado National Monument, CO

Class 2 13.4 miles 1300 gain 6-8 hrs Loop Aug 23, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Ute Canyon and Upper Liberty Cap Loop GPX Track

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A year ago, I did the much shorter loop to Liberty Cap via the Corkscrew Trail. This route is a much longer hike, starting from the west along the scenic drive. We set out along the Ute Canyon Trail, which was interesting and had some nice foliage and a cool narrow section at first, but slowly tapered off and became a walk through an unmemorable canyon. Also, I think the trail bypasses the interesting canyon, but I recommend going through it. After a long time on the Ute Canyon Trail, we made it to the Bench Trail, which we followed for a short time around the northern side of Liberty Cap, and then onto the Lower Liberty Cap Trail. This trail led up the cliffs and to the base of Liberty Cap, which we climbed up using old metal rungs on the south side of the feature. We then took the Upper Liberty Cap Trail back west. It was little more than an old dirt road, and was not interesting. We made it back to the park road and followed it south to the Ute Canyon Trailhead.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Liberty Cap
5900 ft
n/a rise

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Starting down from the Ute Canyon Trailhead.
Starting down from the Ute Canyon Trailhead.
Switchbacks down the steep cliff faces along the Ute Canyon Trail.
Switchbacks down the steep cliff faces along the Ute Canyon Trail.
Entering Ute Canyon.
Entering Ute Canyon.
Cool rock that fell off the cliff face.
Cool rock that fell off the cliff face.
The trail is easy to follow through Ute Canyon.
The trail is easy to follow through Ute Canyon.
Rather than stay on the trail, we headed through this interesting section of narrows, likely the highlight of Ute Canyon.
Rather than stay on the trail, we headed through this interesting section of narrows, likely the highlight of Ute Canyon.
Narrow section in Ute Canyon.
Narrow section in Ute Canyon.
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Dan checking out the cool monolith.
Dan checking out the cool monolith.
Back on the Ute Canyon Trail.
Back on the Ute Canyon Trail.
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Looking back up Ute Canyon.
Looking back up Ute Canyon.
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It's not particularly interesting for the rest of the hike, but still pretty.
It's not particularly interesting for the rest of the hike, but still pretty.
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The Ute Canyon Trail meets up with the Bench Trail.
The Ute Canyon Trail meets up with the Bench Trail.
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Following the Bench Trail for a short time.
Following the Bench Trail for a short time.
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The Bench Trail meets with the Lower Liberty Cap Trail.
The Bench Trail meets with the Lower Liberty Cap Trail.
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Along the Lower Liberty Cap Trail, Liberty Cap ahead. This trail was interesting as it followed the ledges along the cliff face.
Along the Lower Liberty Cap Trail, Liberty Cap ahead. This trail was interesting as it followed the ledges along the cliff face.
We went around to Liberty Cap's south side and located old metal rungs to get to the summit.
We went around to Liberty Cap's south side and located old metal rungs to get to the summit.
Liberty Cap old metal rungs.
Liberty Cap old metal rungs.
Summit of Liberty Cap, view west into Ute Canyon, the way we came down.
Summit of Liberty Cap, view west into Ute Canyon, the way we came down.
Starting along the Upper Liberty Cap Trail, nothing special.
Starting along the Upper Liberty Cap Trail, nothing special.
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Some nice views into Ute Canyon.
Some nice views into Ute Canyon.
Otherwise, it's just a dirt road walk.
Otherwise, it's just a dirt road walk.
A view east as we gained elevation, looking into Ute Canyon.
A view east as we gained elevation, looking into Ute Canyon.
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Eventually, the Upper Liberty Cap Trail ends at the scenic drive (Rimrock Drive), which we followed back to the Ute Canyon Trailhead.
Eventually, the Upper Liberty Cap Trail ends at the scenic drive (Rimrock Drive), which we followed back to the Ute Canyon Trailhead.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!