No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail - 6.1 Miles Round-Trip

No Thoroughfare Canyon is accessed from the Devils Kitchen Trailhead in Colorado National Monument (East Entrance Station). This remote canyon runs approximately 8.5 miles from Rim Rock Road to Little Park Road along the Monument’s south boundary.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

A maintained trail leads 2 miles in to a seasonal waterfall, where a primitive route continues another mile to a second waterfall. Strenuous x-country travel resumes up-canyon to its terminus on Little Park Road. Only experienced hikers should attempt travel past the second waterfall.

The following describes travel to the second waterfall, a popular day hike distinguished by water, lush vegetation and diverse geological features. Bighorn sheep may also be seen in the canyon:

The trail dips through open desert at the mouth of the canyon to the Devils Kitchen – No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail split (.25 miles : 4,955’). Sage and sprawling cactus beds fill this colorful expanse. The trail bends west into the lower canyon and follows a stream bed up to the Pool (1.05 miles : 5,080’).

Steep stairs climb over the pool and drop back into the wash, a narrow riparian corridor hemmed by dark Precambrian rock – a sharp contrast to crimson sandstones more typical in the Monument.

The trail rises up the narrow channel on modest, variously rugged grades to the First Waterfall (1.95 miles : 5,295’). The seasonal fall pours over a towering alcove into a large pool ringed by shady cottonwoods and leafy vegetation.

The trail – now a primitive route – continues up the right side of the waterfall on a very steep, rugged climb to a level area in the middle canyon (2.05 miles : 5,458’). Note the trail’s location here, as the exact descent point may be tricky to find on the hike back.

Enjoy great views back down canyon and out toward the Book Cliffs from this high point.

The route continues up canyon on a fairly well-defined boot track that negotiates intervals of thick, potentially head-high brush. Be patient with route finding and avoid placing your hands or feet where you can’t see them. If off course, simply follow the central wash, a verdant line of cottonwoods, willow, grasses and pools.

A progressively rugged and obfuscated path leads to the Second Waterfall (3.05 miles : 5,648’), a sunny area less likely to hold water than the first.

For those continuing on, look for cairns on the right side of the wash before arriving at the waterfall. These cairns mark a steep climb above/around the waterfall, which is typically not scalable due to pitch and wet rock. Anticipate slow travel beyond this point, and plan resources accordingly.