Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Discover

Browns Canyon National Monument

Discover

Browns Canyon National Monument

Things to Do in Browns Canyon National Monument

Browns Canyon National Monument is a 21,586-acre national monument located in Chaffee County, Colorado, situated between Buena Vista and Salida. The monument's topography is characterized by rugged granite cliffs, distinct rock outcroppings, and extensive backcountry forests of ponderosa, aspen, and pinyon. Elevations within Browns Canyon National Monument range from 7,300 feet to 10,000 feet, fostering a diverse environment suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. The Arkansas River, a central feature, carves through the canyon, creating a…

Website

Directions

Phone number

21

Routes

4.5

(6)

Average rating

108

People visited

Loading
Hiking in Browns Canyon National MonumentSee all
placeholder

A Fistfull of Dollars and Camp Elevation South Trail

8.99km

02:27

120m

160m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Moderate
placeholder

4.5

(2)

11

hikers

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
placeholder

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
placeholder

4.0

(1)

3

hikers

6.47km

02:08

300m

300m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 7 more hikes Browns Canyon National Monument.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

placeholder

4.0

(1)

8

riders

17.8km

01:44

330m

340m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
placeholder

4

riders

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard
placeholder

2

riders

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard
placeholder

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard
Sign up for free to see 3 more rides Browns Canyon National Monument.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

placeholder

2

runners

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
placeholder

1

runners

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
placeholder

1

runners

16.0km

02:12

560m

560m

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
placeholder

6.50km

00:58

300m

300m

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
Sign up for free to see 2 more runs Browns Canyon National Monument.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Explore the region

Hiking in Browns Canyon National Monument

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do in Browns Canyon National Monument

Natural areas to explore nearby

Things to Do in Mcintyre Hills Wilderness Study Area

Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available in Browns Canyon National Monument?

Browns Canyon National Monument offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. The monument features rugged granite cliffs and diverse forests, with elevations ranging from 7,300 feet to 10,000 feet. The Arkansas River also provides whitewater rafting and fishing.

What are the best hiking trails in Browns Canyon National Monument?

The monument offers various hiking trails, primarily in its northern section. Notable routes include the Turret Trail, River Bench Trail, and the Catkin Gulch Loop. These trails provide access to the Arkansas River and allow for wildlife observation. More details can be found in the Hiking in Browns Canyon National Monument guide.

Are there mountain biking trails in Browns Canyon National Monument?

Yes, manually powered mountain bikes are permitted on specific trails within Browns Canyon National Monument. The Hefley Saddle Trail and Turret Road are available for mountain biking. These routes offer challenging climbs and panoramic views of the Arkansas River. Consult the MTB Trails in Browns Canyon National Monument guide for more information.

Are there family-friendly trails in Browns Canyon National Monument?

Browns Canyon National Monument offers trails suitable for families. These routes allow visitors to experience the canyon's beauty and observe its diverse wildlife. Specific family-friendly options are detailed in the Family-friendly hikes in Browns Canyon National Monument guide.

What kind of wildlife can be seen in Browns Canyon National Monument?

The monument is a habitat for diverse wildlife, serving as a crucial winter range for elk and mule deer. Visitors might also observe bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and various raptors like golden eagles. The riparian corridor along the Arkansas River supports a rich ecosystem.

What are the notable natural features of Browns Canyon National Monument?

Browns Canyon National Monument is characterized by rugged granite cliffs, vibrant rock outcroppings, and extensive forests of ponderosa, aspen, and pinyon. The Arkansas River carves through the canyon, forming a vital riparian corridor. The monument also features the majestic Sawatch Range as a backdrop.

What is the elevation range in Browns Canyon National Monument?

Elevations within Browns Canyon National Monument range significantly. The lowest points are around 7,300 feet (2,225 meters) above sea level. The highest elevations reach up to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters).

Are there specific guides available for Browns Canyon National Monument on komoot?

Yes, komoot offers several guides for Browns Canyon National Monument. These include guides for Hiking, Running Trails, and MTB Trails. There is also a guide for Family-friendly hikes.

How popular is Browns Canyon National Monument on komoot?

Browns Canyon National Monument has more than 400 visitors who have shared their experiences on komoot. The routes in the monument have an average rating of 4.65 out of 5 stars. There are 8 total routes available across hiking, jogging, and mountain biking.

Where can I find official information or contact Browns Canyon National Monument?

Official information for Browns Canyon National Monument can be found on the Bureau of Land Management website. For inquiries, the Royal Gorge Field Office can be contacted by phone. The official website is blm.gov/visit/browns-canyon-national-monument, and the phone number is +1-719-269-8500.

What is the significance of the Arkansas River in Browns Canyon National Monument?

The Arkansas River is a central feature of Browns Canyon National Monument, carving through the canyon and creating a vital riparian corridor. It is designated as a "Gold Medal" trout fishery, making it a prime location for fishing. The river is also renowned as a popular whitewater rafting destination.

Does Browns Canyon National Monument offer stargazing opportunities?

Yes, Browns Canyon National Monument has been recognized as a Dark Sky Park. This designation indicates that the monument offers exceptional opportunities for stargazing. Its remote location and minimal light pollution contribute to clear night skies.

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With aΒ free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating
Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

Β© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy