Long Canyon Trail
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Long Canyon Trail
Difficulty Rating:
Long Canyon Trail is an easy, mostly flat hike for most of the way, with a bit more effort required to reach the Indian ruins at the end of the route. It’s fascinating to see a slice of Indigenous history on this trail, and the scenery on the way there is splendid. You’ll hike from the Grassy Knolls and Mescal Mountain up beside Maroon Mountain. Expect heavy traffic on this hike, making an early start a good idea if possible.
Getting there
The trailhead for the Long Canyon Trail is off Long Canyon Road.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | Year-round |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Extreme |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Long Canyon Trail
Elevation Graph
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Long Canyon Trail Description
Long Canyon is a popular hiking spot thanks to its impressive scenery and mostly easy trail. You can hike the entire route up to the Indian ruins or just do a section of this hike if you want the easiest path possible. You can also use this trail to make a detour to the Birthing Cave.
The hike begins from the side of Long Canyon Road. There isn’t much parking here, and if the lot is full, we recommend coming back another time. There isn’t any good alternative parking.
From the road, take the wide, flat trail to the northwest (Long Canyon Trail). Keep an eye out for mountain bikers. At about 0.6mi in, stay right onto the main, well-travelled trail. The hike up into the canyon is pretty easy, and you’ll be able to marvel at the sheer walls and red rock mountains that rise above you.
The route drops down to the river level and trees now line your path. Watch for cairns on your left, which lead you to the ruins. There’s a bit more of a climb required to reach them. When you’re ready, turn back and retrace your steps out of the canyon and back to the trailhead.
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