No Thoroughfare Canyon
Discover seasonal desert waterfalls and hike through a scenic canyon wash in Colorado National Monument. A unique natural wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for flowing waterfalls
No Thoroughfare Canyon
Best Time
Best chance for flowing waterfalls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover seasonal desert waterfalls and hike through a scenic canyon wash in Colorado National Monument. A unique natural wonder.
"A hidden gem with beautiful desert scenery and seasonal waterfalls that's well worth the hike."
Check Water Flow First
Waterfalls are seasonal! Check recent conditions before your hike.
Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is a wash; expect sand & rocks. Wear closed-toe shoes!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 8 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seasonal Waterfalls
No Thoroughfare Canyon
Witness desert cascades after rain or snowmelt. A truly magical sight in this arid landscape.
Canyon Wash Trail
No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail
Hike through a scenic canyon, enjoying the unique desert flora and fauna.
Wildlife Sightings
No Thoroughfare Canyon
Keep an eye out for mule deer and canyon tree frogs in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Waterfalls
Embrace the Wash Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Water Flow First
Waterfalls are seasonal! Check recent conditions before your hike.
Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is a wash; expect sand & rocks. Wear closed-toe shoes!
Pack Plenty of Water
Desert hiking requires hydration. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
Go Early or Late
Avoid midday heat and crowds. Sunrise or sunset hikes are ideal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Water Flow First
Waterfalls are seasonal! Check recent conditions before your hike.
Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is a wash; expect sand & rocks. Wear closed-toe shoes!
Pack Plenty of Water
Desert hiking requires hydration. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
Go Early or Late
Avoid midday heat and crowds. Sunrise or sunset hikes are ideal.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise No Thoroughfare Canyon as a hidden gem, particularly for its stunning seasonal waterfalls and peaceful hiking experience. While the trail's sandy and rocky terrain requires sturdy footwear, the unique desert beauty and potential for wildlife sightings make it a highly recommended outing within Colorado National Monument. Some note that water flow can be inconsistent, so checking conditions beforehand is advised.
"Well traveled blood thickened traipsers such as I will often impart, keenly and without words, the merit of any number of the paths which lie behind us. An ode to the many canyons, I hear them inhabited still by my echoes, degraded into the babble of incoherence that just below audibly discernable sound is carried under my breath.
So at the present traversing, 'Thor 'fare is sunrise :stealth. And additionally time constraint factors apply.."
T M
"There's running water currently. We'll worth the hike to see it."
Casie Roderick
"Always a favorite to beat the heat and bugs! Great out and back"
Jiana Fish
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
No Thoroughfare Canyon is located within Colorado National Monument. Access is typically via the scenic Rim Rock Drive. The trailhead is often marked, but it's good to have a map.
Parking can be limited, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early or consider visiting during off-peak hours to secure a spot.
Yes, both Fruita and Grand Junction are nearby gateway towns to Colorado National Monument, offering access to the scenic drive leading to the canyon.
No special permit is typically required for day hiking in No Thoroughfare Canyon, but standard entrance fees for Colorado National Monument apply.
The trail itself is for hiking only. Vehicle access is limited to the scenic drives within Colorado National Monument.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Colorado National Monument has an entrance fee per vehicle. Check the official National Park Service website for current pricing and passes.
No Thoroughfare Canyon is generally accessible during daylight hours when the park is open. However, always check the official Colorado National Monument website for any seasonal closures or specific access times.
No advance booking is required for hiking No Thoroughfare Canyon. Entry is typically on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
The hike itself is free, but you will need to pay the entrance fee for Colorado National Monument to access the trailhead.
You can usually pay the entrance fee at the park entrance station. Having cash or a credit card ready is recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is an 8.5-mile out-and-back hike one-way to the end of the canyon. Many visitors turn around after reaching the first waterfall or a comfortable distance.
The trail follows the canyon wash, meaning it's primarily sandy and rocky. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended.
No, the waterfalls are seasonal and depend on snowmelt and rainfall. They are most prominent in spring and after significant precipitation.
Yes, it can be a great family hike, especially in spring when water is flowing. Shorter out-and-back sections are manageable for children.
You might spot mule deer, various birds, and even canyon tree frogs. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The seasonal waterfalls, unique rock formations, and desert landscapes offer stunning photographic potential. Golden hour light can be particularly beautiful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the canyon's expanse, while a telephoto can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hours) provide the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks and Monuments. Always check the specific regulations for Colorado National Monument before flying a drone.
Use a tripod for stability and consider a polarizing filter to manage reflections on the water. Experiment with shutter speeds to create different water effects.
Social
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