Colorado National Monument: Coke Ovens
Traverse a red-rock hillside on this easy 1-mile out-and-back that lands atop a cluster of sandstone pinnacles in the Colorado National Monument’s grandest canyon.
Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Sign up for Outside+ today.
This quick, 1-mile out-and-back is a perfect way to stretch your legs while driving (or biking) the Colorado National Monument’s scenic Rim Rock Road. From the Coke Ovens Overlook, you’ll drop onto a sandstone trail that winds westward toward the back of the canyon and traverses below the park road and huge red-rock walls. Just an easy 15 minutes from the trailhead you’ll land at a fenced-in viewing platform above cream-colored pinnacles in the Wingate formation. The bulbous rocks below the platform resemble ovens traditionally used for baking coal into a cleaner-burning fuel called coke.
In addition to a close-up of the Coke Ovens, this platform provides a great view into Monument Canyon and a preview of the trail following its base. As you turn back toward the trailhead, watch for yellow-headed collared lizards and plateau whiptails sunning themselves on sun-heated rocks along the trail, and look west over the canyon for soaring golden eagles or red-tailed hawks.
There are no facilities at the trailhead, so bring water and be sure to stop at the visitor center restroom about 3.5 miles north on the road before your hike.
-Mapped by Kristy Holland
Trail Facts
- Distance: 1.6
Waypoints
COK001
Location: 39.077834, -108.727956
Begin by following the trail from the west side of the Coke Ovens Overlook. Stop to read the tips and rules at the map kiosk and note that dogs are not allowed on any monument trails. Descend a few steps and a long switchback below the overlook.
COK002
Location: 39.077109, -108.727816
At the T-junction with the Monument Trail, turn right toward the back of the canyon. Look up for a cave that runs alongside the CCC trail just below the road.
COK003
Location: 39.076743, -108.727516
Look left toward an eroding arch in the cliff below the roadside trailhead as you walk across a wide sandstone shelf.
COK004
Location: 39.07536, -108.726196
The trail skirts huge, smooth sandstone cliffs as it approaches the overlook. You’ll see hand-carved evidence of other (vandal) tourists’ visits.
COK005
Location: 39.07526, -108.723395
The viewing platform above the pinnacles marks the end of the trail. Spend a few minutes framing perfect pictures of the rocks and canyon below before turning back toward the trailhead.
Trailhead
Location: 39.077842, -108.727977
This map kiosk lists detailed information about backcountry and trail travel in the monument. This route begins just west of this sign.
Descending
Location: 39.077076, -108.72831
Monument Canyon
Location: 39.076776, -108.727612
Steps
Location: 39.076743, -108.727527
Though the trail is mostly wide and easy, there are a few steps.
Sandstone Trail
Location: 39.076093, -108.726969
Slickrock
Location: 39.075368, -108.726186
Coke Ovens
Location: 39.07526, -108.723428
Looking down onto the Coke Ovens from the observation platform at trail end.
Monument Canyon
Location: 39.07531, -108.723364
The viewing platform also offers a close-up view of Monument Canyon.
