No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail

The trail can be hiked year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions. During colder months, parts of the trail may be covered with snow and ice, potentially requiring microspikes. The seasonal stream and pools are particularly inviting during warmer periods, but flash flooding is a serious danger, so always check weather conditions before starting.

The most common starting point is the Devil's Kitchen trailhead within Colorado National Monument. There's also an option for a through-hike, often starting at an upper trailhead on Little Park Road and descending to Devil's Kitchen, which would require a shuttle. Another access point is near the Serpents Lower Trailhead at Rim Rock Drive.

Yes, No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail is located within Colorado National Monument, which requires an entrance fee. You can find current fee information and details on passes at the official nps.gov website. No specific hiking permits are generally required beyond the park entrance fee for day use.

The initial sections of the trail are more accessible. The hike to the First Pool, about 1 mile from the Devil's Kitchen trailhead, is moderately easy and a popular turnaround point for a shorter hike or picnic. Continuing an additional 0.8 miles to the No Thoroughfare Canyon First Waterfall also maintains a more manageable difficulty. Beyond this, the trail becomes significantly more challenging and is not recommended for beginners or young children.

The trail starts with a maintained path that descends from a plateau, then transitions into an undeveloped route through a remote canyon. You'll navigate a wash that can be sandy, rocky, and choked with vegetation. Expect to scramble over boulders and rocks, which may be slick. Beyond the first waterfall, it becomes more primitive, requiring route-finding, scrambling over rocky outcrops, and navigating steep talus slopes.

The canyon offers a chance to spot various wildlife. Most notably, bighorn sheep are frequently seen browsing on the slopes above the trail. You might also encounter other desert animals and birds.

As this trail is located within Colorado National Monument, pets are generally allowed on paved roads and in developed areas, but typically not on unpaved trails. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most current pet regulations before bringing your dog.

The canyon is characterized by towering red sandstone cliffs contrasting with black Precambrian granite. You'll find seasonal waterfalls, including the No Thoroughfare Canyon First Waterfall, and tranquil pools. The geological formations, including potential arches, are a highlight. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep on the slopes.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the No Thoroughfare Canyon Route, Devil's Kitchen Trail, Serpents Trail, and Echo Canyon / Old gordon.

Cell service is limited or nonexistent in the canyon, so be prepared for a lack of connectivity. Flash flooding is a serious danger, especially during monsoon season, so always check weather forecasts before heading out. The trail becomes unmaintained and significantly more challenging beyond the second waterfall, often requiring route-finding and difficult scrambling, making it impassable for hikers without specialized climbing gear further in.

The trail is primarily an out-and-back route. While it can be done as a through-hike with a shuttle, starting at an upper trailhead and descending to Devil's Kitchen, most hikers treat it as an out-and-back, turning around at points like the First Pool or the No Thoroughfare Canyon First Waterfall.