No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Waterfall

This point-to-point run heads directly through one of the most picturesque and remote canyons in Colorado National Monument. Depending on the time you visit, this canyon can house a few beautiful waterfalls along the way, some of which turn to ice falls in the colder months.

From the east entrance, drive 0.2 miles to the trailhead. There is limited parking available on the left. For additional parking, turn right into the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. The trailhead is shared with three other trails: Old Gordon Trail, Serpents Trail and Devils Kitchen Trail.

No Thoroughfare Canyon starts with a descent from the plateau on a maintained trail before transitioning to an unmaintained route through the remote canyon. The canyon walls rise over 400 feet above you as you run in awe. Because of how isolated and primitive this route is, most visitors do not venture the entire route.

No Thoroughfare Canyon offers visitors to Colorado National Monument the chance to roam through a tight canyon in the oldest layer of rock within the park. If you follow the dry wash for about 1 mile, you'll reach the first pool, which can make a good turnaround point if you're looking for a short, 2-mile run. The pool is a beautiful little oasis that exists in juxtaposition to the otherwise arid environment. This is a great place to enjoy a picnic.

You can also continue for another 0.8 miles to the first waterfall if you're looking to run a little while longer and see more of what the canyon has to offer. The trail continues as an unmaintained route past the waterfall all the way to the upper trailhead along Little Park Road.

Because of the existence of running water in No Thoroughfare Canyon, beautiful flora exist here. Look for various species of flowering cacti as you run.