East Rock Creek Trail
Trail
5.3 mile
8.5 kilometer
loop
96% Runnable
Intermediate/Difficult
Elevation
Ascent:
528'
161 m
Descent: -520' -158 m
High: 5,931' 1,808 m
Low: 5,447' 1,660 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 4% (2°)
Max Grade: 11% (6°)
Dogs
Unknown
Weather
Unknown
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“A nice desert loop with great vistas.”
— Kevin Christopherson
Features
Views
Description
To reach the McElmo Canyon trailhead, head south of Cortez on Highway 491. Turn right (west) on County Road G at the signs for the airport and/or Hovenweep National Monument. Go 12 miles on this paved road. Trailhead parking is an unimproved slickrock surface on the north (right) side of the road. No water, or other services are available.
The trail is well marked with maps at every major intersection. Start up the Sand Canyon Trail and in about 1/4-mile watch for the Blue Connector Trail - No equestrian use allowed - that branches to the left. This connector is clearly marked. Follow it to the junction with East Rock Creek.
Start the trail (as mapped) by taking a right. From there simply follow the loop counterclockwise back to this point and then retrace your steps on the first two trails to get back to the parking lot. The trail is fairly mellow with some climbing but not up very steep grades.
These trails get hot in the summer.
The trail is well marked with maps at every major intersection. Start up the Sand Canyon Trail and in about 1/4-mile watch for the Blue Connector Trail - No equestrian use allowed - that branches to the left. This connector is clearly marked. Follow it to the junction with East Rock Creek.
Start the trail (as mapped) by taking a right. From there simply follow the loop counterclockwise back to this point and then retrace your steps on the first two trails to get back to the parking lot. The trail is fairly mellow with some climbing but not up very steep grades.
These trails get hot in the summer.
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We need help with the following missing trail information:
Need to Know, Dogs Allowed, Flora & Fauna, Runner Notes
Contacts
Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Dolores Public Lands Office
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Oct 3, 2018
Abigail Lock
Did both Rock Creek and East Rock Creek loops with an additional mile out and back on the Sand Canyon Trail.
13.1mi
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