The White Rocks area of Colorado National Monument is a hidden gem hiding right under our noses. The trailhead provides access to a more primitive portion of the park with no official trails, in fact, this area doesn’t even appear on the park’s maps or on the park’s webpage. However, there are a few trails here that are well defined and well worth exploring, especially the Gold Star Canyon Trail.

Gold Star Canyon starts as a narrow crack in the hillside and climbs steeply up where it opens into a incredible amphitheater. You have two options, you can try your hand at canyoneering and rock climbing by climbing straight up the canyon, or, as described here, you can take the steep by obvious trail to the right of the canyon. The trail is steep and rocky, gaining 500 ft of elevation in about half a mile and can be dangerous in bad weather. However, the trail is easy to follow and the views from the trail are nothing less than spectacular.

When you get to the top of the steep trail you arrive on “the bench” and the trail mercifully flattens out. The bench explores the upper reaches of Gold Star Canyon and is truly a magical spot. The Irishman’s Temple towers above you and Bottlecap Tower stands guard to the west. This trail apparently continues south all the way to the Liberty Cap/Corckscrew Trails. Follow the trail for as long as you like before turning around and returning the same way you came.

This area was a special place to the Fremont Peoples and rock art sites still exist. Although I did not know about it at the time, they can be found at the mouth of Gold Star Canyon. It is hard to believe that this area is not more well known or advertised, it is incredible and I can’t wait to return and explore when I have more time.