DIRECTIONS:

Half the adventure of Mee Canyon is getting to the trailhead. Do not attempt this drive with a passenger car, but you don’t need a jeep or heavy duty 4x4. I drive a Toyota Highlander and it did fine on this route. However, if conditions are wet and muddy, I would think twice about making the trip.

Don’t trust google maps for directions. Here is a link to BLM’s travel map for McInnis Canyons, refer to this map to find your way. From Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument (you may need to pay the park fee), find your way to 16 1/2 Road and turn west out of the Monument. Turn right onto 706, this road is a bit rough and narrow, depending on conditions. Turn left on 707, a better dirt road, and turn right to stay on 707. This takes you to the Upper Road (open seasonally from Easter to August 15th) which is the best way to get to the trailhead. From August 15th through mid-February you can take the Lower Road, which I have not travelled on. The Upper Road will take you to the Trailhead just after the turnoff for Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead.

The driving route sounds a bit daunting but it honestly is not that bad, as long as the weather conditions are ok.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

The hike down to the Mee Canyon Alcove is not easy, but it is thrilling and incredibly scenic. In fact, this may be my favorite hike in the McInnis Canyons NCA. This is a down and up hike, and not an easy down and up. The middle section of the trail consists of a number of obstacles that make this hike unique and extremely fun. Once you are down into the canyon, the reward is a massive payoff. The Mee Canyon Alcove is a sight to see!

From the parking area, begin the adventure by passing through the gate and entering the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. The trail crosses scrub brush with great views down over the canyons west of Grand Junction and the Book Cliffs to the north. The trail continues to steadily descend towards the rim of Mee Canyon. When you reach the rim of the canyon and the circular cliffs of the side canyon providing access, the real fun begins…

Your first obstacle is a small arch that you need to squeeze through, this is a tight fit. After you pass through the arch, climb the wood ladder down the cliff face. After the ladder, work your way down the slickrock following cairns to stay on route. The trail then descends a loose rocky section along the base of the cliff before landing on stable ground and proceeding towards the greater Mee Canyon. Follow the trail towards the obvious rock spires as the trail skirts the base of the spires, providing your best views yet of Mee Canyon. Turn the corner and spot the break in the rock face, this is your way through. On the other side of the spires, the trail descends to the canyon floor via switchbacks and rock ledges. The trail is not hard to follow and there are cairns in place to keep you on the right track.

Once on the canyon floor, the trail evens out and passes through lush desert brush as it works its way up-canyon. At this point, you may be wondering if you missed the alcove, keep hiking, you will know it when you see it. The Alcove is huge! It’s unmissable and it opens like a gaping maw in the canyon wall. The Alcove was/is carved through the rock by the creek that carved Mee Canyon in the first place. You can walk into the Alcove and follow the creek around a tight bend and out the other side of the Alcove. The trail ends at this point so spend as much time in the Alcove as you want, regain your strength, and remember, you still need to climb out of the canyon.

I’ve done many hikes in McInnis Canyons NCA and Mee Canyon is the most spectacular that I’ve seen yet. The hike is hard, but it’s fun and satisfying and I can’t describe in words just how amazing the Alcove is…you just need to experience it for yourself.