Rabbits Ear Trail checks all the boxes on my list of favorite hikes: easy to get to with a car, challenging but not extreme terrain, well maintained, stunning views and, best of all, solitude. It is rare to see more than a handful of people, if any.

Located in the Rabbit Valley Recreation Area within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area west of Grand Junction, Rabbits Ear Trail is just 2 miles from the Utah border. The trail climbs steadily to the top of Rabbits Ear Mesa overlooking expansive views of Ruby Canyon on the Colorado River. Breathtaking landscapes extend from the Grand Mesa to the east and the La Sal Mountains to the west.

A maze of canyons feed into the Colorado River. Throughout the serpentine bends, you can see the river pass the mouth of Mee Canyon and Salt Wash, the Kokopelli Bike Trail on its journey to Moab and trains hugging the river’s edge.

GETTING THERE

Reviewers of Rabbits Ear Trail share that Google Maps can lead you astray, so be sure to follow these easy directions. From Grand Junction, travel west on I-70 to the Rabbit Valley Exit (exit 2). Take a left and go over the interstate and continue a short distance to the first intersection and take another left. The trailhead and parking area will be obvious on the right side of the road after approximately 4.3 miles.

THE HIKE

The large kiosk and map at the trailhead provides good information, except for the hike distance — stating the lollipop route is a total of 4.8 miles when it is actually closer to 6.2. The loop climbs 700 feet along hilly ridges in a moderate fashion for the first mile before leading you through a fun rock shoot cut in a sandstone cliff.

With the town of Mack spread out below, a cairn-marked junction at 1.3 miles gives you the option of continuing to the left (clockwise) or right (counter clockwise). Both directions have advantages. To shorten the trip to a 5-mile outand-back, veer left as you’ll reach the river vista sooner. Clockwise is a steeper, shorter climb to the rim with an easier switchback descent. Counter clockwise is a longer but gentler ascent with a tougher descent. Both lead you to the 2-mile jaw-dropping rim experience.

It may be unlikely that you’ll encounter other people, but expect to see rabbits (of course), lizards, many species of birds and even the occasional, harmless bull snake along the way. April through November is the best time to hike Rabbits Ear Trail. Spring offers a patchwork of golden asters, purple wild onions and blue penstemons. Fall treats you to a contrasting palette of gold, crimson and rust grasses and bushes against red and tan sandstone, juniper and sage brush. Hiking this trail in the summer requires an early start as there is no shade.

The BLM has done a great job of maintaining Rabbits Ear Trail. There are a few rocky scrambles but is otherwise a moderately challenging route. Hiking poles are recommended as well as plenty of water for both you and your four-legged friends who love this trail. Make sure your hat is secure as it can be breezy on top. Allow three to four hours to enjoy a lunch break at the rim and to complete the entire loop. This trail is designated for hikers only. Enjoy!

Originally published in the Fall 2024 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Take A Hike: Rabbits Ear Trail