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Hiking To Be Highlighted at Colorado National Monument on May 1

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 17th, 2010

Take in the gorgeous views at Colorado National Monument while hiking up the Serpents Trail for a good cause on May 1. NPS photos of Monument Valley and the Serpents Trail.

A celebration of hiking will be held Saturday, May 1, at Colorado National Monument when visitors are invited to participate in the inaugural Serpents Trail Centennial Challenge.

Park officials are working with the Colorado National Monument Association to host this non-competitive event, which is open to hikers of all ages and abilities. Registration proceeds go to the Colorado National Monument Association and will support public events for Colorado National Monument’s Centennial in 2011.

The Serpents Trail has been called "the crookedest road in the world," no doubt because of the 16 switchbacks that can be found along the mile-and-three-quarter length of the trail. The trail climbs steadily from east to west through Wingate Sandstone. Built in the early 1900s, this route was part of the park's main road until 1950.

The grade is considered steep, and the elevation rises 700 feet, from 5,060 feet at the trailhead to 5,760 feet.

Participants can choose one of the following hike options:

The Serpents Tour

8 a.m. - noon

Arrive anytime between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. to take a leisurely hike up and down the Serpents Trail, stopping at kid-friendly activity stations along the way to spot desert wildlife in the cliffs, make an animal track bandana, and more.

Serpents Endurance Challenge

7 a.m. - noon

See how many trips up and down the historic Serpents Trail you can make in 5 hours.

Enjoy live music in the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area after you hike. Refreshments will be available.

Colorado National Monument Association is currently accepting pre-registration in person at the visitor center, by mail, or by phone (credit card only). Registration forms are available at www.coloradonma.org, or at the park’s entrance stations and visitor center. The registration fee includes your entrance fee to the monument, a specially designed T-shirt, aid stations along the trail, kid-friendly activity stations, prizes, and live music following the event.

Call 970-858-3617 ext. 360 for more information.

Registration Fees

Adult............................$25

Team of 4........................$90

Youth (12 & under)...............$10 (T-shirt not included)

Extra T-shirts...................$10

*You may register the day of the event from 6:30 to 9:00 a.m.

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