Hiking To Be Highlighted at Colorado National Monument on May 1

Published Date

April 17, 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.

Story Categories:

Visiting the Parks

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks