Browns Canyon
National Monument

Ruby Mountain

 

Hiking Trails

The Ruby Mountain Trailhead is the main access point for hiking in Browns Canyon National Monument. Trailhead facilities include a picnic table and vault toilets. There is no fee for parking or for accessing the National Monument, and the parking lot can accommodate vehicles with trailers. No mechanized travel is allowed on these trails (including mountain bikes) as the trails pass through the Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area.

Distances and estimated hiking times from the Ruby Mountain Trailhead:

  • Roundtrip to the river at Little Cottonwood via Turret Trail: 2.7 miles, 2 hours
  • Roundtrip to the river via the River Bench Trail: 5.5 miles, 3 hours
  • Roundtrip to the river via River Access Trail: 9 miles, 4.5 hours
  • Roundtrip including Catkin Gulch Loop: 11.5 miles, 5 hours
  • Roundtrip Ruby Mountain Trailhead to Turret Road (Forest Service Road 184): 11 miles, 5 hours

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

The Ruby Mountain Recreation Site, adjacent to the Ruby Mountain Trailhead, is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as part of the AHRA. The site features a campground with restrooms, changing facilities, a boat ramp and picnic sites. A fee is required to use this site, and campsites can be reserved here.

Critical Habitat

The area around Ruby Mountain provides critical habitat for several wildlife species that rely on the low-elevation habitat of Browns Canyon to survive winter months in the High Rockies. The area is important for bighorn sheep, mule deer and raptors.

Leave No Trace

Please follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace outdoor recreation.

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare.
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly.
  4. Leave What You Find.
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts.
  6. Respect Wildlife.
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors.