Last updated: March 27, 2024
Place
Rabbits Ear Trailhead, McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area
Quick Facts
Location:
Rabbit Valley, west of Grand Junction, Colorado
Significance:
The Old Spanish Trail passes through the vicinity of the recreation trails and campground.
MANAGED BY:
Rabbits Ear Trail, which departs from Rabbits Ear Trailhead, gives the sense of how harsh an environment Old Spanish Trail travelers would have contended with between Los Angeles and Santa Fe. This 5.6 mile loop climbs 700 feet to an impressive vista of the Colorado River and the Grand Mesa to the LaSal Mountains in Utah. This trail is open to hiking only.
There are other recreation sites available in the vicinity:
The Jouflas Campground, dedicated to the Jouflas family, consists of fourteen campsites. Equipped with picnic tables and a public restroom, this campground is a great place to stop and learn a little about the history of the Rabbit Valley. Existing interpretation highlighting the Jouflas family, and their ranching way of life can be found on several signs in the site.
The McDonald Creek Trail, which departs form the McDonald Creek Trailhead, accesses McDonald Creek. While the creek is south of the trail, historic travelers may have explored this area. Following the McDonald Creek Trail, visitors can find pictographs left by the Fremont people.
Site Information
Location (Rabbit Valley, west of Grand Junction, Colorado)
From Grand Junction, travel west on I-70 to Rabbit Valley (exit 2). Take a left, go over the interstate, and continue straight into the National Conservation Area. Travel on the dirt road and take a left at the first intersection. The trailhead will be on the right after approximately 4.3 miles.
Safety Considerations