Brown's Canyon

Enjoy the panoramic views of the Collegiate Peaks while adventuring to and around Brown’s Canyon National Monument. On your adventure through BCNM you will experience everything from backcountry canyons featuring granite spires and dense forest, to expansive ridges and aspen groves.

Suggested activities: RZR, hiking, photography

Your adventure begins at the Bald Mtn trailhead, easily accessed from Hwy 285. From here you will head down into Bald Mountain gulch where you are surrounded by pinion pine and scrub oak. As you venture further into the Gulch, taller pines and thicker forest emerge. Be sure not to miss the Bald Mountain (9,612ft) loop option before you arrive at Brown’s Canyon as it will offer some more difficult terrain including scree fields, rock sections, and exposure. The summit rewards you with expansive views of the Collegiates and the Arkansas river basin.

As you make your way to Brown’s you’ll experience rougher terrain and thick forest, then take a deep breathe in as you experience the broad meadows offering panoramic views of the Collegiate Peaks. Soon you’ll notice you’ve reached the elusive pines that were once barely visible and your elevation grows as you make your way into Brown’s Canyon and onto Aspen Ridge Trail with an elevation of over 10,000ft. The road gets rougher, the aspen groves grow thicker, and before you know it you are surrounded by aspens. There are several areas to stop along the way to take in the views, as well as a more secluded lunch option at Little Bull Gulch which is accessible off the main Aspen Ridge Trail.