Free — you'll pick up right here.
Watch this trail
Sign up to watch it — saving subscribes you to gate, closure and report changes.
Colorado
13.2 mi
Distance
714 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.
Why you'll love it
Lower Bench
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Lower Bench is a 13.3-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the Colorado area, managed by Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest's Parks Ranger District. The trail features 714 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderate option for hikers seeking a full-day adventure. This out-and-back route allows hikers to turn around at any point, providing flexibility for different fitness levels and time constraints. The total distance covers varied terrain within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest landscape, offering hikers the opportunity to explore the region's natural features. Lower Bench is accessible through the Parks Ranger District, which maintains the trail and provides visitor services. The elevation gain is distributed throughout the hike, creating a gradual ascent rather than steep sections. Whether you're planning a full 13.3-mile trek or a shorter out-and-back option, Lower Bench accommodates various hiking preferences. The trail's management by the national forest ensures it meets established maintenance and safety standards.
Coal Creek
~3 min drive
2.5 mi · Easy
Atkinson
~9 min drive
4.0 mi · Easy
Atkinson Bench
~9 min drive
8.1 mi · Moderate
Blue Creek
~10 min drive
10 mi · Easy
Bunch Ground
~12 min drive
2.8 mi · Easy
South Bear Pen Gulch
~18 min drive
5.5 mi · Moderate
Corral Fork
~23 min drive
7.6 mi · Hard
Tabeguache (25 Mesa)
~30 min drive
6.5 mi · Easy
Uc
~3 min drive
5.1 mi · Moderate
Big Johnson
~7 min drive
3.3 mi · Moderate