Segment 16

Grape Creek & Royal Gorge

  • Distance: 47.7 miles

  • Vertical: +5116', -7654'

  • Highlights:

    • The Tights

    • Royal Gorge Bridge

    • Tunnel Drive

  • Main Challenges:

    • Desert heat

    • Route finding in Grape Creek

    • Logistics - seasonal closures & getting permission for bridge

  • Scrambling Grade: Mostly flat trails or cross-country

  • Exposure: Minimal

The Tights, Lower Grape Creek WSA

Segment 16 explores the seldom-visited Upper and Lower Grape Creek Wilderness Study Areas to connect Westcliffe to Cañon City. The trail can be difficult to follow, fading in and out of existence and numerous creek crossings, but you are rewarded with spectacular views of canyons and wildlife.

A particular area of interest is the aptly named Tights just upstream of Temple Canyon.

Though logistically challenging, the 2026 scouting mission was able to 1) get permission from Royal Gorge Park to enter from their south rim gate that is usually closed to public access, and 2) correctly time the seasonal closure of Royal Cascade Trail.

Most hikers will probably find it logistically easier to continue down Grape Creek towards Cañon City directly, though see below for more information.

We are also in the process of determining whether there is a more pleasant access point to Grape Creek from Westcliffe that doesn’t involve a lengthy road walk. For now, the officially recommended route is along Oak Creek Glade road, which is probably best hitched for nonpurists.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

Loading map…

Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Wet Mountain Valley, near Westcliffe

Seasonal Closures

The Royal Cascade Trail, connecting the Royal Gorge to Cañon City, closes to all use during June and July.

  • This closure will likely overlap with many thru hikers’ timelines. If so, take the Grape Creek Trail Alternate.

Upper Grape Creek WSA

Permits & Fees

Royal Gorge:

  • Entering or exiting the Royal Gorge Park via the south gate requires special permission from the park.

  • We are trying to secure a streamlined process for future hikers, but for now it involves contacting the park’s marketing director well in advance with a specific date and time and getting their approval.

  • If they say yes, call the ranger station when approaching the gate to let them know you are entering/exiting.

  • The Royal Gorge Park costs $35, which you purchase at the main entrance when exiting (if hiking counterclockwise).

  • DO NOT cheat the system. It is of utmost importance to have a good relationship with the park for future hikers.

If this is too complicated, just take the Grape Creek Alternate directly to/from Cañon City.

The Tights, Lower Grape Creek WSA

Water

The only reliable water along this segment is Grape Creek and the Royal Gorge Visitor Center.

This means there are long water carries:

  • Westcliffe to Grape Creek

  • Grape Creek to Royal Gorge

  • Royal Gorge to Cañon City.

Grape Creek can get very turbid (brown), especially towards the Tights & Temple Canyon.

  • Have a filter that can handle “chocolate milk” or carry extra water from above the Tights.

Royal Gorge Bridge

Camping

Camping along Grape Creek or the BLM land directly south of the Royal Gorge Park is generally unproblematic.

  • Camping in Temple Canyon is restricted to designated spots

There is also a campground on the north rim of the Royal Gorge, though it costs a fee and there is no water.

Overlooking Royal Gorge & Arkansas River

Other Considerations

Extreme Heat: This segment can get extremely hot in the summer, creating extra difficulties for the long water carries.

Flash Flooding: Some portions of this segment could flash flood. Plan ahead and pay attention to both flooding and heavy precipitation forecasts.