Corkscrew Trail

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From the trailhead follow the sandy singletrack up and over a small rise. At the bottom of the short rock staircase, take a left at the junction to follow the Corkscrew Trail. The trail weaves in and out of a wash and eventually you'll exit and climb sharply up slickrock. Be sure to follow the cairns as it can be easy to get sucked into a wash with your head down.

The climb is full of switchbacks as the Corkscrew name implies and you get great views of the metamorphic cliffs that make up the lowest geologic layer of the Colorado National Monument as you hike alongside them. When the slope mellows, you'll arrive at the Ute Canyon Trail junction at a large pile of sandstone boulders. From here you can hike up Ute Canyon all the way to Rim Rock Drive or take a right to meet up with the Lower Liberty Cap Trail. If you are willing to explore there is some rock art in the boulders/at the base of the cliff near the Ute Canyon Trail junction.