If you ever find yourself looking for a moderate hike on the western slope of Colorado, the Cool Rock Trail in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) east of the City of Delta, Colorado will fit your bill. This is a nice hike with opportunities to view some of the abundant wildlife that inhabits the area and can either be an out and back route or a one way hike if combined with a shuttle vehicle. The trail follows a wash through a desert landscape with interesting rock formations as you hike the drainage away from the Gunnison River.
Getting to the Cool Rock Trail Trailhead
From the City of Delta, drive east on Colorado Highway 92 to the Town of Austin. Turn south on Delta County 2200 Road, a sign indicating access to the Gunnison Gorge NCA will help you find this turn. Drive south over the bridge that crosses the Gunnison River and a little farther until you reach H75 Road, take a left turn and continue on the dirt road until you reach a sign that will tell you that you are in the Conservation Area.
