McDonald Creek Trailhead

Facility · Colorado ·

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management

Mcinnis Canyons National Conservation Area (BLM_NCA) · Open Access

4,557 ft
Elevation
Hike along a stream bed for several miles to the Colorado River in search of rock art sites among outstanding scenery. Please be considerate of this fragile desert canyon - All the rock art can be seen without leaving the trail. Binoculars are a very good way to see the rock art details. Please walk only in the streambed to help preserve the natural beauty and your sense of discovery of this area. The McDonald Creek Cultural Area is closed to camping and campfires and the trail is open to foot traffic only.

Getting there

From Grand Junction, travel on I-70 west and take the exit to Rabbit Valley (2). Take a left and go over the interstate and straight into Rabbit Valley. Continue on the dirt road. Take a right at the first intersection and a left at the second intersection (you will see a sign about camping opportunities in Rabbit Valley at the second intersection) - from here, travel approximately 2.3 miles to the trailhead.

39.16300, -109.03100 · 39°9'46.8"N 109°1'51.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in0.80.80.80.70.90.50.90.91.21.00.60.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Stay limit: Day use area

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Member photos

Common questions about McDonald Creek Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at McDonald Creek Trailhead?
No. McDonald Creek Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
How long can you stay at McDonald Creek Trailhead?
Day use area

Camping near McDonald Creek Trailhead

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Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.