Fort Bottom Ruin Trail
The Fort Bottom Trail is a fantastic hike to two buildings from two different eras of human history. This adventurous hike leads you to a fort-like tower built approximately 750 years ago as well as an old cowboy cabin from the 1800s. This trail has some tricky sections but it is a great pace to spend the day exploring around, and learning about Canyonlands National Park.
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Route Description for Fort Bottom Ruin Trail
The Fort Bottom Trail is a moderately challenging hike to two well-preserved ruins in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands. This trail has tight squeezes and steep sections, so come prepared for an adventurous day. The Fort Bottom trailhead is along an unpaved 4x4 road, so you do need a vehicle with decent clearance and 4WD to access this trail. Once you’re there, this hike has so much to offer, the tower-like Fort Bottom Ruin is an incredible structure built approximately 750 years ago by the Ancestral Pueblo People and this structure still stands tall to this day. The other piece of history along this trail is an old cowboy cabin, likely built in the late 1800s by cattle ranchers who lived and worked along the canyon floor. If you are interested in local history, this trail is not one to miss.
From the trailhead, follow the path northwest to the two historic sites.
Once you’ve had your fill exploring the area, follow the same path back out to the trailhead. If you are looking for more to do in the area, check out the Upheaval Canyon Trail nearby.
Getting to the Fort Bottom Ruin Trail Trailhead
This trail begins at the Fort Bottom Trailhead in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park.
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