Sand Canyon, Intemann, and Red Rock Rim Hike

Route Description for Sand Canyon, Intemann, and Red Rock Rim Hike

The Sand Canyon, Intemann, and Red Rock Rim Hike is a great route for those seeking a more extensive and demanding adventure in the Red Rocks Canyon Open Space. This awesome trek not only exhibits views of the epic outcropping and cantons but also sights of the Front Range foothills that line the horizon. Let the epic vistas motivate you to persist around the loop. Note that sections of this path will likely be busier than others, so head out early if you wish to avoid the crowds that this amazing park attracts. Note there are a lot of route changes, so the trail GPS may prove useful!

Your trek along the Sand Canyon, Intemann, and Red Rock Rim Hike begins from the Sand Canyon Trailhead off West High Street. From here, hikers will be guided south along the Sand Canyon Trail. This path will soon reach an intersection where you will merge onto the Contemplative Trail, a stunning path lined with benches to sit on and contemplate. Eventually, you will reconnect with the Sand Canyon Trail. Hike this path south, merging onto the East Fork Sand Canyon Trail. Follow this path along the outskirts of the park and you will soon track the Intemann Trail then the Waterfall Trail and Palmer Rock Trail to a stunning overlook of the Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

Departing the lookout, retrace your footing along the Palmer Red Rock Trail back to the intersection. At the junction, turn right onto the Parallel Trail then the Section 16 Trail. At this point, you will begin to track north along the Ridgeline Trail and onto the Lion Trail. Soon you will merge onto the Red Rock Rim Trail and onto the Old Quarry Trail. From here, track the Red Rock Canyon Trail and Sand Canyon Trail back to the trailhead.