take a hike
GRAND JUNCTION
POLLOCK BENCH TRAIL Words + Photos by Melanie Wiseman
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othing can inspire you to check out a trail you
occasional and inconsistent sets of rocky steps.
aren’t familiar with more than the rousing
Compared to Mt. Garfield Trail, which gains 1,000
testimonials of other hikers. When it comes to
feet of elevation for each of its miles, the Pollock
Pollock Bench Trail, these sentiments include:
Bench Loop gains about 350 feet of elevation for
“Pollock Bench Trail does not disappoint;” “A
each mile. The average grade for the trail is 8%.
beautiful day hike with unparalleled views and,
At 1.6 miles, you reach not only the mesa
in springtime, a refreshing start to summer;”
top but a fork in the trail where the loop begins.
“A Western Slope gem;” and “Views along the
This descriptive version of the trail hangs a left,
canyon are pure scenic eye candy!”
continuing in a clockwise manner (the preferred
Now that you’re hooked, let’s dive in.
direction for a gradual decline along the oh-so-
Pollock Bench Trail is a moderate 7-mile
amazing section along Pollock Canyon). From
round-trip hike near Fruita in the Black Ridge
the beginning of this loop, the trail continues at
Canyons Wilderness, McInnis Canyons National
an easy pace through a mix of juniper and piñon
Conservation Area. From the parking lot, the trail
trees, various bushes, grasses and high desert,
winds uphill on a rough, old jeep road following
spring wildflowers.
the natural slope of the land. Along the climb, the
The trail crosses over the top of the mesa,
rim of Flume Canyon emerges, fueling you with
becoming narrower until you eventually reach
sights of impressive wind and water shaped red
another junction at just under the 3-mile point.
rock cliffs.
Here, you are rewarded with breathtaking
This part of the trail is by far the most
views of sculptured canyon walls and spires.
challenging as you traverse up and down
Stay to the right, and follow the singletrack,