Prater Ridge South Loop Trail

Prater Ridge South Loop is a 4.6-mile loop-style hike from Prater Ridge Trailhead at Morefield Campground. That total includes the 1.1-mile shared climb to the ridge, the 2.4-mile South Loop around the canyon heads, and the same approach back down. The 2.4-mile figure sometimes used for this trail is only the upper circuit. Allow about two to three hours; this is a real hike, not a quick campground stroll, but it saves the longer North Loop for another day.

The first 1.1 miles do most of the work. The path climbs steadily from the campground to the ridge junction, with short switchbacks up a cliff band. Turn left for the South Loop. The upper route rolls along the rim and bends around several canyon heads before bringing you back to the same junction; retrace the approach to the campground rather than following the North Loop.

The payoff is a series of open views into Prater Canyon and Morefield Canyon. There is no summit building or cliff dwelling at the end; the ridge itself is the attraction, with sandstone ledges above green canyon slopes. For a photo, include a safe patch of ledge in the foreground so the canyon has a sense of scale.

This is high, dry, exposed country. The canyon edges are unfenced and can be unstable, and the surrounding soil is fragile, so stay on the trail. Carry water; none is available on the route, and the campground trailhead listing does not show water. The ridge is open to wind and summer storms, so leave it before lightning builds. Mud has been reported on the South Loop after rain. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on the trail.