Heart of the World | Sunday, July 6, 2025
Since I ended up cancelling my planned backpacking trip this weekend and headed home early, I spent Saturday working on the new 4Runner and then decided to continue my Heart of the World project in the Colorado National Monument early on Sunday morning with a hike into upper Monument Canyon. Although I have hiked into and through Monument Canyon many times over the years, I don’t recall ever hiking up the upper portion of the trail before so I thought it would be fun to hike down the upper trail to Independence Monument and then return the same way, especially since I’ve already hiked the lower trail earlier this year. So after getting up early on Sunday morning I drove up to the Upper Monument Canyon Trailhead and started hiking down the trail shortly before sunrise.
I stopped for a quick photo from the Monument Canyon Viewpoint as I made my way to the trailhead at dawn.
A soft light was illuminating the cliffs of the upper canyon when I reached the trailhead and started hiking.
Looking down to the switchbacks of the Monument Canyon Trail.
I watched the first light of the day strike the Coke Ovens as I continued on down the trail.
Morning light in upper Monument Canyon.
Coke Ovens Point
Artist’s Fingers
Following the trail below the Kissing Couple.
Praying Hands
Kissing Couple
Looking up to the Grand View Overlook.
It wasn’t long until I had my first good view of Independence Monument. Typically there would be an American flag flying on top of the monument at this time of the year, but this was the first year since 1991 that there was no climb to the top on Independence Day because of wildlife concerns.
Window Rock
I found a little shade just past Independence Monument and sat down to rest for a little bit before turning around and hiking back up the canyon.
Walking below Independence Monument as I started my hike back upcanyon.
Since it was getting pretty warm out already, I stopped to rest in this large shaded alcove along the trail.
Hiking along the sandstone ledge of the upper trail.
I took one more short break in the shade of this little alcove before returning to the trailhead above.
Hole in the Wall
How would you compare the 4 Runner to your previous Rubicon (which I assume had mechanical problems since you got rid of it so quickly)
It’s really too soon to tell. I certainly notice a lack of power on the highway- and the V6 Jeeps I am used to are not known for their performance. It did fine on Stony Pass last weekend, but I know it’s not going to be as capable as the Rubicon’s I am used to driving for the past 15 years…