Security Cameras Return To Colorado Trailheads in Mesa County

Unfortunately, Colorado criminals are happy to prey upon unattended vehicles in the parking areas near many of Grand Junction's trailheads. Some of the coolest hiking attractions take a couple of hours to complete, and these criminals know it.

Read More: Best Ways to Stay Hydrated: Hiking in Colorado’s High Altitudes

They wait patiently for you to start on your hike, secretly hoping you'll forget to lock your car, or that you'll leave your valuables in plain site for an easy score.

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Smile, You're On Camera

Thanks to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, solar-operated trailers with cameras are being deployed at trailheads throughout Mesa County this spring to help bring down the number of vehicle thefts occurring in the parking areas.

Sergeant Jeff Canizzaro told News 11 that these solar-powered cameras are remotely accessed by Mesa County's Real-Time Crime Center to help watch over cars at the trailhead. These cameras are the same as those used to watch crowds at large county events like the Mesa County Fair and Country Jam.

Always Lock Your Vehicle

No matter how many cameras are deployed throughout the county, the best thing you can do to protect your vehicle and possessions is to remember to lock your car. If you must take valuables with you to a trailhead, hide them out of site. Crooks that can see a wallet or purse in plain site are more likely to target your vehicle.

Read More: Hiking Colorado's Mount Garfield: 26 Pro Tips for First Timers

Use Caution At These Grand Junction Trailheads

The following trailhead parking areas have reported some of the most criminal activity in recent months.

• Kokopelli Trailhead (Loma): Multiple vehicle thefts have taken place here recently from December 2024 to February of 2025.
• Devil's Canyon Trailhead: Criminals love that you will be gone hiking this canyon for 6.8 miles. Remember to lock your car.
• Coal Canyon Trailhead: It is out of control at this trailhead in Cameo. You want to hike and see the wild horses, and criminals are stealing your stuff. Be sure to lock your car.
• Liberty Cap Trailhead (Colorado National Monument): It’s more than a 1200-foot climb to the Liberty Cap, giving criminals plenty of time to see if you locked your car. This lot had six break-ins reported last November alone.