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Colorado National Monument
CO- …Western Colorado
- Grand Junction
- Colorado National Monument
Overview
Towering over the American West, the monoliths of Colorado National Monument rise above a vast plateau. The striking red rock, sheer canyon walls, and incredible spires create an unforgettable panorama. While the desert landscape appears barren at first glance, big horn sheep, collared lizards, and eagles all call the area home. Whether you make your way into the backcountry or follow the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, Colorado National Monument provides an amazing escape.
To learn more about the Colorado National Monument, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
Visitor Centers:
- Saddlehorn Visitor Center: 9 am to 4:30 pm, open daily
Visiting Tips
Colorado National Monument is open year round, 24 hours a day (closed December 25). Information about temporary or storm closures can be found by calling the park hotline at (970) 858-3617.
The most popular times to visit the park are during the spring and fall, when temperatures are moderate. Though hot in the summer months, winter months bring cold temperatures and snowfall.
Fees and Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.
Camping & Lodging
If you'd like to extend your visit to Colorado National Monument overnight, there is one campground that operates within the Monument. The Saddlehorn Campground is open year-round and features both first-come, first-serve sites, as well as reservable sites. Sites are suitable for recreational vehicles as well as tents. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-(877) 444-6777.
Food & Drink
There are no places to purchase food or beverages within the monument, but the nearby towns of Fruita and Grand Junction have many options for a variety of tastes.
Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles
There is a variety of ranger-led programs that provide unique insight into the Monument beginning in the month of June. Check the calendar for more information.
Other Activities
Year round there are a variety of activities available to visitors of the Colorado National Monument. Take a drive along the historic Rim Rock Drive and stop along the way to picnic among ancient sandstones and desert flora and fauna. If you're looking to escape from the every day, there are many popular places to rock climb, cycle, and hike, and it is easy to get off of the beaten track. Spectacular especially at dawn and dusk, the Monument is the perfect location to practice photography skills, or to simply appreciate the unique desert landscape. Visit Colorado National Monument's website for more information on the park's other activities.
Maps & Guidebooks
To download a variety of free brochures to help plan your visit, click here.
Gems in Colorado National Monument - 4
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Recommended Routes in Colorado National Monument - 8
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Recommended Routes
Intermediate/Difficult
Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon
7.2 mi 11.5 km • 961' Up 292.84 m Up • 960' Down 292.75 m Down
Fruita, CO
Intermediate
Devils Kitchen
1.1 mi 1.8 km • 242' Up 73.74 m Up • 242' Down 73.82 m Down
Redlands, CO
Intermediate
Window Rock Lollipop Loop
1.7 mi 2.7 km • 182' Up 55.36 m Up • 182' Down 55.4 m Down
Fruita, CO
Intermediate/Difficult
No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail
6.7 mi 10.8 km • 1,980' Up 603.57 m Up • 161' Down 49.02 m Down
Redlands, CO
Intermediate
Ottos Bathtub
8.5 mi 13.7 km • 696' Up 212.02 m Up • 695' Down 211.81 m Down
Redlands, CO
Intermediate
Serpents Trail
3.8 mi 6.1 km • 789' Up 240.51 m Up • 789' Down 240.47 m Down
Redlands, CO
Colorado National Monument Hiking
- 21 Miles 34 Kilometers of Trail
- 8 Recommended Routes
- 4 Gems
- 4
Easy Trails
- 16
Intermediate Trails
- 3
Difficult Trails
Weather Averages
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Trails in Colorado National Monument - 15
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Trails
|
5.8
mi
9.4
km
#1Monument Canyon Trail
Intermediate/Difficult
Fruita, CO
|
Intermediate/Difficult
|
Fruita, CO |
17
|
|
|
4.1
mi
6.6
km
#2Ute Canyon Trail
Intermediate
Redlands, CO
|
Intermediate
|
Redlands, CO |
8
|
|
|
0.7
mi
1.1
km
#3Canyon Rim Trail
Intermediate
Fruita, CO
|
Intermediate
|
Fruita, CO |
3
|
|
|
2.2
mi
3.5
km
#4Wedding Canyon Trail
Intermediate/Difficult
Fruita, CO
|
Intermediate/Difficult
|
Fruita, CO |
5
|
|
|
0.3
mi
0.5
km
#5Devils Kitchen Trail
Intermediate
Redlands, CO
|
Intermediate
|
Redlands, CO |
7
|
|
0.4
mi
0.6
km
#6Otto's Trail
Easy
Fruita, CO
|
Easy
|
Fruita, CO |
7
|
|
0.4
mi
0.6
km
#7Coke Ovens Trail
Easy/Intermediate
Redlands, CO
|
Easy/Intermediate
|
Redlands, CO |
3
|
|
|
0.1
mi
0.1
km
#8Grand View Trail
Easy
Fruita, CO
|
Easy
|
Fruita, CO |
1
|
|
|
3.7
mi
5.9
km
#9Old Gordon Trail
Intermediate/Difficult
Redlands, CO
|
Intermediate/Difficult
|
Redlands, CO |
6
|
|
|
0.8
mi
1.3
km
#10Echo Canyon Trail
Intermediate
Redlands, CO
|
Intermediate
|
Redlands, CO |
5
|
|
|
0.3
mi
0.5
km
#11Window Rock Trail
Easy/Intermediate
Fruita, CO
|
Easy/Intermediate
|
Fruita, CO |
3
|
|
|
0.4
mi
0.7
km
#12Alcove Nature Trail
Easy
Fruita, CO
|
Easy
|
Fruita, CO |
2
|
|
|
0.7
mi
1.2
km
#13CCC Trail
Intermediate
Redlands, CO
|
Intermediate
|
Redlands, CO |
2
|
|
0.9
mi
1.5
km
#14Kodels Canyon Route
Difficult
Fruita, CO
|
Difficult
|
Fruita, CO |
0
|
Photos of Colorado National Monument - 86
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Photos
