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Colorado National Monument

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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

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Gems

gem Favorite Without spoiling the surprise of the Bathtub, here is the view into Monument Canyon from the location.  Just make your way, carefully to the edge to see a piece of history.

Otto's Bathtub

(9) Redlands, CO
gem Favorite Panorama of Liberty Cap during a winter sunrise. with permission from Hobbes7714 Photo Credit: Andrew Wahr  Link: https://twitter.com/WahrAndrew

Liberty Cap

(10) Redlands, CO
gem Favorite Window Rock.

Book Cliffs View

(5) Fruita, CO
gem Favorite Coke Ovens Trail.

Coke Ovens Overlook

(7) Redlands, CO

Recommended Routes in Colorado National Monument - 8

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Favorite Monumental in Grand Junction, this is what running on the Western Slope is all about
Intermediate/Difficult 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
Explore in 3D
Favorite View from the trail.
Intermediate Intermediate

Devils Kitchen

1.1 mi 1.8 km 242' Up 73.74 m Up 242' Down 73.82 m Down

Redlands, CO
Explore in 3D
Favorite Window Rock.
Intermediate 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
Explore in 3D
Favorite View from the trail.
Intermediate/Difficult 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
Explore in 3D
Favorite A dry river runs through it
Intermediate Intermediate

Ottos Bathtub

8.5 mi 13.7 km 696' Up 212.02 m Up 695' Down 211.81 m Down

Redlands, CO
Explore in 3D
Favorite Taking the ice tools for a walk up to Devils Kitchen after checking to see if the ice was in at No Thoroughfare Canyon.
Intermediate Intermediate

Serpents Trail

3.8 mi 6.1 km 789' Up 240.51 m Up 789' Down 240.47 m Down

Redlands, CO
Explore in 3D
Favorite Coke Ovens from the north.
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

Coke Ovens Out and Back

1.0 mi 1.7 km 156' Up 47.59 m Up 156' Down 47.59 m Down

Redlands, CO
Explore in 3D
Favorite Panorama from the intersection of CCC Trail and Black Ridge Trail. with permission from Hobbes7714 Photo Credit: Andrew Wahr  Link: https://twitter.com/WahrAndrew
Intermediate Intermediate

Black Ridge Trail

11.4 mi 18.3 km 1,204' Up 366.84 m Up 1,203' Down 366.81 m Down

Redlands, CO
Explore in 3D

Colorado National Monument Hiking

  • 21 Miles 34 Kilometers of Trail
  • 8 Recommended Routes
  • 4 Gems Gems
  • 4 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 16 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 3 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Share what you know about this area!

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Trails in Colorado National Monument - 15

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5.8 mi 9.4 km #1Monument Canyon Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Fruita, CO
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Fruita, CO 17 
4.1 mi 6.6 km #2Ute Canyon Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Redlands, CO
Intermediate Intermediate
Redlands, CO
0.7 mi 1.1 km #3Canyon Rim Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Fruita, CO
Intermediate Intermediate
Fruita, CO
2.2 mi 3.5 km #4Wedding Canyon Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Fruita, CO
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Fruita, CO
0.4 mi 0.6 km #5Otto's Trail
Easy Easy
Fruita, CO
Easy Easy
Fruita, CO
0.3 mi 0.5 km #6Devils Kitchen Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Redlands, CO
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Redlands, CO
0.4 mi 0.6 km #7Coke Ovens Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Redlands, CO
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Redlands, CO
0.1 mi 0.1 km #8Grand View Trail
Easy Easy
Fruita, CO
Easy Easy
Fruita, CO
3.7 mi 5.9 km #9Old Gordon Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Redlands, CO
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Redlands, CO
0.8 mi 1.3 km #10Echo Canyon Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Redlands, CO
Intermediate Intermediate
Redlands, CO
0.3 mi 0.5 km #11Window Rock Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Fruita, CO
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Fruita, CO
0.4 mi 0.7 km #12Alcove Nature Trail
Easy Easy
Fruita, CO
Easy Easy
Fruita, CO
0.7 mi 1.2 km #13CCC Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Redlands, CO
Intermediate Intermediate
Redlands, CO
0.9 mi 1.5 km #14Kodels Canyon Route
Difficult Difficult
Fruita, CO
Difficult Difficult
Fruita, CO

Photos of Colorado National Monument - 86

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Photos

Monumental in Grand Junction, this is what running on the Western Slope is all about
Apr 22, 2015 near Fruita, CO
More beautiful formations with cloud and sun caught during the end of a storm
Apr 22, 2015 near Fruita, CO
Kissing Couple as sen from the Monument Canyon Trail
May 5, 2015 near Redlands, CO
A 3rd grade class enjoys a spring field trip into Echo Canyon
May 27, 2015 near Redlands, CO
Independence Monument.
Jul 21, 2016 near Fruita, CO
Window Rock.
Jul 22, 2016 near Fruita, CO
There it is! The Independence Monument
Jul 31, 2016 near Fruita, CO
View from the trail.
Sep 5, 2023 near Redlands, CO
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