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.

Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

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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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.

Recommended Routes in Colorado National Monument - 8

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The base of the cliffs on Monument Canyon Trail, the day before the snow

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

Lower Liberty Cap Trail

3.3 mi 5.4 km • 1,103' Up 336.17 m Up • 1,103' Down 336.07 m Down

Redlands, CO

If you are photographer, go in the early morning for beautiful orange glow. You'll also have the place to yourself!

Devils Kitchen

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

Redlands, CO

Window Rock Lollipop Loop

1.7 mi 2.7 km • 182' Up 55.36 m Up • 182' Down 55.4 m Down

Fruita, CO

Taking the ice tools for a walk up to Devils Kitchen after checking to see if the ice was in at No Thoroughfare Canyon.

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

Serpents Trail

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

Redlands, CO

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

Coke Ovens

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

Redlands, CO

Colorado National Monument Hiking

77 Miles 124 Kilometers of Trail
8 Recommended Routes
4 Gems
7 Easy Trails
15 Intermediate Trails
5 Difficult Trails

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Weather Averages

High	Low	Precip	Days w/

Trails in Colorado National Monument - 19

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

3.0 mi 4.8 km #1The Ribbon Very Difficult Orchard Mesa, CO	Very Difficult	Orchard Mesa, CO	2
5.8 mi 9.4 km #2Monument Canyon Trail Intermediate Fruita, CO	Intermediate	Fruita, CO	14
4.1 mi 6.6 km #3Ute Canyon Trail Intermediate Redlands, CO	Intermediate	Redlands, CO	6
1.3 mi 2.2 km #4Corkscrew Trail Difficult Redlands, CO	Difficult	Redlands, CO	4
0.4 mi 0.6 km #5Otto's Trail Easy Fruita, CO	Easy	Fruita, CO	5
2.2 mi 3.5 km #6Wedding Canyon Trail Intermediate/Difficult Fruita, CO	Intermediate/Difficult	Fruita, CO	2
0.7 mi 1.1 km #7Canyon Rim Trail Intermediate Fruita, CO	Intermediate	Fruita, CO	2
0.3 mi 0.5 km #8Devils Kitchen Trail Intermediate Redlands, CO	Intermediate	Redlands, CO	4
4.9 mi 7.9 km #9Bench Route Intermediate Redlands, CO	Intermediate	Redlands, CO	6
0.4 mi 0.6 km #10Coke Ovens Trail Easy/Intermediate Redlands, CO	Easy/Intermediate	Redlands, CO	3