Colorado National Monument
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What bliss this is. Colorado National Monument is basically the smaller in scale sandstone-stacked cousin of the Grand Canyon, but without all the horrific traffic and crowds upon crowds, especially at the start of summer. This place has miles of views with gorgeous towering cliffs, dramatic canyons and many trails for walking and hiking. You can also see the Grand Mesa (the world's largest flat-topped mountain) and the Book Cliffs from the monument. And it has that Grand Canyon feeling when you look at its depth -- as though you are looking directly into a painting. Along about a 20-mile highway (with an east and west entrance) you can enjoy the full views. There are plenty of places to pull over and park to take a look or to plan for a hike. And be very, very careful. The main drive is very deeply beloved by cyclists, so be sure to drive slow and keep eyes on the road. Do not miss Independence Monument. This is a glorious rock spire. also, the Kissing Couple is adorable. The Coke Ovens are these beautifully shaped domes -- some of my favorites in the area. Also, be aware of wildlife. I did not get lucky, but there are regular sights of bighorn sheep, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, eagles and many other animals. I did see a pretty spectacular aerial fight between a hawk and a raven during a recent visit, though. Also, be sure to check out the visitor center on the west side. It has some natural history exhibits and a gift shop. There is also the Saddlehorn Campground, which is very well maintained and has a good number of spots, but not all with sprawling city or canyon views. All told, there are three loops with nearly 80 sites. Some are small and best for a pair and others that are good for a couple of tents on one site. Overall, bring lots of water and snacks, because it is dry and sometimes feels desert like. And do not over rely on cell service, as there are a number of dead zones.
Rim rock drive is amazing for people who aren't avid hikers, but it's worth it to hike some trails and get up close to some of the rock formations. Otherwise, drive slowly to take in the views and to spot some wildlife. The visitor center has a bunch of associated trails with it. The Alcove Nature Trail was great since it had trail markers that corresponded to a pamphlet that explains what you are seeing. It ends at the back of a box canyon which is beautiful. Sandstone cliff faces surround you in a little nook. The visitor center has bathrooms, dioramas about the area, and a little gift shop. The back of the building has great views! Overall, I think this monument is reminiscent of Canyonlands' Island in the Sky district but less tall and panoramic, but also comes with fewer people and more up close views of rock structures. I'm glad I visited.
With our parks pass we decided to stop on our way back to Colorado. But because of the government shutdown, no fees collected. We drove in and enjoyed the scenic route. Stopped to look at the different rock formations and admire Mother Nature's work. One of my favorite places to visit.
We had never heard of this national monument until we saw some signs for it on the highway going into Grand Junction, CO. We decided we had a little time after supper before it got dark, so we drove out to see it. What a fantastic surprise it turned out to be! The road through it wound back and forth on the edge of gorgeous canyons and rock formations. There were several areas to pull over and view the scenery. If we'd had more time, hiking in the area would've been fun. As it was, we ran out of light before we ran out of scenery! The road doesn't have guardrails everywhere, so be sure to take your time and drive carefully. Highly recommend visiting this gem.
I was embarrassingly old years old when I realized this place was a national monument. To rectify that, it went on my list as a spot to visit and before long we carved out a weekend for that purpose. Located near the town of Grand Junction, Colorado, it's not the largest national monument, nor the most remote. You can feel the development moving in, with some parts of the hike we chose actually along a fenceline peering into backyards. But despite that, it's still quite an incredible little nugget carved out of the desert plateau. It feels like a portmanteau of several of the west's best national parks (Canyonlands, Arches) all scrunched into a tidy and accessible package. We opted for a hike, followed by a drive over the entire scenic road, which is probably the best way to see this if you only have a day. You can get a great feel for it after just a day, but I'm sure the locals would say you really ought to get out on a few more hikes. What a fun treat to have here, on what turned out to be a great weekend in Grand Junction. Don't sleep on it like I did.
This review is for Monument Canyon Loop Trail which was a ~4.5 miles round trip that took ~2.5 hours to complete. Started the loop by going counterclockwise. A few extremely steep inclines and snow further in. Stunning views of the canyon and rocks! Not a fan of the fence adjacent to the trail near the beginning and the end. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/-CTPNnfPIlo
Food: 0/5 Service: 0/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Parking: 4/5 Family friendly: 5/5 Stroller friendly: 5/5 Saddlehorn Campsite was amazing! Took a little time to get up the top where the camp site from Fruita, CO, but well worth it. Only downside: there isn't much shade if you're going to stay during the summer. Make sure to bring your own, but also be aware of the wind that kicks up from time to time. Cool amenities here include: clean bathrooms, water, and picnic benches. Highly recommend this place!
Absolutely STUNNING!! This place is must see if you're driving through Grand Junction!! It's not too far off the freeway and you can drive through the park! The views were just spectacular! We drove through the park, stopped for about 15 minutes taking pics, and spent about 20 minutes in the visitor center. All together it took about 90 minutes from entry to exit. You could make this a 45 minutes trip or 4-5 hours. All depends on your pace and what you want to see.
Beautiful, magical with stunning views! But know before you go! ~The Colorado National Monument has two entrances but THE BEST entrance is off the I-70 from Fruita to the west entrance. This is where most of the magic is! ~The monument is open 24 hours a day year-round. ~Rim Rock Drive offers 23 miles of stunning cliff, rock formations/monoliths (as tall as 450 feet!) and breathtaking canyon views! Be sure to stop at the scenic overlooks along the way for photo ops and informative signage. ~There are varying entrance fees, so be sure to check out their website. During the winter season the entrance station is closed. Unless you've got an annual pass there is an "honor system" payment box...please be sure to pay before you look, explore and play! ~Rim Rock Drive may be closed on occasion due to poor road conditions (snow, ice, fallen rock, etc.). For updates on storm info or temporary closures call the park hotline at 970.858.3617 ext 311 for a daily update on the road and conditions. ~There are three tunnels (the longest being 530 feet long), so headlights on and proceed with caution. ~Be sure to check out the Visitor Center for cool and unique gifts and to learn fun facts about the history of the canyon! Standard hours are 9am-4:30pm. In warmer months, there's a nice picnic table to the right of the center so you can snack and take in the views! ~Furry pals are not allowed on the trails and must stay on paved roads only...but are welcome in the campgrounds. Bottom line...this is an absolute MUST for locals, travelers, hikers, climbers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts! SO WORTH IT! Be happy outside!
Colorado National Monument Colorado National Monument is located about 30 minutes from Grand Junction, Colorado. I recommend Colorado National Monument if you're in the area or if you just want to see what Mother Nature has to offer minus the huge crowds of people. Colorado National Monument can be visited in a few hours. We started at the visitor's center, received tips from the Ranger, drove the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, went on a few hikes, and enjoyed the landscape. All this was completed in less than 4 hours. Highlights include Liberty Cap, Devil's Kitchen, Independence Monument, and the Coke Ovens. We hiked Otto's Trail and the Upper Monument Canyon. The views are awesome at every stop. Here's a tip...the views from the visitor's center are awesome too. On the way back down, we had a not so little bonus. A big horn sheep was in the middle of the road doing what big horn sheep do. We obviously stopped and watched the big horn sheep as it took its time getting to safety. Side note...big horn sheep are the only Rams that I am a fan of. Go Niners!! I recommend Colorado National Monument. Just do it!! 2024 Yelp Review #17
This is a fantastic, less known park, a bit like Bryce Canyon meets Monument Valley with uncrowned hikes.n We started at Fruita, avoiding the busier and closer to town Devils Kitchen area. The views towards the town and the river valley from the Historic Trails view were a fabulous start. Do hike the easy ( but hot) Canyon Rim Trail to Book Cliffs and Window Rock trail for a more immersive experience. The short hike to the Coke Ovens is also a must do. We turned around after Coke ovens so that we could do a 5.6 mile loop trail of Wedding Canyon and Monument Canyon from the parking lot on highway 340 - this was a suggestion from a Park Ranger and an excellent one. Take lots of water if you do this and hiking boots as this is moderately challenging with uphill sections and only shade in a few spots - more shade on the Wedding Canyon side in the late afternoon.
At first we didn't plan to come here but due to rental car problem we had to come to Grand Junction since there is rental car center at the airport. Since we were in the area, we decided to hike in Colorado NM. We hiked into Devild Kitchen, No Throughfare canyon, and Monument canyon. Very pretty. Most memorable is to see wildlife.
Located outside of Grand Junction, Colorado, the Colorado National Monument is a unit of the National Park Service that is worth a visit. We spent a few hours driving along the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, stopping for a couple of short walks along the way. The first stop was for Otto's Trail, which was less than a mile round trip. At the overlook, you have excellent views of canyons and Independence Monument. We then drove to the Upper Monument Canyon to see the Coke Ovens; this walk was a little over a mile round trip. We even saw a big horn sheep crossing the road, so look out for wildlife! There was more to see that we'll have to go back for on another visit. Highly recommended.
1 month ago
Super cool!! No words to describe it fully, the best way is a mini Grand Canyon but unique in every way read more
3 months ago
I am so glad we took time to visit here and see this spectacular site. About 15 minutes out of town, the 23 mile loop trail is just stunning and filled with natural Colorado Colors and beauty. The red rocks and the unusual formations are truly a national treasure. To drive the trail takes about 1.5 hours. It was too hot to hike in August, so the drive had to do. I want to come back here and explore some of the trails and read more about the people who helped preserve this special place. read more
Don't miss this one! When we first arrived in Fruita, Colorado. The Colorado National Monument was not on our list of things to visit. We would of totally missed it if it hadn't been for some people we met at a restaurant. Colorado National Monument is not a National Park; it is a National Monument managed by the National Park Service. It's name doesn't portray the beauty and magnitude of this gorgeous park. It is a 23 mile drive and is often called the mini-grand canyon. The towering red rock monoliths and the Canyon views were absolutely incredible. read more
What bliss this is. Colorado National Monument is basically the smaller in scale sandstone-stacked cousin of the Grand Canyon, but without all the horrific traffic and crowds upon crowds, especially at the start of summer. This place has miles of views with gorgeous towering cliffs, dramatic canyons and many trails for walking and hiking. You can also see the Grand Mesa (the world's largest flat-topped mountain) and the Book Cliffs from the monument. And it has that Grand Canyon feeling when you look at its depth -- as though you are looking directly into a painting. Along about a 20-mile highway (with an east and west entrance) you can enjoy the full views. There are plenty of places to pull over and park to take a look or to plan for a hike. And be very, very careful. The main drive is very deeply beloved by cyclists, so be sure to drive slow and keep eyes on the road. Do not miss Independence Monument. This is a glorious rock spire. also, the Kissing Couple is adorable. The Coke Ovens are these beautifully shaped domes -- some of my favorites in the area. Also, be aware of wildlife. I did not get lucky, but there are regular sights of bighorn sheep, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, eagles and many other animals. I did see a pretty spectacular aerial fight between a hawk and a raven during a recent visit, though. Also, be sure to check out the visitor center on the west side. It has some natural history exhibits and a gift shop. There is also the Saddlehorn Campground, which is very well maintained and has a good number of spots, but not all with sprawling city or canyon views. All told, there are three loops with nearly 80 sites. Some are small and best for a pair and others that are good for a couple of tents on one site. Overall, bring lots of water and snacks, because it is dry and sometimes feels desert like. And do not over rely on cell service, as there are a number of dead zones. read more
Rim rock drive is amazing for people who aren't avid hikers, but it's worth it to hike some trails and get up close to some of the rock formations. Otherwise, drive slowly to take in the views and to spot some wildlife. The visitor center has a bunch of associated trails with it. The Alcove Nature Trail was great since it had trail markers that corresponded to a pamphlet that explains what you are seeing. It ends at the back of a box canyon which is beautiful. Sandstone cliff faces surround you in a little nook. The visitor center has bathrooms, dioramas about the area, and a little gift shop. The back of the building has great views! Overall, I think this monument is reminiscent of Canyonlands' Island in the Sky district but less tall and panoramic, but also comes with fewer people and more up close views of rock structures. I'm glad I visited. read more
With our parks pass we decided to stop on our way back to Colorado. But because of the government shutdown, no fees collected. We drove in and enjoyed the scenic route. Stopped to look at the different rock formations and admire Mother Nature's work. One of my favorite places to visit. read more
We had never heard of this national monument until we saw some signs for it on the highway going into Grand Junction, CO. We decided we had a little time after supper before it got dark, so we drove out to see it. What a fantastic surprise it turned out to be! The road through it wound back and forth on the edge of gorgeous canyons and rock formations. There were several areas to pull over and view the scenery. If we'd had more time, hiking in the area would've been fun. As it was, we ran out of light before we ran out of scenery! The road doesn't have guardrails everywhere, so be sure to take your time and drive carefully. Highly recommend visiting this gem. read more
2 years ago
I was embarrassingly old years old when I realized this place was a national monument. To rectify that, it went on my list as a spot to visit and before long we carved out a weekend for that purpose. Located near the town of Grand Junction, Colorado, it's not the largest national monument, nor the most remote. You can feel the development moving in, with some parts of the hike we chose actually along a fenceline peering into backyards. But despite that, it's still quite an incredible little nugget carved out of the desert plateau. It feels like a portmanteau of several of the west's best national parks (Canyonlands, Arches) all scrunched into a tidy and accessible package. We opted for a hike, followed by a drive over the entire scenic road, which is probably the best way to see this if you only have a day. You can get a great feel for it after just a day, but I'm sure the locals would say you really ought to get out on a few more hikes. What a fun treat to have here, on what turned out to be a great weekend in Grand Junction. Don't sleep on it like I did. read more
This review is for Monument Canyon Loop Trail which was a ~4.5 miles round trip that took ~2.5 hours to complete. Started the loop by going counterclockwise. A few extremely steep inclines and snow further in. Stunning views of the canyon and rocks! Not a fan of the fence adjacent to the trail near the beginning and the end. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/-CTPNnfPIlo read more
Food: 0/5 Service: 0/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Parking: 4/5 Family friendly: 5/5 Stroller friendly: 5/5 Saddlehorn Campsite was amazing! Took a little time to get up the top where the camp site from Fruita, CO, but well worth it. Only downside: there isn't much shade if you're going to stay during the summer. Make sure to bring your own, but also be aware of the wind that kicks up from time to time. Cool amenities here include: clean bathrooms, water, and picnic benches. Highly recommend this place! read more
Absolutely STUNNING!! This place is must see if you're driving through Grand Junction!! It's not too far off the freeway and you can drive through the park! The views were just spectacular! We drove through the park, stopped for about 15 minutes taking pics, and spent about 20 minutes in the visitor center. All together it took about 90 minutes from entry to exit. You could make this a 45 minutes trip or 4-5 hours. All depends on your pace and what you want to see. read more
Beautiful, magical with stunning views! But know before you go! ~The Colorado National Monument has two entrances but THE BEST entrance is off the I-70 from Fruita to the west entrance. This is where most of the magic is! ~The monument is open 24 hours a day year-round. ~Rim Rock Drive offers 23 miles of stunning cliff, rock formations/monoliths (as tall as 450 feet!) and breathtaking canyon views! Be sure to stop at the scenic overlooks along the way for photo ops and informative signage. ~There are varying entrance fees, so be sure to check out their website. During the winter season the entrance station is closed. Unless you've got an annual pass there is an "honor system" payment box...please be sure to pay before you look, explore and play! ~Rim Rock Drive may be closed on occasion due to poor road conditions (snow, ice, fallen rock, etc.). For updates on storm info or temporary closures call the park hotline at 970.858.3617 ext 311 for a daily update on the road and conditions. ~There are three tunnels (the longest being 530 feet long), so headlights on and proceed with caution. ~Be sure to check out the Visitor Center for cool and unique gifts and to learn fun facts about the history of the canyon! Standard hours are 9am-4:30pm. In warmer months, there's a nice picnic table to the right of the center so you can snack and take in the views! ~Furry pals are not allowed on the trails and must stay on paved roads only...but are welcome in the campgrounds. Bottom line...this is an absolute MUST for locals, travelers, hikers, climbers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts! SO WORTH IT! Be happy outside! read more
Colorado National Monument Colorado National Monument is located about 30 minutes from Grand Junction, Colorado. I recommend Colorado National Monument if you're in the area or if you just want to see what Mother Nature has to offer minus the huge crowds of people. Colorado National Monument can be visited in a few hours. We started at the visitor's center, received tips from the Ranger, drove the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, went on a few hikes, and enjoyed the landscape. All this was completed in less than 4 hours. Highlights include Liberty Cap, Devil's Kitchen, Independence Monument, and the Coke Ovens. We hiked Otto's Trail and the Upper Monument Canyon. The views are awesome at every stop. Here's a tip...the views from the visitor's center are awesome too. On the way back down, we had a not so little bonus. A big horn sheep was in the middle of the road doing what big horn sheep do. We obviously stopped and watched the big horn sheep as it took its time getting to safety. Side note...big horn sheep are the only Rams that I am a fan of. Go Niners!! I recommend Colorado National Monument. Just do it!! 2024 Yelp Review #17 read more
This is a fantastic, less known park, a bit like Bryce Canyon meets Monument Valley with uncrowned hikes.n We started at Fruita, avoiding the busier and closer to town Devils Kitchen area. The views towards the town and the river valley from the Historic Trails view were a fabulous start. Do hike the easy ( but hot) Canyon Rim Trail to Book Cliffs and Window Rock trail for a more immersive experience. The short hike to the Coke Ovens is also a must do. We turned around after Coke ovens so that we could do a 5.6 mile loop trail of Wedding Canyon and Monument Canyon from the parking lot on highway 340 - this was a suggestion from a Park Ranger and an excellent one. Take lots of water if you do this and hiking boots as this is moderately challenging with uphill sections and only shade in a few spots - more shade on the Wedding Canyon side in the late afternoon. read more
At first we didn't plan to come here but due to rental car problem we had to come to Grand Junction since there is rental car center at the airport. Since we were in the area, we decided to hike in Colorado NM. We hiked into Devild Kitchen, No Throughfare canyon, and Monument canyon. Very pretty. Most memorable is to see wildlife. read more
1 year ago
Located outside of Grand Junction, Colorado, the Colorado National Monument is a unit of the National Park Service that is worth a visit. We spent a few hours driving along the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, stopping for a couple of short walks along the way. The first stop was for Otto's Trail, which was less than a mile round trip. At the overlook, you have excellent views of canyons and Independence Monument. We then drove to the Upper Monument Canyon to see the Coke Ovens; this walk was a little over a mile round trip. We even saw a big horn sheep crossing the road, so look out for wildlife! There was more to see that we'll have to go back for on another visit. Highly recommended. read more
Live in Colorado? Plan a trip to Grand Junction so you can experience the Colorado National Monument. It's an incredibly special place and it shocks me how many people are unaware of its existence. It's one of Colorado's four national parks! Ok, why is it special? For starters, the scenery is very different from Colorado's main attractions. Here you are in Colorado's Western Slope, Grand Mesa country. Red rock, desert, plateaus, flat. It might not be your favorite characteristic of the Centennial State, though it shouldn't deter you from experiencing its unique beauty at least once in your life. Looking for a low lift experience. Perfect. Drive along Rim Rock Drive, a 23-mile road veering up and down the canyon. With so many viewpoints and look outs, you can essentially go from one to the next, taking your sweet time. Sunrise at the Colorado National Monument is humbling. We arrived around 6am, drove up the mountain, and although the sun was hiding behind the clouds for most of the morning, we were able to catch a quick glimpse of its grandeur at Artist's Point. It was just us, the silence was mesmerizing, the views nothing short of spectacular. Additionally, we made friends with about 15 bighorn sheep during our time here. Yep, 15, you heard correctly. These animals are fun to watch, especially as they survey the vast land in front of them. Independence Monument, Grand View, Artist Point, there's so many amazing spots here. We didn't hike or camp or bike, but there are so many opportunities for one to experience the park however they see fit. The monoliths, rock formations, and twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive are the ultimate trip through the American West. The landscape is planted in my brain. I truly cannot wait to return here to the hidden gem of Colorado! read more
5 years ago
This was a Wonderful day. This is a auto loop with pull outs Very clean and safe @ 25 mph or less. The canyons here were used by the Ute Indians long ago. But the views and the balanced rock can't be missed. This is a National Park Service park. read more
6 years ago
Where to begin...on the 7th day they created the Colorado National Monument. Wow, we love Moab and southern Utah but the CNM is equally as beautiful and scenic with an amazing bu way built between 1933-1950. Amazing rock formations with colors that defy description. It's hard not to feel a bit overwhelmed when you think of the power of natural forces that have been a work to create and fashion this beautiful landscape. We came during the covid closure so we did not camp or use any amenities in the park. However, the roads and trails were in fantastic condition and felt like such a well maintained gem of a park. Drive the 30 miles, stop and enjoy the vistas as they seem endless and unique at each stop read more
6 years ago
Colorado National Monument is a awe-inspiring site to see. What makes it special for me is that my family and I were able to drive our 30 foot long motor home through it with ease. Compared to many of the other national parks/monuments/recreation areas, this was a huge benefit. I don't know if I would choose go back again but I would absolutely recommend everyone experience it at least once. I certainly would not be disappointed to return with other friends and family. read more
6 years ago
This was not originally part of our plans on our RV trip. After several people recommended it and looking at pictures, we decided to squeeze it in. We were staying in Montrose and visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We had an afternoon free after visiting the south rim, so we decided to make the drive here. It's about 1.5 hours from Montrose. If you're looking to stay close to here, Grand Junction is very close. We were short on time, so we didn't do any hiking while here. If we had had a full day, we probably would have. We drove Rimrock Rd which winds it's way through the monument. There are tons of scenic overlooks to stop at and great views the entire way. We even saw a big horned sheep! Even if you don't have much time, I highly recommend driving through this park! read more
4 years ago
Colorado National Monument is an amazing and beautiful place to visit. There is a beautiful drive in Colorado National Monument which shows different viewpoints by which one can capture different shots of the park. This park looks like the park in Utah or Arizona and it was amazing to see the same structure in Colorado. Definitely visit the visitor center as it provides a lot of information regarding the park structure. read more
If you ever have to drive across country and happen to pass through this area, it is a must that you stop by this place! It has breathtaking views. Going through the entire place by car & stopping by every view points took a little over an hour. It is very well maintained. Does not have too many people around (perfect for the situation we are in these days). Oh and I did stop by a restroom here... do it only if you absolutely must. Hold if you can. There is literally a hole inside the toilet haha... read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
There's a difference between driving Rimrock Drive from the East or West entrance. West Entrance: If you start at the West Entrance it will only be a few minutes drive to the Visitor's Center. When you continue driving to the East Entrance you will be mostly on the mountain-side of the road. This is especially helpful for those who get queasy at extreme hights. East Entrance: If you start at the East Entrance you will be mostly on the cliff side of the road. This provides awesome sights to the National Monument as well as easy access to the lookout spots. Junior Ranger Program: This National Park has a Junior Ranger program! If your little one is collecting the Junior Ranger badges then make sure to ask for the activity book and be sure to have it signed off with a ranger in the Visitor's Center. Alcove Nature Trail: the entire trail is about 1 mile long. It took my little kids about an hour to get through the trail. At the start of the trail, you can get a brochure with educational information on it. On it there are 31 stops listed; watch for the numbered wooden posts along the trail. We've learned many things we never knew before. read more
Very underrated and very cool! I really didn't know much about this part of Colorado prior to visiting, but it's absolutely gorgeous and unlike any of our fine state's other parks. Study a map before taking a hike around these parts because there are some very high vantage points without railing that made my heart go pitter patter. And as we were on the way out, I noticed the more beginning experience in the bottom of the valleys. Noted for next time! It's also fun to drive through with the windows down (assuming it's not freezing outside) and enjoy the scenery. read more
3 years ago
Beautiful place, a bit of a difficult drive. Slow is good and we pulled over to let others pass our rental car. Beautiful and worth the $25 read more
Stunning views. Many just short hike from you car. We drove through on our way back from other parks to home. If you have a chance, do the same. It took us about three hours to visit, which included a short hike, the visitor center, junior ranger program and a drive through the whole park. We pulled our camper, but be warned there are strict height and width limits due to tunnels. Take your time and have a camera ready read more
5 years ago
A great place to visit for hiking, camping, taking a day trip, or a couple of hours to sit and take in magnificent views of of historic rock formations. Both entrances have access to picnic areas and hiking trails. The Fruita entrance is closest to the visitor center with flush bathrooms, camp grounds and picnic areas. There is also a cemented side walk with a few stairs to the edge of one of the canyons and breath taking views. Drive around the camp ground loop and amphitheater area to get handicap parking and access to a shaded seating area facing an overlook of the Grand Valley. For a full view of the Monument by car, we like to start at the East entrance, take one or two look out stops (there are many) and drive through to the visitor center. It takes about a half hour depending on traffic and bikers (and how long you take at your stops). If you're lucky and quiet, you might see some of the wild life. Take water and snacks just in case you can't buy any at the visitor center. WARNING! It is scary for people who are afraid of heights. I once saw a woman who would not get out of the car. Took some coaxing from her friend to get her to walk halfway to the fence. No dogs allowed on trails. Let me know if that has changed. read more
I came across some tips to go to this park and I am so happy that we did! The views are awesome. Every time you come around a bend you are in awe! There are multiple pull offs with great views. They also have some trails that aren't too technical- our 9 year old did them, no problem. It is extremely hot (went on 7/5) bit totally tolerable as it is dry. Very little traffic when we went too. It takes about 2 hours to drive through but it took us about 4 total with the stopping and some hikes. The longest was about 45 minutes to an hour. read more
Do not skip this. This is one of my favorite places in the world. I moved away from Colorado and have not been here for over 20 years. We were traveling from Reno to Montrose and decided to take the long way home through the park. So very happy that we did. The main road runs from Fruita on the West end of the park to Grand Junction on the East. You can make the drive in an hour, but I would recommend you plan to take your time and stop and look and experience the magnificence of the cliffs and rock formations. The Visitor's Center is a must see. The trails in the area are most accessible and there are Handicapped accessible paths here. The Park service staff are friendly and knowledgeable. There is so much to learn about the area here. The geology os fascinating with all the different formations and the elements that all come into play to make what we see here today. The sandstone has been eroded and formed by wind, rain, water, heat, cold, freezing, melting, abrasion and polishing. There are multiple spots to stop and look and admire the beauty. This is probably one of the most accessible spots in the National Park System. read more
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1750 Rim Rock Dr
Fruita, CO 81521
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(970) 858-3617
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Colorado National Monument - hiking - Updated October 2026
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