Preserving one of the grand landscapes of the American West, Colorado National Monument is a striking region of towering monoliths, red rock canyons, and high desert beauty. The park invites visitors to explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and rugged backcountry while encountering bighorn sheep, soaring eagles, and stunning geology.
Overview
Established in 1911 near Fruita, Colorado, Colorado National Monument protects approximately 32 square miles of dramatic mesa tops and deep canyons. The monument is defined by its sheer-walled, red rock canyons, soaring sandstone formations, and panoramic views of the Colorado Plateau. Visitors travel along Rim Rock Drive—a 23-mile scenic route that twists and turns along canyon rims, climbing switchbacks and passing unique geological features and viewpoint overlooks such as Independence Monument and Devils Kitchen .
Plan Your Visit
Colorado National Monument is open year-round, with no timed entry or entrance reservations necessary. However, the popular Saddlehorn Campground requires a reservation. The monument is accessible by vehicle, with Rim Rock Drive providing the main artery for scenic exploration. The drive features three tunnels that require vehicle or bicycle lights for safe passage. Upon arrival, the Saddlehorn Visitor Center offers current information on road conditions, hiking trails, camping, and ranger-led programs. Rangers and volunteers are available to answer questions and distribute Junior Ranger booklets .
Key Logistics
- Location: The main address is 1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO 81521.
- Phone: (970) 858-
- Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee, with details available on the NPS site.
- Camping: Saddlehorn Campground (reservation required) and backcountry camping are available.
- Visitors Center: The Saddlehorn Visitor Center provides trip planning resources and a bookstore.
- Pets: Pets are allowed only on paved areas and in campgrounds; they are not permitted on trails.
- Accessibility: Accessible restrooms, campsites, picnic areas, and overlooks such as Independence Monument View are provided.
- Safety: Motorists and bicyclists share Rim Rock Drive. Vehicle lights are required in tunnels. Gnats may be present from mid-May to mid-July—bug spray is recommended .
Scenic Driving and Hiking
Rim Rock Drive
Rim Rock Drive is the hallmark scenic roadway of the monument. Stretching 23 miles, it ascends via switchbacks to the top of the mesas before hugging the canyon walls. Along the way, dramatic sandstone monoliths, deep canyons, and expansive vistas unfold. Notable viewpoints include Independence Monument, Devils Kitchen, Cold Shivers Point, and Saddlehorn Area. The drive has three tunnels, with a 16-foot height limit and lighting required for safety .
Notable Hiking Trails
The monument has over 15 miles of interconnected hiking trails that range from easy overlooks to strenuous backcountry routes.
- Monument Canyon Trail: A scenic trail featuring soaring canyon walls and views of Independence Monument.
- Coke Ovens Trail: Leads to unique beehive-shaped sandstone formations called the Coke Ovens.
- Palmer Canyon Trail: A longer backcountry trail offering solitude and sweeping canyon views.
- Lower Independence Trail: A steep route descending into Monument Canyon, ending near the base of Independence Monument.
- Kendrick Arch Trail: Leads to a natural sandstone arch with impressive views of the surrounding landscape.
- Union Park Trail: A remote backcountry trail that connects to Palmer Canyon and offers excellent opportunities for solitude.
Detailed maps and trail descriptions are available at the visitor center and on the NPS website .
Camping and Outdoor Adventure
The Saddlehorn Campground, located near iconic Saddlehorn Natural Area, provides tent and RV sites, an accessible campsite, restrooms, and water. Reservations are required. Backcountry camping is allowed by permit, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in remote canyons and experience the monument's wild beauty under the stars .
Natural History
Geology
Colorado National Monument is a textbook example of Colorado Plateau geology. The landscape features:
- Sandstone Monoliths and Pillars: Formed from ancient river and wind-blown sediments, including the famous Independence Monument and the beehive-shaped Coke Ovens.
- Canyons and Arches: Erosion by water, wind, and time has sculpted deep canyons, natural arches, and unique rock formations.
- Rim Rock Drive Views: Give a dramatic perspective of the sheer canyon walls and towering rock formations that define the monument.
The geology reflects a 300-million-year history of sedimentation, uplift, and erosion that created the spectacular scenery .
Wildlife and Plants
The monument supports high desert flora and fauna, including:
- Bighorn Sheep: Often seen navigating sheer canyon walls and rocky outcrops.
- Golden Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks: Soaring above the canyons, taking advantage of thermal updrafts.
- Desert Plants: Such as yucca, prickly pear cactus, and various sagebrush species.
- Other Wildlife: Lizards, mule deer, and a variety of bird species inhabit the monument's diverse habitats.
The ecosystem adapts to extreme temperatures and arid conditions, thriving among the mesas and canyons .
History and Culture
Colorado National Monument was established on May 24, 1911, through the efforts of Harold T. Buckingham, a Fruita teacher and historian, who championed the preservation of the area's unique landscape. The monument preserves not only stunning geology but also archaeological sites and evidence of ancient Native American use. Several tribes maintain cultural ties to the land, viewing it as an important part of their ancestral heritage .
Additional Resources
- Colorado National Monument | NPS: https://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm
- Plan Your Visit: https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
- Camping: https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/camping.htm
- Rim Rock Drive: https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/historic-rim-rock-drive.htm
- Hiking Trails: https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/short-hiking-trails.htm
- Maps: https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/maps.htm
- Colorado National Monument Association (Bookstore): http://www.coloradonma.org/
- Junior Ranger & Educational Programs: https://www.nps.gov/colm/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm
Colorado National Monument is a captivating destination for scenic driving, hiking, camping, and experiencing the raw beauty of the American West's red rock canyons and towering monuments. Plan your visit to immerse yourself in this unforgettable landscape!
Links
Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025
