Established May 24, 1911, Colorado National Monument consists of geologic features including: towering red sandstone monoliths, deep, sheer-walled canyons and a variety of wildlife (bighorn sheep, golden eagles, mule deer and mountain lions). Most of Colorado National Monument rises more than 2,000 feet above the Grand Valley of the Colorado River. Situated at the edge of the Uncompahgre Uplift, the park is part of the greater Colorado Plateau, which also embraces such geologic wonders as the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Arches. It is a semi-desert land of pinyon pines and junipers, ravens and jays, desert bighorns and coyotes. Magnificent views from highland trails and the Rim Rock Drive, which winds along the plateau, stretch from the colorful sheer-walled canyons and fascinating rock sculptures to the distant Colorado River Valley, the purple-gray Book Cliffs and the huge flat-topped mountain called Grand Mesa.
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Bold, big and brilliantly colored, this plateau-and-canyon country, with its towering masses of naturally sculpted rock, embraces 32 square miles of rugged, up-and-down terrain. This is a special place, where you can contemplate glorious views that stretch to distant horizons; where you can discover solitude deep in a remote canyon; where you can delight in wild country where bighorn roam and golden eagles soar. Sheer-walled canyons, towering monoliths, colorful formations, desert bighorn sheep, soaring eagles and a spectacular road reflect the environment and history of the plateau-and-canyon country. Historic Rim Rock Drive offers 23 miles of breathtaking panoramic views and numerous overlooks.
Trails lead across mesa tops and to spectacular overlooks or into backcountry canyons. Picnicking and camping are available. At an average elevation of 6,000 feet at the rim, the climate is relatively mild but can change rapidly to snow or summer storms. Around 275,000 people per year visit Colorado National Monument to enjoy these and other opportunities. The monument encompasses some 20,500 acres and much of which has been recommended to Congress for designation as wilderness.
Nature & Science
To many, the most outstanding natural features of Colorado National Monument are the park’s geologic formations. In each of the canyons, visitors can see the remarkable effects of millions of years of erosion on a landscape of sedimentary rock. Two unusual natural features are common in Colorado National Monument and intrigue both scientists and visitors: biological soil crusts and potholes. Biological soil crusts are a living groundcover that forms the foundation of high desert plant life. Potholes are naturally occurring basins in sandstone that collect rainwater and wind-blown sediment. These potholes harbor organisms that are able to survive long periods of dehydration and also serve as a breeding ground for many high desert amphibians and insects. Both of these communities are very vulnerable to human impacts.
Attractions
Backcountry Canyons
From the deep canyons of the Monument, vertical cliff walls and great natural rock sculptures tower overhead. Hear the cascading song of the wren echoes. See small pools after summer rains and cottonwood trees turn golden in autumn.
Rock Sculptures
Erosion forces are endlessly creating these beautiful rock formations, including Independence Monument, the Pipe Organ, the Kissing Couple, Sentinel Spire and the Praying Hands that rise from the canyon floor.
Wildlife
Colorado National Monument offers shelter to a wide variety of animals. You might see a desert bighorn, canyon wren, collared lizard, coyote, antelope ground squirrel, or a mountain lion.
Recreation
Biking
Bike Rim Rock Drive, a 23 mile stretch of breathtaking views. The road climbs from the Grand Valley of the Colorado River to the park’s high country, then winds along the plateau rim.
Camping
Colorado National Monument operates an eighty-site campground that is open year-round. Backcountry camping is free and permitted anywhere more than 1/4 mile from roads and 100 yards from trails.
Hiking
Hike along a canyon floor and look for rare plants and interesting wildlife.
Getting There
From the East
Highway Interstate 70 to Grand Junction, exit at Horizon Drive to east entrance.
From the West
Highway Interstate 70 to Fruita, Colorado, Exit 19 to west entrance.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Colorado National Monument
Fruita, CO 81521-0001
Phone: 970-858-3617
Fax: 970-858-0372
Operating Hours & Seasons
Colorado National Monument is open 24 hours a day. The Visitor Center is open every day, except December 25. Visitor Center summer hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6 pm, mid-June to Labor day. Winter hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..
Permits
No permit needed for backcountry camping.
Visitors Center
The visitor center offers an audiovisual program, exhibits and a bookstore, as well as comprehensive visitor information.
Weather/Climate
Summers are hot and dry, 80 to 100 degrees. Winters are mild, 20 to 45 degrees. The climate is normally mild, but beware of extremes. Lightning, high winds and flash floods can accompany summer storms. During a storm, avoid open, exposed areas and low-lying areas such as canyon bottoms.
