Grand Landscapes of the American West: Colorado National Monument

The Colorado National Monument was established in 1911 to preserve over 25,000 acres of high desert and forested lands along the border of Colorado and Utah in the small town of Fruita. The geological features in the park are awe-inspiring, especially from elevated vantage points on top of the mesa. Start your visit at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center to watch the orientation film, view the educational exhibits, grab a park map, check-out the gift shop, and learn about the activities offered in the park, which include hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and the unforgettable scenic drive.

Travel Tip: Allow at least an hour to complete the scenic trip along Rim Rock Drive from the Saddlehorn Visitor Center. Rim Rock Drive can be accessed from either the West Entrance in Fruita, CO, or the East Entrance near Grand Junction. If driving from the east, Monument Drive merges with Rim Rock Drive once you’re inside the park.

Things to Do

• Enjoy a 23-mile scenic drive on the only road in the park, Rim Rock Drive. The paved road provides access to many of the trailheads and overlooks in the park while ascending to the top of the monument before descending back into the valley.
• There are over 40 miles of trails in the national monument, with additional trails extending into the areas around the park. Trails range from a quarter mile to over 14 miles in length. With options from a scenic stroll to a challenging day hike, there’s a trail for everyone in the park.
• Spend the night at the onsite Saddlehorn Campground. There are 80 sites available for use, and reservations are required from March to October. During the remainder of the year, the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• A serious test of endurance awaits bicycling enthusiasts while climbing the 2,300 vertical feet to the top of the monument. The entire 33-mile loop uses 10 miles of paved roads outside of the park and 23 miles on Rim Rock Drive. This activity isn’t for the novice biker!
• The park is a major draw for artists and photographers looking to capture amazing pictures from the lower plateau and vantage points from the elevated bluffs into the canyons and across the surrounding plateau.

Wildlife Observation

The best ways to observe wildlife are on the trails and driving along Rim Rock Road. Mule deer are frequently seen by visitors, and it’s very possible to spot bighorn sheep along the steep cliffs and coyotes during the late afternoon and evenings. There’s wildlife around every corner while hiking, so expect to see a variety of squirrels and desert cottontails along the trails. The park is a bird watcher’s paradise— some of the larger species that effortlessly glide over the plateau are golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures.