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

Please Note: There are no singletrack trails within Colorado National Monument that are open to mountain bikes. This page serves as a general overview of the area. If you're visiting the park and looking for places to ride, check out the following areas:

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.

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.