Colorado National Monument

Colorado National Monument is a stunning and diverse natural preserve located in western Colorado, near the city of Grand Junction. It spans an area of over 20,000 acres, showcasing impressive canyons, towering monoliths, and striking rock formations that have been shaped over millions of years.

With its rich historical background, this national monument has served as a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts since its establishment in 1911. It was originally formed as a national monument to protect the landscape and geological formations of the region. The area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Ute and Fremont people, who left behind evidence of their presence through petroglyphs and artifacts.

Visitors to Colorado National Monument can embark on a variety of activities that showcase the area's incredible beauty. The Monument's Rimrock Drive offers a breathtaking scenic drive along the rim, providing panoramic views of the canyons, valleys, and surrounding mountains. Along the drive, visitors can stop at various overlooks and take in the awe-inspiring vistas.

Hiking is another popular activity at Colorado National Monument, with numerous trails catering to different skill levels. The Serpent's Trail, a historic route carved into the canyon walls, offers a challenging and rewarding hike with incredible views. Other trails, such as the Canyon Rim Trail and the Monument Canyon Trail, showcase the unique rock formations and allow visitors to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the area.

In addition to its natural wonders, Colorado National Monument is also known for its wildlife. Visitors may have the opportunity to spot bighorn sheep, mule deer, eagles, and other wildlife species while exploring the park.

For those looking to extend their visit, there are several attractions nearby. Just outside the monument, visitors can explore the lively town of Grand Junction, known for its vibrant art and cultural scene, as well as its proximity to numerous wineries and orchards. Nearby attractions also include the dramatic landscapes of the Colorado National Monument, the stunning Colorado River, and the vast expanses of the neighboring Colorado Plateau region.

Colorado National Monument offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. With its striking landscapes, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, it stands as a remarkable testament to the geological wonders of western Colorado.

Colorado National Monument is situated in the western part of the state of Colorado, in the heart of the Colorado Plateau. Nestled within the dramatic red rock canyons and towering mesas, the monument is located near the town of Fruita and covers an area of over 32 square miles. This geographical wonderland is perched at an elevation that ranges from 4,700 to 6,640 feet above sea level, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The iconic rocky cliffs, carved by the winding Colorado River and its tributaries over millions of years, create a breathtaking panorama that showcases the awe-inspiring natural beauty of this unique location.

Address & Contact

1750 Rim Rock Drive
Fruita, CO 81521
Driving Directions
Phone: 9708582800
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Colorado National Monument would be during the months of April to June and September to October. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities with average maximum temperatures ranging from 64°F to 88°F and minimum temperatures ranging from 38°F to 59°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these times is relatively low, ranging from 0.6 in to 1.3 in. Consequently, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the monument without having to face large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Colorado National Monument are: Food Picnicking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Backcountry Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving

Topics

Learn about these topics at Colorado National Monument: Animals Geology Transportation Canyons and Canyonlands Trails Schools and Education Scenic Views Roads, Routes and Highways

Visitor Centers

Saddlehorn Visitor Center

For first hand information, maps, and brochures, the visitor center is a good place to start your adventure. It is located four miles from the Fruita Entrance and near Saddlehorn Campground. It is open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. The visitor center includes educational exhibits, an information desk staffed with knowledgeable rangers and volunteers, an eighteen minute long movie, and a bookstore operated by Colorado National Monument Association.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Saddlehorn Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Colorado National Monument

Saddlehorn Campground

All Saddlehorn Campground reservations, including same day, MUST be made online at www.recreation.gov. The campground is 4 miles from the west (Fruita) entrance. It is located in an area of Utah juniper and pinyon trees and is within walking distance to the visitor center. Sites cost $22 a night, plus entry fee to Monument. One loop is open year-round. There are flush toilets, but no hookups or dump station. Each site has a picnic table and charcoal grill, no wood fires allowed. RV length limit is 40 feet.
Fees (US$): 22.00 (Saddlehorn Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 80
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Hotels within or near Colorado National Monument

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Grand Junction Downtown

A stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Grand Junction Downtown places you in the heart of Grand Junction, steps from Two Rivers Convention Center and a 2-minute drive from Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Grand Junction? This hotel features 790 square feet (71 square meters) of event facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 225 Main Street, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Junction, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Junction, an IHG Hotel in Grand Junction, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Colorado River and James M. Robb Colorado River State Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 625 Rae Lynn St, Grand Junction, Colorado 81505
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Grand Junction Downtown/Historic Main Street

With a stay at Hampton Inn Grand Junction Downtown/Historic Main Street in Grand Junction, you'll be in the historical district, just steps from Two Rivers Convention Center and a 2-minute drive from Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Grand Junction? This hotel has 1064 square feet (96 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and a meeting room. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 205 Main St, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
Web: Link

Candlewood Suites Grand Junction, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Candlewood Suites Grand Junction, an IHG Hotel in Grand Junction, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park and Canyon View Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 654 Market St, Grand Junction, Colorado 81505
Web: Link

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Junction Downtown/Historic M

A stay at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Junction Downtown/Historic Main St. places you in the heart of Grand Junction, steps from Two Rivers Convention Center and a 2-minute drive from Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Grand Junction? This hotel features 336 square feet (30 square meters) of event facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 236 Main St, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
Web: Link

Red Roof Inn Grand Junction

A stay at Red Roof Inn Grand Junction places you in the heart of Grand Junction, a 3-minute drive from Canyon View Park and 5 minutes from Colorado River. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Planning an event in Grand Junction? This motel has 1800 square feet (167 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2210 Hwy 6 and 50, Grand Junction, Colorado 81505
Web: Link

WoodSpring Suites Grand Junction

When you stay at WoodSpring Suites Grand Junction in Grand Junction, you'll be in a shopping district, within a 5-minute drive of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park and Colorado River. Featured amenities include express check-out, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 659 Market St, Grand Junction, Colorado 81505
Web: Link

Home2 Suites by Hilton Grand Junction Northwest

Located in Grand Junction, Home2 Suites by Hilton Grand Junction Northwest is within a 5-minute drive of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park and Canyon View Park. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 650 Market St., Grand Junction, Colorado 81505
Web: Link

Tru by Hilton Grand Junction Downtown

A stay at Tru by Hilton Grand Junction Downtown places you in the heart of Grand Junction, just a 4-minute walk from Two Rivers Convention Center and within a 5-minute drive of Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 243 Colorado Ave, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
Web: Link

Hotel Maverick

With a stay at Hotel Maverick in Grand Junction, you'll be in the mountains, just a 5-minute walk from Colorado Mesa University and 8 minutes by foot from Western Colorado Center for the Arts. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 840 Kennedy Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
Web: Link