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sandstone spire hundreds of feet tall stands above sparsely vegetated canyon bottom and cliffs
Destinations › … › United States › Colorado

Colorado National Monument

warningCaution1 warning calendar_monthMar–May, Sep–Octbest time schedule2 daysplan for child_careYeswith kids confirmation_number~$15entry
Colorado National MonumentYour own route Plan a trip here →
Caution Year-round Fire Restrictions in Effect

Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle. Fireworks and wood fires are always prohibited. Charcoal fires only allowed in designated grills. Visit our Fire Safety page for more info. Details open_in_new

Straight from the US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Colorado National Monument is a striking landscape featuring towering rock formations and deep canyons. Travelers come to explore Rim Rock Drive, where they can witness wildlife such as bighorn sheep and eagles soaring overhead.

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The park offers various outdoor activities, including hiking and horseback riding. Visitors often start at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center, which provides maps and information about the area. The scenery changes with the seasons, making each visit unique.

In pictures

Two female desert bighorn sheep look to the right among rusty sandstones
Two female desert bighorn sheep look to the right among rusty sandstones

Things to do

Accessible Visit to Colorado National Monument
2-4 Hours · Winter/Spring

Explore accessible ways to visit Colorado National Monument, from visitor center features to short trails to o...
Short Hikes in the Monument
20-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

These out-and-back trails start from along scenic Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. All are less t...
Junior Ranger of the Monument
20-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Become a Junior Ranger of Colorado National Monument by completing a booklet (pick up at Saddlehorn Visitor Ce...
Backpacking in the Monument
1-7 Days · Spring/Summer

Backpacking or backcountry camping in the Monument is a great way to deepen your visit with the canyons. Monum...
Start at Saddlehorn Visitor Center
15-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Begin your visit to Colorado National Monument at the visitor center. Watch the orientation film, explore the...
Hiking from Saddlehorn Visitor Center
1-8 Hours · Spring/Summer

These hikes can be accessed from the visitor center. Several short hikes to incredible views begin here, as we...
Hiking in Colorado National Monument
15-360 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Colorado National Monument trails offer a hike for everyone from 0.25 mile to over 14 miles, from flat accessi...
Road Biking on Rim Rock Drive
2-5 Hours · Winter/Spring

Road biking the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive offers cyclists a challenging ride with stunning views.
Travel on Rim Rock Drive
2-4 Hours · Winter/Spring

For panoramic views of Colorado National Monument's canyons and rock monoliths, a trip along Rim Rock Drive is...
Monument Canyon Loop Hike
4-6 Hours · Winter/Spring

This 5-mile loop can be extended for a deeper exploration into Monument Canyon. We recommend starting at the L...
Hiking from Devils Kitchen Picnic Area
1-8 Hours · Winter/Spring

Many incredible hikes begin just inside the East Entrance to the Monument. Choose from short day hikes to long...
Climbing in the Monument

The sandstone cliffs and spires of Colorado National Monument attract hundreds of climbers a year. Most routes...

Practical

At a glance

Opened
1911
Open
Daily open 24 hours
Price
Per Person $15, Non-commercial Groups $15, Motorcycle $20
Accessibility
wheelchair accessible
Address
1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO 81521
Opening hours
Daily open 24 hours
Phone
9708582800
Price
~$15
Website
www.nps.gov

Things to know

Expect potential queues during peak tourist seasons.
Entry is free for those on foot or biking, but vehicle access may have a fee.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day.
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking.

Photo: NPS Photo