Colorado National Monument
High-desert canyons, towering sandstone monoliths, and a spectacular rim-top scenic drive crown this red-rock landscape between Fruita and Grand Junction on the Uncompahgre Plateau.
Type of Area
National Monument
Address
Nearest Town
Grand Junction
Key Features
Park Size
20,500 acres
Highest Point
Black Ridge high mesa (7,107 ft)
Major Wildlife
Desert Bighorn Sheep; Mule Deer; Coyotes; Golden Eagles; Collared Lizards
Miles of Trail
46 miles of trails
Popular Activities
Scenic Driving; Hiking; Road Cycling; Rock Climbing; Wildlife Viewing; Camping
Scenic Views
Rim Rock Drive Overlooks; Independence Monument View; Cold Shivers Point; Red Canyon; Ute Canyon; Coke Ovens
WiFi Access
Public Wi-Fi available near Saddlehorn Visitor Center; cellular access variable by carrier
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall for mild temperatures, wildflowers, and clear views; winter offers quiet days with occasional weather-related road restrictions
Overview
At the Colorado National Monument, red-rock canyons, a cliff-hugging road, and quiet piñon-juniper mesas meet bighorn sheep and soaring raptors for a classic Colorado Plateau escape just outside Grand Junction.
Maps
Maps
Colorado National Monument Official Map
Entrances & Fees
Park Entrances
Two easy entrances, Fruita (west) and Grand Junction (east), link to Rim Rock Drive. Start at Saddlehorn Visitor Center (4 miles from the Fruita gate) for maps, restrooms, and trip tips, then explore pullouts, picnic areas, and trailheads along the rim.
Fees & Passes
Plan your visit in minutes with simple pass options, easy digital purchase, and on-site pickup, so you can roll the rim, walk the overlooks, and make the most of your time in canyon country.
Activities
Accessibility & Seasonal Info
Accessibility
Grand views without the grind: paved overlooks, an easy nature path, accessible restrooms, and a welcoming visitor center make this red-rock canyon country an effortless escape.
Seasonal Access & Weather
Sun-baked cliffs, cobalt skies, and four true seasons, plan for summer heat, sudden storms, and occasional winter snow that can briefly close high sections of Rim Rock Drive, then reopen to big views once plows clear the route. Check current conditions before you roll.
Seasonal Closures
Seasonal Closures
Desert sun, red-rock rims, and wide-open canyon views; check current road work, weather, and wildlife protections so your rim-to-canyon adventure stays smooth.
History & Culture
History & Culture
Red-rock canyons, soaring monoliths, and a road carved into the cliffs—Colorado National Monument blends big Western drama with human grit, timeless stories, and living Indigenous connections.
Geology & Ecology
Geology & Ecology
Carved canyons, sun-warmed slickrock, and cliff-nesting raptors, Colorado National Monument is a red-rock realm where desert life thrives on the edge of the Colorado Plateau.
Regulations & Considerations
Regulations & Considerations
Red-rock drama, easy rules: respect wildlife, mind the rim road, pack out every crumb, and keep flames controlled, so your canyon adventure stays wild and worry-free.