Colorado National Monument

Visitors must stay on established routes where required, obey posted closures, and drive cautiously on the cliffside road. Pets are limited to developed areas, leashed, and kept off trails and in backcountry settings. Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft is not allowed. Rock climbing follows site-specific guidance and seasonal restrictions when posted. Bicycles share the rim road with vehicles and should use pullouts where safe to allow passing. Firearms rules follow federal law, with possession governed by state and local statutes; discharge and target shooting are prohibited. Collecting natural or cultural materials is not permitted, and vandalism or graffiti is illegal. Camping is restricted to developed facilities with established quiet hours and equipment rules. Commercial filming, special events, and organized group activities may require permits.

Give all animals generous space and never feed them. Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes are common in road corridors, especially near dawn and dusk; drivers should slow near blind curves and expect sudden movement on the pavement. Birds of prey and nesting species occupy cliffs at certain times of year; climbers and photographers must respect posted closures and avoid disturbance. Snakes and lizards bask on warm rock; watch footing and keep pets close in developed areas. Food storage in the campground and at picnic areas should prevent scavenging and habituation. Binoculars and long lenses help ensure close looks without stress to wildlife.

Use fires only where and when allowed by posted rules. Developed picnic areas and the campground provide designated receptacles or rings when conditions permit. During dry or windy periods, additional restrictions can prohibit open flames and some solid-fuel devices. Pressurized gas stoves are generally acceptable in developed settings when not otherwise restricted. Fireworks are never allowed. Always extinguish heat sources completely, and report smoke or fire immediately to authorities.