Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument
Preserving one of the grand landscapes of the American West, Colorado National Monument is bursting with sheer-walled canyons, towering monoliths, colorful formations, desert bighorn sheep, soaring eagles, and a spectacular road. Located within Colorado National Monument's 32 square miles is a fascinating landscape of deep canyons and soaring cliffs, reflecting the environment and history of the plateau-and-canyon country. The monument offers activities for visitors of all abilities and interests, including hiking, sightseeing and bicycling to name a few.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Joan AnzelmoPhone Number: 970-858-0372
Entrance Fees: Individual Pass (valid for seven days): $4; Vehicle Pass (valid for seven days): $7; Colorado National Monument Annual Park Pass: $20;
Sights: Book Cliffs Overlook; Rim Rock Drive; Saddlehorn Campground; Serpents Trail; Uncompahgre Uplift; Colorado Plateau
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 20,533.90Highest Point: Rim Rock Drive (6673 feet)
Annual Visitation: 332,654 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :39.037500 / -108.630560 (map it)
State: CO
Nearby Big City: Fruita, CO
Gateway Communities: Fruita, CO; Loma, CO; Mack, CO; Grand Junction, CO; Clifton, CO; Whitewater, CO
Nearby Airports: Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Winding Road through Co...
Jim Parkin
Shadows in the Canyon
Linda Armstrong
Wedding Canyon
Linda Armstrong
View More Colorado Photos
In Detail
Activities & Programs Outdoor Activities There are a variety of outdoor activities available at Colorado National Monument, including hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and bicycling. See Hiking to choose which trail ... read more.
Animals Animals Colorado National Monument's varied terrain attracts many animals to live, nest, or hunt within its boundaries. Among mammals, the mule deer are the largest commonly sighted by visitors. Howe ... read more.
Camping Campgrounds Saddlehorn Campground, located near the Visitor Center, has 80 sites and is open year round. Sites are suitable for tents and recreational vehicles, with some pull-through sites. There i ... read more.
Geology Natural Features & Ecosystems To many, the most outstanding natural features of Colorado National Monument are the park's geologic formations. In each of the canyons, visitors can see the remarkable ... read more.
Just For Kids Junior Ranger Program Get kids involved at Colorado National Monument! Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, then complete the appropriate number of activities for the age group. Then, after turning in th ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Permits Weddings, Church Services, Family Reunions, Memorial Services, and Other Site-Specific Celebrations Marriage ceremonies, family reunions, memorial services and other site-specific celebratio ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Things To Know Before You Come Motorist Safety - Motorists will be sharing the spectacular Rim Rock Drive with bicyclists. Read Important Regulations Here. Tunnels Be aware that there are three tu ... read more.
Plants Plants Vegetation within the monument and surrounding lands is primarily pinyon-juniper woodland, which receives less than 12 inches (28 cm) average annual precipitation. Woodland trees are usually l ... read more.
Sights to See Plan A Field Trip The Saddlehorn Visitor Center is now the hub of the park's environmental education program. It is an insightful starting point for any visit to the monument. We offer a 20- minute ... read more.
Things To Do Getting Around Rim Rock Drive A 23-mile scenic drive will lead you along the rim of a colorful panorama of deep, sheer-sided canyons, and high rock towers. Wayside exhibits at pullouts along the driv ... read more.
Visitor Services Visitor Center The Colorado National Monument Association bookstore sells a variety of educational and interpretive items to enhance your visit. The visitor center is located four miles from the wes ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Hiking Colorado National Monument's trails offer many opportunities to hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. Bird-watchers and photographers discover the splendor that they traveled so far to ... read more.
Colorado In Depth
News from the Parks
Ken Burns on Vacation/Location at Glacier National Park
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
Town Government Rejected by Tusayan
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
Tauck Hosts its 10,000th Guest-Volunteer in Yellowstone National Park
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
Dupuyer Elementary School Offering Students Unique Learning Experiences
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
Boston Trustees Discuss Township Issues
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
