Colorado National Monument
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 celebrations require a special use permit. Events attended by more than 15 people are only permitted within the following locations in Colorado National Monument: in the vicinity of the Book Cliffs Overlook Area, the Saddlehorn and Devils Kitchen Picnic Areas and the Saddlehorn Amphitheater. Events attended by less than 15 people may be held at other locations with permission.
In general the following conditions apply for wedding, and other site-specific ceremonies:
1. The number of vehicles may be limited to reduce parking problems.
2. Entrance fees must be paid by all attendees.
3. The number of participants may be limited depending on the selected location. The Devils Kitchen Picnic Area has 15 tables and 6 grills, the Saddlehorn Picnic Area has 45 tables and 18 grills, the Saddlehorn Amphitheater seats 250 people and the Book Cliffs Overlook area can accommodate approximately 100 people and approximately 50 people around the shelter.
4. The duration of the ceremony is usually limited to one hour.
5. No area shall be closed to the general public during the ceremony. Exclusive use of an area is not permitted.
6. Areas normally closed to the public cannot be used, and certain sensitive resource zones cannot be used.
7. Music accompanying the event is limited to unamplified musical instruments.
8. Travel to and from the site must be via established trails and roads.
9. The use of rice, birdseed, flower petals, balloons, or any non-native plant seed is prohibited.
10. Liquor is allowed in designated picnic areas only.
11. Horns, cans tied behind cars are prohibited.
12. An approved, signed copy of the permit must be in your possession during the ceremony.
Other stipulations may be added depending on the specific nature of your request.
Fee Schedule: (fees are non-refundable)
Wedding Permit - $100.00
Picnic and Memorial Service Permit (15 people or more for 3 hours) - $50.00
Picnic and Memorial Service Permit (14 people or less for 3 hours) - $25.00
Monitoring Fee Per Hour (if applicable) - $50.00
How to Apply
Complete the Application for Special Use Permit and return it to the address on the form, attn. Special Use Permit Coordinator. Enclose a check or money order in the appropriate amount, made payable to the National Park Service. Please allow at least 14 days for processing.
For More Information
Colorado National Monument
Fruita, Colorado 81521
E-Mail us
(970)858-3617 ext. 335
Area Information
For information about planning a wedding in the Grand Junction and Fruita areas (licenses, reception facilities, etc.) please visit: Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau and the City of Fruita website.
Pets
Pets want to have as much fun as you do, but they have limitations here at the monument. Pets are allowed on a leash in Saddlehorn Campground and along the roadway; they are not allowed in the backcountry or on any trail.
Important!
The desert can be deadly for pets. Car temperatures rise quickly in the sun, even on cool days. Your pet can easily die of heat exhaustion. If you are leaving a pet in a car, crack the windows as much as possible and leave water to drink. We recommend you not leave pets in the car at all when temperatures are above 68 degrees, even with the windows cracked.
Your Safety
Colorado National Monument contains rugged and remote landscapes. Always be prepared when hiking by carrying a map, compass, extra water, food, first aid kit and warm clothing.
- Bicyclists and motorists share the Rim Rock Drive â please drive or bike cautiously. Cyclists are required to ride single file at all times within the monument. 36 CFR 4:30 (d) (3)
- Use bicycle lights in the tunnels.
- Watch your step and your children at overlooks, along canyon rims and steep dropoffs.
- Watch where you put your feet and hands. You may be sharing the land with rattlesnakes and scorpions.
- When hiking, carry a gallon of water per person per day. Use sunscreen and a hat. Wear sturdy footwear, a long sleeve shirt and long pants. Gnats can be a problem from May to August â carry insect repellant.
- Be sure you tell someone where youâre going and when you expect to return.
- From April-July, seasonal pools may exist in canyon bottoms. Please do not enter these pools. Sunscreens and lotions pollute these waters that are important to wildlife.
- Avoid ridge tops and open ground during lightning storms.
- Less than ¼ inch of rain can produce Flash Floods. Flash Floods are caused by run-off from intense, localized thunderstorms that drop a large amount of rain over a short period of time. They are most common in July, August and September, but can occur at any time of the year. Move to higher ground immediately.
Colorado In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
