Colorado National Monument

Colorado National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Colorado.

In the park service’s words

Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Accessible Visit to Colorado National Monument (2 to 4 Hours): Explore accessible ways to visit Colorado National Monument, from visitor center features to short trails to overlooks into the canyons.
• Short Hikes in the Monument (20 to 60 Minutes): These out-and-back trails start from along scenic Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. All are less than two miles round-trip, perfect for short treks from the car to get better views of these outstanding canyons.
• Junior Ranger of the Monument (20 to 60 Minutes): Become a Junior Ranger of Colorado National Monument by completing a booklet (pick up at Saddlehorn Visitor Center) to earn your badge.
• Backpacking in the Monument (1 to 7 Days): Backpacking or backcountry camping in the Monument is a great way to deepen your visit with the canyons. Monument, No Thoroughfare, and Ute Canyons, as well as Black Ridge and Monument Mesa, are excellent areas for overnights in the backcountry.
• Start at Saddlehorn Visitor Center (15 to 60 Minutes): Begin your visit to Colorado National Monument at the visitor center. Watch the orientation film, explore the exhibit hall, shop for souvenirs at the park store, talk with a ranger, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and get your National Parks Passport stamp.
• Hiking from Saddlehorn Visitor Center (1 to 8 Hours): These hikes can be accessed from the visitor center. Several short hikes to incredible views begin here, as well as a longer trail perfect for a night in the backcountry. Come to the visitor center for an orientation film, Junior Ranger booklets, and more.
• Hiking in Colorado National Monument (15 to 360 Minutes): Colorado National Monument trails offer a hike for everyone from 0.25 mile to over 14 miles, from flat accessible surfaces to rugged canyons.
• Road Biking on Rim Rock Drive (2 to 5 Hours): Road biking the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive offers cyclists a challenging ride with stunning views.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $25 per vehicle. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The Monument is open 24 hours a day year-round. Rim Rock Road is only closed for poor road conditions (snow, ice, rock fall, etc). For updates on storm or temporary closures call the park hotline at (970) 858-3617 ext 350.

Camping

Getting there

Driving Westbound on Highway I-70 towards Grand Junction, Exit 31 (Horizon Drive). Follow signs through Grand Junction to the east entrance. The visitor center and campground are 19 miles from the east entrance. Eastbound on Highway I-70 take Exit 19 (Fruita). Turn south on Highway 340 to the west entrance, which is approximately three miles from Fruita. The visitor center and campground are four miles up from the west entrance.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Saddlehorn Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Operating hours vary depending on the season. Winter hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and summer hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call the visitor center at 970-858-2800 ext 360 for up-to-date information.

Weather

Spring: Daytime high temperatures 70-85 F (21-30 C), nighttime low temperature 30-50 F (-1 - +10 C). Summer: Daytime high temperatures can reach 100 F (38 C), afternoon thunderstorms common. Fall: Similar to spring temperatures, sudden changes in weather common. Snow can occur in October. Winter: Daytime highs vary from 10 - 45 F (-12 - +7 C). Snow common, patches of snow and ice stay around most of the winter.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Arches, about 54 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Colorado National Monument (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.