On the western edge of Colorado, the landscape flattens out and transitions to a more arid environment. Near Grand Junction, the Colorado National Monument features red rock monoliths between canyons, dotted with evergreen desert scrub. Located close to Interstate 70, this site is ideal for a quick exploration with its scenic drive and year-round campground.
BEST Things to Do at Colorado National Monument
- Learn about the Park
- Stop by the Visitor Center
- Take the Scenic Drive
- Hike in the Park
- Spot Wildlife
- Attend a Ranger Program
- Picnic
- Camp at the Monument
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Should you visit Colorado National Monument?
I have visited the Colorado National Monument several times. With its convenient location off Interstate 70 on the western edge of Colorado and about 10 miles from Grand Junction, it is an ideal place to stop for a quick leg stretcher.
For families, there are picnic tables, the Junior Ranger program and a quick educational film. Add the scenic drive up to the top of the monolith and through the red rock canyons, and there is a lot to do in a couple of hours.
Visitor Center at Colorado National Monument
Saddlehorn Visitor Center is the place to grab maps or Junior Ranger booklets. It offers interpretive areas to learn about the natural and human history of the area, plus an 18-minute film.
This is also the place to ask questions and learn about park ranger programming. Restrooms and water bottle fillers are located at the visitor center.
It is located four miles from the Fruta entrance. The Saddlehorn Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (4 p.m. in the winter).
Scenic Drives at Colorado National Monument
The main road in the Colorado National Monument travels from the Saddlehorn Visitor Center and up through the rock formations. The 23-mile (37 km) Rim Rock Road was completed mostly by hand during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilation Conservation Corps. It was completed in 1950.
It takes about 45 minutes to drive the route, and there are three tunnels along the route. There are two tunnels on the west side and one on the east side of the park.
Along the Red Rock Road, visitors can see rock layers dating from the 1.7 billion-year-old Precambrian period at the bottom of the canyons. Near the top, there are younger sandstones.
The route is steep in sections and features sheer drop-offs. Vehicle lights and/or bicycle lights are required while traveling through the tunnels. Maximum tunnel height is 16 feet at the center line. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the road.
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Colorado National Monument Hikes
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore a National Park Service site. At Colorado National Monument, there are several shorter trails to hike.
Window Rock Trail—A .25-mile (.4-km) one-way trail departing from the Saddlehorn campground.
Canyon Rim Trail—A .5 mile (0.8 km) one-way trail starting at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center to Book Cliffs View
Alcove Nature Trail—A .5 mile (0.8 km) one-way trail departing at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center
Otto’s Trail—A .5 mile (0.8 km) one-way trail, 1 mile (1..6 km) off Rim Rock Road.
Coke Owens Trail—A .5-mile (0.8 km) one-way trail,3.8 miles (6.1 km) down Rim Rock Road.
CCC Trail—A 75 one way (1.2 km) one-way trail, 3.8 miles (6.1 km) up Rim Rock Road.
Devils Kitchen Trail—A 0.75 one-way (1.2 km) one-way trail, off the East Entrance Road
Serpents Trail—A 1.9-mile (3 km) one-way trail with 16 switchbacks, off the East Entrance Road
Echo Canyon Trail—A 1.5-mile (2.8 km) one-way trail, off the East Entrance Road
Be mindful of elevation changes while hiking, and always carry adequate water no matter the length of the hike.
Wildlife in Colorado National Monument
Wildlife spotting is one of the top activities on any national park adventure. Visitors can spot animals while hiking, especially near water sources and at dusk and dawn.
- Coyote
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Grey fox
- Mountain Lions
- Mule deer
Park rangers recommend visitors to stay at least 25 yards from larger mammals, like deer and elk and 100 yards from predators, like Mountain Lions.
Ranger Programs at Colorado National Monument
You can learn more about the Colorado National Monument at a Ranger Program. They are free and suitable for all ages.
Topics and activities range from day-to-day to season-to-season. Popular ranger programs include a Geology of the Monument program and a Guided Rim Walk. The Colorado National Monument also hosts evening programs
The Saddlehorn Amphitheater was built during the Mission 66 era and renovated in 2024. Many ranger programs are held at the amphitheater.
Check out the monument’s online calendar. Or stop into the Visitor Center after arriving for the most up-to-date information.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about a National Park. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete.
My kids love the badges park rangers present to them after they complete their booklets. Occasionally, a national park might host special programming for kids.
You can grab booklets at the Visitor Center.
Pets at Colorado National Monument
Most National Park sites welcome pets as long as they follow the BARK program’s principles. At Colorado National Monument, pets are allowed on paved roads only, not any of the monument’s trails.
B–Bag waste and dispose of it in the trash
A–Always leash your dog for their safety and others
R–Respect wildlife
K–Know where you can go
For more information about visiting with your pet, visit the Colorado National Monument’s page on visiting with pets.
Picnicking in Colorado National Monument
This national park does not offer a lodge or restaurant within its boundary. So come prepared with snacks or lunch for a picnic with a view.
Two picnic tables are located next to the visitor center.
Devils Kitchen Picnic Area by the Grand Junction Entrance has picnic tables, a shade shelter, charcoal grills, a drinking fountain, restrooms, and garbage/recycling.
Saddlehorn Picnic Area near the campground has picnic tables, charcoal grills, a drinking fountain, bathrooms and garbage/recycling.
Worth noting: no wood fires are permitted anywhere in the monument due to high fire danger
Camping in Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument features one campground, close to the Visitor Center. It is set among Utah juniper and pinyon trees.
Saddlehorn Campground
Year-round
Reservation Required
80 walk-in sites, plus 1 group site
Flush toilets, Potable Water, No showers
No RV hookups or Dump Station
Where’s Colorado National Monument
Located at 1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO, outside of Grand Junction and located near Interstate 70. Colorado National Monument features two entrances: East (Grand Junction) Entrance and the West (Fruita) Entrance. The monument’s grounds are open 24 hours a day. A seven-day vehicle pass is $25 or you can use your America the Beautiful Pass to enter.
