Colorado National Monument, Fruita, CO 81521-0001
Phone: 970-858-3617
Fax: 970-858-0372
Open All Year
Overview. Soaring rock sculptures, deep canyons, and expansive plateaus characterize this monument to the rugged beauty of the western landscape. Long nibbled by runoff waters and winds after frosts and lichen acids weaken them, the rocks have gradually assumed myriad shapes: domes, arches, and spires, to name a few. Native Americans have roamed across the plateaus and lived along the canyon bottomlands for at least 8,000 years. After the Fremont culture disappeared around A.D. 1250, Utes occupied the area until forced out by settlers in the late 19th century.Vivid palettes of purples, oranges, and browns splashed on canyon walls, along with the sheer enormity of the natural sandstone sculptures, caught the eyes of many newer residents, especially John Otto. After an intense campaign, these 32 square miles were designated a national monument in 1911. Today the area's varied terrain hosts many kinds of birds and animals, while its spectacular landscape beckons visitors year-round. What to see and do. Begin your stay at the visitor center, open from 8 AM until 7 PM summers and 9 AM to 5 PM during winter. An audiovisual program acquaints you with the natural wonders you'll soon see, as well as some of the animals and birds you can expect to encounter. Check for schedules of campfire programs and pick up your guide to attractions along the scenic Rim Rock Drive. Close by the center, you can picnic or claim a campsite at Saddlehorn Campground. There are several ways to explore the park. From 16 overlooks along the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, you'll be able to see far-off valleys, look down into the canyon at the brightly colored formations, and perhaps spot a bighorn sheep picking its way gingerly among the rocks. Glance upward to watch a golden eagle coasting the air currents. Because bikers are not allowed on hiking trails or in the backcountry, they take advantage of the Drive, too. By connecting to other roads, you and your bike can make a 33-mile loop. Hiking may be the best way to fully appreciate the scale of the rock formations. Several short trails encourage walking that need not be a strenuous trek. Don't miss the Window Rock Trail. For a quarter-mile, you'll inspect up close hardy plants such as yucca, juniper and saltbush that have developed clever ways to conserve water in this hot, dry environment. In the late afternoon or early morning, you may also see small mammals out and about before the midday sun burns too brightly. Day hikers will enjoy six miles of the Monument Canyon Trail. Over a billion years of geology are writ large in the varied layers exposed to your view. Instead of the drier climate found along the canyon rim, you may find yourself surrounded by cottonwood trees and wildflowers here in the bottomlands. Rock wrens and pinyon jays chatter with squirrels and chipmunks as they all try to avoid bobcats, foxes, and rattlesnakes. Be sure to see the Coke Oven monoliths, which are rounded domes of sandstone, as well as the intriguing Kissing Couple rock sculpture and the Independence Monument. Horseback riders might appreciate the Liberty Cap Trail's sloping path through forest and across sagebrush flats on the Monument Mesa. During winter, cross-country skiers favor this route, too. Check at the visitor center for maps to these and several other trails through the backcountry.
| Activities and Services |
 |
| • |
Archeological Sites |
|
| • |
Bird Watching |
|
| • |
Climbing |
|
| • |
Cross-country Skiing |
|
| • |
Geological Sites |
|
| • |
Guided Tours |
|
| • |
Hiking/Nature Trails |
|
| • |
Horse Trails |
|
| • |
Museum/Exhibits |
|
| • |
Picnic Sites |
|
| • |
Programs/Talks |
|
| • |
Self-guided Tours |
|
| • |
Visitor Center |
|
| • |
Wildflower Viewing |
|
| • |
Wildlife Viewing |
|
Search All National Parks
Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
|
