Visiting the Colorado National Monument: Complete Guide + One Day Itinerary
Explore the beauty of Colorado’s red rock country with this complete guide to the Colorado National Monument. Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including, when to go, what to bring, top things to do, & much more.
After spending a week in Ridgeway hiking the epic blue lakes trail, driving the scenic million dollar highway, and exploring the deep gorge at Black Canyon of the Gunnison, we headed to the Colorado National Monument to tour Colorados red rock canyon.
Vertical cliff walls, unique rock sculptures, and expansive valleys make this park one to add to your Colorado bucket list. It’s looks so similar to Utah, you might forget that you’re in Colorado.
One of the most unique features of the Colorado National Monument is the layers of rock dating back 1.7 billion years! Its semidesert climate is a part of the Greater Colorado Plateau and home to a variety of plant and animal life, such as, mountain lions, bobcats, mule deer, antelope, chipmunks, rattlesnakes, cacti, and yucca.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Colorado National Monument
Getting to Colorado National Monument
When to Visit
What to Bring
Amenities Nearby
Top Things to Do
One Day Itinerary
ABOUT COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT
Colorado National Monument is a 20,000 acre national park located in West Colorado. It was established in 1911 and is known for its towering red rock monoliths, expansive plateau, and deep canyons. The parks Rim Rock Drive rises 2,000 feet off the valley floor and provides spectacular views of the Colorado River Valley, Book Cliffs, and the flat top mountain of Grand Mesa. The park features 45 miles of hiking trails, a 23 mile scenic drive along the rim, and incredible overnight camping.
No reservations are needed to visit the Colorado National Monument.
ENTRANCE FEE
$25 per vehicle which is valid for 7 days. You can also use the America the Beautiful National Park pass to enter for free.
PET POLICY
Pets must be leashed at all times and no longer than 6 feet in length. They are allowed in the campground and along paved roads. They aren’t allowed on any hiking trails or in the backcountry.
GETTING TO COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT
Colorado National Monument is located in West Colorado just 1 hour from the border of Utah. The monument can be accessed from the West Entrance near Fruita or the East Entrance near Grand Junction.
Grand Junction - 15 miles or 30 minutes
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - 85 miles or 2 hours
Moab, UT - 116 miles or 2 hours
Denver - 258 miles or 4.5 hours
NEAREST AIRPORTS
Grand Junction Regional Airport
WHEN TO VISIT
Colorado National Monument is open 24/7 year round.
SPRING & SUMMER
Spring and Fall see the most rainfall at Colorado National Monument. Daily temps hangout between 60 and 80 degrees with lows between 30 to 50. Summers bring extreme heat with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees.
FALL & WINTER
September to October is popular time to visit Colorado National Monument for its ideal hiking and camping weather. Winters at Colorado National Monument bring fewer crowds and much colder days. Average highs are between 30 and 50 degrees with lows hanging out below freezing. Roads and trails can be impassable during this time of year. The visitor center is typically open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Always check for current conditions before exploring Colorado National Monument.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love adding LMNT’s electrolyte packets to our insulated water bottles to stay hydrated for the whole day.
Sun Protectant
The trails and overlooks are completely exposed so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while exploring Colorado National Monument. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Lunch / Snacks
It is highly recommended to pick a lunch and snacks when visiting Colorado National Monument. There aren’t any food options in the park, so it’s a good idea to pack a good lunch and plenty of snacks.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
Hiking Shoes
To have the most comfortable experience on the trails we recommend wearing a proper hiking shoe or boot to provide good traction and support.
AMENITIES NEARBY
IN THE PARK
VISITOR CENTER
Open year round and a great place to start your adventure in Colorado National Monument. Load up on info, pick up a park map, and get exploring.
Here you can also find water filling stations, restrooms, gift shop, & museum exhibit. Backcountry permits can also be picked up here.
SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND
Open year round and located next to the visitor center. The campground has 80 sites each comes with a picnic table & grill/firepit, and can accommodate up to 8 people. Vault toilets and drinking water is available. There is no dump station or showers. Max RV length is 40 feet.
Mid March to October sites can be reserved online at recreation.gov.
Sites are $22 per night.
TOWNS NEARBY
FRUITA
A small sub city of Grand Junction located at the base of the west entrance to Colorado National Monument. It’s known for its varies dinosaur sites and outdoor activities.
LODGING
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Super 8
Balanced Rock Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites
RV PARKS
Monument RV Resort
James M. Robb Colorado River State Park Fruita Section
FOOD
City Market
Skips Farm to Market
Dollar General
Rib City Grill
Munchies Pizza & Deli
Karma Kitchen
Dragon Treasure
Hot Tomato Pizza
Fiesta Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant
Camilla’s Cafe
James M. Robb Colorado River State Park Campground.
GRAND JUNCTION
The closest city to Colorado National Monument with a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. It’s known as Colorado’s wine country offering handcrafted drinks and local cuisine.
LODGING
Hampton Inn
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Dancing Moon Bed & Breakfast
Grand Vista Hotel
Best Western Grande River Inn & Suites
Hotel Maverick
Tru by Hilton
Home2 Suites
Springhill Suites
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Red Roof Inn
Doubletree by Hilton
WoodSpring Suites
Castle Creek Manor
RV PARKS
Canyon View RV Resort
RV Ranch at Grand Junction
Camp Eddy
KOA Holiday
FOOD
Safeway
City Market
Walmart
Sprouts
Target
Natural Grocers
The Fiesty Pint
Pufferbelly Station Restaurant
Bin 707 Foodbar
626 On Rood
Sunrise Restaurant
Berna B’s Classic Cuisine
Spoons Bistro & Bakers
The Smoke & CEO
Taco Party
TOP THINGS TO DO
Visitor Center & Exhibit
Start your exploration of Colorado National Monument at the Visitor Center. Grab a park map and check out the park movie to learn about the history and geology of Colorado National Monument. Stop at the restroom and get the latest scoop from the park ranger. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the park store.
Rim Rock Drive
If you’re not interested in hiking, then look no further than the scenic overlooks along Rim Rock Drive. This 23 mile stretch of road is steep & narrow and climbs up and over ancient red rock providing breathtaking views of the canyon below. The Rim Rock Drive also features the parks main attractions such as hiking trails, campground, and visitor center.
The overlooks you cannot miss are, Book Cliffs View, Grand View, and Coke Ovens Overlook, although, all the overlooks are absolutely beautiful.
Get on a Trail
A great way to explore the incredible nature of Colorado National Monument. Whether it’s an easy scenic stroll or a challenging day hike, Colorado has something for everyone. The most popular in the park are Devils Kitchen, Monument Canyon Loop, and Serpents Trail.
For easy trails consider | Window Rock, Canyon Rim, Alcove Nature trail, Otto’s trail, Coke Ovens
For moderate trails consider | CCC. trail, Devils Kitchen, Monument Canyon loop, No throughfare Canyon
For strenuous trails consider | Serpents trail
Rock Climb
For a unique experience at Colorado National Monument explore the steep canyon walls on a thrilling rock climbing adventure. Check out a local outfitter, such as, APEX Mountain School or Colorado Mountain College, for a guided climb through this red rock oasis or tour the park on a self guided adventure.
For more information about rock climbing in Colorado National Monument, visit the park website.
Backpack the Wilderness
For a more in depth exploration of Colorado National Monument pick up a free backpacking permit and tour the parks remote wilderness. This is a great way to avoid the crowds and experience the incredible night sky.
For more information about back country camping, check out the park website.
Junior Ranger Program
If you’re not able to plan a visit to Colorado National Monument then this is great way for you’re kids to still learn about the park without actually being there. The Virtual Junior Ranger Program consists of a series of videos and activities to complete with a Virtual Badge to be given at the end.
Parks as Classrooms
What better way to learn then by bringing the classroom to the park! The National Park System provides a series of curriculum covering topics such a math, science, social studies, and language arts for elementary and middle school learners. A great option for homeschooling or field trips.
ONE DAY ITINERARY
Stop 1. If possible enter through the west entrance near Fruita.
Stop 2. Stop at several overlooks on the way to the visitor center such as Redlands View, Balanced Rock View, Historic Trails View, Distant View, and Fruita Canyon View.
Stop 3. Check out the Visitor Center, watch the park film, and walk the Alcove Nature Trail.
Stop 4. Head over to the Book Cliffs View and walk the Canyon Rim Trail and Window Rock Trail.
Stop 5. Otto’s Trail.
Stop 6. Independence View, Grand View, Monument View, and Coke Ovens Overlook.
Stop 7. Coke Ovens Trail.
Stop 8. Artists Point, Highland View, Upper Ute Canyon, Fallen Rock, and Red Canyon Overlook.
Stop 9. If you’re feeling up for it check out the Devils Kitchen trail or the Serpents trail.
Let us know in the comments about your experience visiting the Colorado National Monument.
Check out our reel exploring the Colorado National Monument on Instagram!
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
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