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Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction.

Colorado National Monument – Fruita

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Colorado National Monument is easily one of the most scenic places in the state, home to gigantic, towering monoliths. There are two main entrances to the park, one to the east in Grand Junction and the other west in Fruita. The 23-mile Rim Rock Drive connects the two. The auto tour is generally open year-round, weather permitting.

Colorado National Monument is a stunning natural landmark located only minutes from downtown Grand Junction. The main attractions are gigantic sandstone rocks that tower out of the ground along the whole park. Pets are allowed in the Monument but are restricted on trails. They are permitted in Saddlehorn Campground and most paved areas.

Colorado National Monument
Grand Junction entrance around sunset.

Biking, Camping, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Auto Tour

The drive itself is quite the engineering accomplishment, as it winds up, down, around, and through Colorado Plateau Mountains. Striking vistas occur non-stop with plenty of scenic viewpoints to pull your car or bike over.

Aside from a car, biking and hiking are the two other methods of transportation inside the park. Numerous scenic hiking trails exist throughout the park, with plenty of easy and short ones for a quick hike. Pets aren’t allowed on any trails but are permitted in the campground and in parking lots.

Colorado National Monument Mesa County
Colorado National Monument in Mesa County. Photo: Jerry and Pat Donaho

Make sure you stop by each of the scenic overlooks. Several of them contain nifty little hikes through various landscapes. The drive takes about an hour by itself, but plan to spend at least a few hours, so you can enjoy all the stops. Some of the favorites are Ute Canyon Overlook, Independence Monument, and The Highlands.

Saddlehorn Campground is the only campground in the park, located on the western end near Fruita. Campsites are fairly primitive, with a table, fire ring, and tent pad. They overlook the town of Fruita. The Colorado River State Park has a Fruita section, located near the western start of the monument. Campsites here have electric hook-ups and river access.

Activities

Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument near Fruita.

Backpacking: Hiking and camping in the backcountry is permitted. Pets are not permitted in the backcountry.

Biking: The 23-mile Rim Rock Drive is popular for biking.

Camping: Saddlehorn Campground is located near the Visitor Center. It’s first-come, first-served, and costs $22 per night. Open year-round, there are 80 sites, and RVs up to 40 feet are permitted. Wood fires are not allowed anywhere in the Monument. Additionally, there are no electric hookups or showers.

Read about the Camping near Grand Junction, around Mesa County.

Hiking: There are several short hikes available at most of the scenic points along Rim Rock Drive.

Rock Climbing: Permitted. Independence Monument is a very popular climb. See regulations.

The campgrounds are on the opposite end of the Monument near Fruita.
Looking back over Grand Junction.
A campsite runs $20/night year round. They have a table and charcoal grill, no electrical hookups or wood fires.
Amphitheater.
Rim Rock Drive begins low in Fruita before climbing to the top of the Plateau Mountains.
Beginning of drive near Fruita.
A typical overlook with informative displays.
Independence Monument.
A rock climber nearing the top.
Rim Rock Drive takes you high onto a mesa.
Every 4th of July a U.S. flagged is raised on top Independence Monument.
Mesa top view.
Fallen Rock.
Upper Ute Canyon.
Canyon wall.
Cold Shivers Point.
Looking down on Grand Junction.
Fruita entrance to Colorado National Monument.
One of several tunnels in the Monument.
Looking down at Fruita section of the Rim Rock Drive
Rock climbers near the top of Independence Monument
A typical campsite at Colorado National Monument.
Visitor Center has a small gift shop, a movie, and nice exhibits.
Independence Monument.
Looking down Ute Canyon towards Grand Junction.
The road heading back to Grand Junction.

Details

Address: 1750 Rimrock Dr, Fruita, CO

Phone: 970-858-3617

Season: Year-round

Entrance Fees: Entry fee for vehicle, motorcycle, and individual

Pets: Yes, on-leash (in some areas)

Maps: Colorado National Monument (PDF)

Website: nps.gov/colm

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