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Colorado National Monument – Fruita

Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction.

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.

The drive itself is quite the engineering accomplishment, as it winds up, down, around, and through the 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 by: 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. Woodfires 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.

Colorado National Monument
The campgrounds are on the opposite end of the Monument near Fruita.
Colorado National Monument Grand Junction
Looking back over Grand Junction.
Colorado National Monument Camping
A campsite runs $22/night year round. They have a table and charcoal grill, no electrical hookups or wood fires.
Colorado National Monument Amphitheater
Amphitheater.
Colorado National Monument
Rim Rock Drive begins low in Fruita before climbing to the top of the Plateau Mountains.
Colorado National Monument Fruita
Beginning of drive near Fruita.
Colorado National Monument Overlook
A typical overlook with informative displays.
Colorado National Monument Independence Monument
Independence Monument.
Independence Monument Rock Climbing
A rock climber nearing the top.
Colorado National Monument
Rim Rock Drive takes you high onto a mesa.
Colorado National Monument
Every 4th of July a U.S. flagged is raised on top Independence Monument.
Colorado National Monument
Mesa top view.
Colorado National Monument
Fallen Rock.
Colorado National Monument
Upper Ute Canyon.
Colorado National Monument
Canyon wall.
Colorado National Monument Cold Shivers Point
Cold Shivers Point.
Colorado National Monument Grand Junction Aerial
Looking down on Grand Junction.
Colorado National Monument Fruita Entrance
Fruita entrance to Colorado National Monument.
Colorado National Monument Tunnel
One of several tunnels in the Monument.
Colorado National Monument Rim Rock Drive
Looking down at Fruita section of the Rim Rock Drive
Colorado National Monument Independence Rock Climbing
Rock climbers near the top of Independence Monument
Colorado National Monument Camping
A typical campsite at Colorado National Monument.
Colorado National Monument Visitor Center
Visitor Center has a small gift shop, a movie, and nice exhibits.
Colorado National Monument Independence Rock
Independence Monument.
Colorado National Monument Ute Canyon
Looking down Ute Canyon towards Grand Junction.
Colorado National Monument Scenic Drive
The road heading back to Grand Junction.

Details

Address: 1750 Rimrock Dr, Fruita, CO

Phone: 970-858-3617

Season: Year-round

Entrance Fees: Entry fees for vehicles, motorcycles, and individuals

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

Maps: Colorado National Monument (PDF)

Website: nps.gov/colm

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