Tour-Friendly Treasure: Colorado National Monument - Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau

Ten Facts about Colorado National Monument

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TOUR-FRIENDLY TREASURE: COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT

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The Monument boasts one of the world's most scenic drives.

Just west of Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument stands as a testament to the scenic and sublime. This natural wonder of the American West preserves 32 square miles of red rock canyons and mesas, under a cover of bright blue sky and almost year-round sunshine.

During the past several decades, the Colorado National Monument – which celebrates its 100th anniversary in the National Parks System in May 2011 – has carved out a reputation as being delightfully tour-friendly. With one of the world's most scenic drives, ample amenities for groups and convenient Interstate access, Colorado National Monument makes an ideal destination for tour groups of all kinds.

The Ultimate Scenic Drive
The Monument's famous Rim Rock Drive winds 23 miles through the park, passing seven of the eleven canyons and several vantage points affording incredible, photo-worthy views. The road provides access to 19 viewpoints and 14 hiking trails (from half-mile to 14-mile trails), but the view can be admired without ever stepping off the bus.

Overlooks offer a chance for fresh air and photo-ops.

Tracing the rim of the plateau by bus, tour groups cruise among rock layers that are nearly two billion years old — almost half as old as the Earth. The landscape yields views of colorful formations, sheer-sided canyons as deep as 500 feet and rock monoliths up to 450 feet tall.

The many overlooks dotting Rim Rock Drive offer a chance for fresh air and priceless photo ops. Plus, signage and exhibits provide insight into the natural and human history of the park. While taking a break from the bus, groups can admire the pinyon pine and juniper trees, and spy native wildlife such as Hopi chipmunks, golden eagles and even desert bighorn sheep.

Group Amenities
Saddlehorn Visitor Center, the Monument's central gathering place, houses exhibits, a bookstore, an information desk and restrooms. Its theater shows two different films upon request – it's a convenient and comfortable way to immerse groups in this jewel of plateau-and-canyon country. The Monument also offers special options such as picnic areas and overlooks for sunrise breakfasts and ranger-led park talks to personalize and enrich group visits (please provide three weeks notice).

The Monument is easy to access, and open all year long.

The visitor center is located four miles from the west entrance, and is open every day except December 25. There is ample bus parking.

Convenient Access
Colorado National Monument is located between the cities of Fruita and Grand Junction, with the west park gate only a few miles from Interstate 70. The Monument is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With an average of less than 12 inches of rain annually, this natural attraction is a tour group treasure any time of year. Allow at least one hour of driving time, plus additional time for walking, photography and other stops.

Nearby, Grand Junction Regional Airport and AMTRAK provide an easy gateway to the Monument and the region. The city of Grand Junction offers numerous attractions and diverse lodging options for groups of all sizes.

To celebrate the Monument's upcoming 100-year anniversary, a number of centennial celebrations will take place in 2010 and 2011. For more information on these events and Colorado National Monument in general, click here. To learn more about group tour opportunities in Grand Junction, click here.