Photo by: Ray Mathis
6 Minute Read
One of the most beautiful stretches of land in the world, Colorado National Monument is comprised of more than 20,500 acres of high desert looming over the Colorado River just a few miles from Downtown Grand Junction. Teeming with mind-boggling rock formations, a vast range of wildlife and hypnotizing panoramas, it offers a phenomenal range of adventures. Here are six of the best ways to experience it.
1. Cycling
Rim Rock Drive is a paved road that winds through the Colorado National Monument for 23 miles between the Grand Junction and Fruita National Park Service (NPS) entrances. The route is sometimes referred to as “Tour of the Moon,” a nod to cyclists from around the world who flocked here in the 1980s for the iconic Coors Classic bike race. The Tour of the Moon ride is still held every year at the Monument, under new management. With a route that winds through cliff walls of colorful sandstone and granite, up and down tight switchbacks, onto the plateau and back down again, it’s easy to see where this celestial moniker comes from. From either entrance, you gain about 2,000 feet along the 23 miles, but most of the climbing is gradual, and you’ll knock out the toughest stretch during the first few miles.
Rim Rock Drive is a two-way road, and while motorized traffic is typically light and slow-moving, it’s important to be mindful and respectful by riding in single file. The best times to ride the Monument, especially in the summer, are early in the morning and in the evening. Bike lights are required (you pass through several dark, narrow tunnels beyond both entrance areas) and helmets are always recommended, along with plenty of water, sunscreen, and spare tubes. The entrance fee is $15 for cyclists, as Colorado National Monument is part of the National Park Service.
2. Hiking
Photo by: @kate_runs_colorado
The Monument offers more than 40 miles of hiking trails among spectacular rock formations with panoramic views of the Grand Mesa, the Colorado River, and an expanse of plateaus reaching to the Utah border. Trails range from easy to moderate to extreme and some even “hike from their car” thanks to Rim Rock Drive. The road winds through the park and has many pull-offs with mini parking lots. It’s easy to step out of your car, walk a few steps and see what most call, a “mini-Grand Canyon.”
For Beginners, Devil’s Kitchen: Starting from the Devil’s Kitchen parking lot on Rim Rock Drive near the east side of Colorado National Monument, this 1.1-mile, out-and-back trail zig-zags along dirt singletrack surrounded by desert shrubs up into a “kitchen” of tall rock columns and stacked slabs of upright boulders.
For Intermediates, Monument Canyon to Wedding Canyon: Starting from the Monument Canyon parking lot at the end of Fawn Lane outside of Colorado National Monument, this loop showcases incredible views of both canyons and a number of oddly shaped masterpieces of nature—spires, islands in the sky and giant, human-shaped boulders. Beginning on the Monument Canyon Trail, go left, ascending through cliffs on packed dirt and rocks. After about 2.5 miles, you’ll see the split to Wedding Canyon Trail to your right. Take this right to loop back to the parking lot on a 2.1-mile moderate trail that descends to the canyon floor and ascends back up again. It’s steep and rocky for nearly half a mile before reaching the smoother trail of packed dirt.
You can also extend your hike on Monument Canyon Trail for a mile or so before turning back toward the Wedding Canyon junction. This route offers sweeping views, including the majestic Independence Monument. The detour distance is about 5 miles and close to 1,000 feet in elevation gain.
For a challenging hike, Lower Liberty Cap: Beginning at the Wildwood Trailhead outside of the Monument, head toward the red cliffs of the monument on a smooth, sandy trail that gradually climbs until you reach the cliffs. You will approach some technical terrain near Liberty Cap—an ancient, solidified sand dune that is slowly being subdued by the forces of erosion. Come back the same way—3.3 miles each way and 1,100 feet of climbing and descending.
3. Camping
The stars sure seem closer here—especially when you’re spending the night with an unobstructed view of the night sky. The simplest way to soak it up is by staying at Saddlehorn Campground, located near the Colorado National Monument Visitor Center. The campground features an A-loop area of sites for tent campers (be aware there is a maximum of two vehicles, seven people and three tents per site), open year-round on a first-come basis. B-loop and C-loop sites are available for individuals, groups, and recreational vehicles from mid-March through October and can be reserved here. Single nights are available without reservation on a first-come basis; while large groups of 15-plus must make reservations (call 970-858-3617, Ext. 300).
Each site features a picnic table and charcoal grill, and flush toilets are available on-site, but there are no showers and no wood fires permitted. The Saddlehorn camping fee is $22. Backcountry Camping is also permitted (no fires) in various places throughout the Monument, but campers must first obtain a permit from the Colorado National Monument Visitor Center.
4. Rock Formations
Regardless of whether they’re driving, cycling, or walking through the monument, many visitors like to plan their route with a checklist of nature’s masterpieces—the unique granite and sandstone rock formations sprinkled throughout the canyon, some of which are more than a billion years old. A few recommended standouts include the Coke Ovens, Pipe Organ, Kissing Couple, Balanced Rock, and the park’s tallest, Independence Monument, which rises more than 450 feet off of the canyon floor.
5. Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife is abundant here, especially in the early morning and at dusk. Birds can always be spotted serenely circling high above the plateau, including golden and bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and ravens. You also may spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. Always keep a safe distance from all wildlife. The best way to determine if you are a safe distance is to position your hand like a thumbs-up—your thumb should cover the animal fully if you are at an appropriate distance.
6. Climbing
The beautiful sandstone cliffs and spires of the Grand Junction area have long attracted rock climbers to Colorado National Monument. Most of the routes are of the “traditional” variety, and no new permanent hardware may be installed. First-time climbers in the Monument may want to hire a guide service. Guides can provide both the equipment and technical know-how to get you climbing right away, as well as suggest the best routes suited to your skill level and interest.
Experienced climbers have endless opportunities to recreate, including Otto’s Route, a 5.8+ climb up the dramatic desert tower that is Independence Monument via five relatively short pitches, finishing with a dramatic, narrow summit. Wizard I in Monument Canyon is another signature route, with the 5.10+ rated route offering a little bit of everything.
See more ways to experience Colorado's lesser-known National Park on pages 10 and 11 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide!