Colorado National Monument
CO
Park Alerts (3)
About Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama.
You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.
Things To Do
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Accessible Visit to Colorado National Monument
Explore accessible ways to visit Colorado National Monument, from visitor center features to short trails to overlooks into the canyons.
Short Hikes in the Monument
These out-and-back trails start from along scenic Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. All are less than two miles round-trip, perfect for short treks from the car to get better views of these outstanding canyons.
Junior Ranger of the Monument
Become a Junior Ranger of Colorado National Monument by completing a booklet (pick up at Saddlehorn Visitor Center) to earn your badge.
Backpacking in the Monument
Backpacking or backcountry camping in the Monument is a great way to deepen your visit with the canyons. Monument, No Thoroughfare, and Ute Canyons, as well as Black Ridge and Monument Mesa, are excellent areas for overnights in the backcountry.
Start at Saddlehorn Visitor Center
Begin your visit to Colorado National Monument at the visitor center. Watch the orientation film, explore the exhibit hall, shop for souvenirs at the park store, talk with a ranger, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and get your National Parks Passport stamp.
Hiking from Saddlehorn Visitor Center
These hikes can be accessed from the visitor center. Several short hikes to incredible views begin here, as well as a longer trail perfect for a night in the backcountry. Come to the visitor center for an orientation film, Junior Ranger booklets, and more.
Available Activities
Weather
Spring: Daytime high temperatures 70-85 F (21-30 C), nighttime low temperature 30-50 F (-1 - +10 C). Summer: Daytime high temperatures can reach 100 F (38 C), afternoon thunderstorms common. Fall: Similar to spring temperatures, sudden changes in weather common.
Snow can occur in October. Winter: Daytime highs vary from 10 - 45 F (-12 - +7 C). Snow common, patches of snow and ice stay around most of the winter.
Getting There
Driving Westbound on Highway I-70 towards Grand Junction, Exit 31 (Horizon Drive). Follow signs through Grand Junction to the east entrance. The visitor center and campground are 19 miles from the east entrance.
Eastbound on Highway I-70 take Exit 19 (Fruita). Turn south on Highway 340 to the west entrance, which is approximately three miles from Fruita. The visitor center and campground are four miles up from the west entrance.
Plan Your Visit
Let Roamze help you plan the perfect trip to Colorado National Monument with AI-powered itineraries.
Hours
Colorado National Monument
The Monument is open 24 hours a day year-round. Rim Rock Road is only closed for poor road conditions (snow, ice, rock fall, etc). For updates on storm or temporary closures call the park hotline at (970) 858-3617 ext 350.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25 for a private vehicle. Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all its passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Private vehicle must be non-commercial and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
This pass is good for 7 days for an individual who is walking or bicycling into the monument.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Organized groups such as Scouts, Rotary, Hiking Clubs, Youth Groups, Religious Institutions, etc. that do not qualify for an Academic Fee Waiver are charged as follows: $15 per person, not to exceed the equivalent commercial rate. Passes are valid for 7 days. Youth ages 15 and under are free. Individuals or families in the group may use any valid Annual or Lifetime pass for entry. Pass and photo ID must be presented.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
Groups entering the park for educational purposes (curriculum-based classes or activities) may be eligible for a free academic fee wavier. Email COLM_permits@nps.gov to apply for a waiver or for more information.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Cost: $25, plus $15 per person to a maximum of $40. The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
Commercial Entrance - Van
The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
