Colorado National Monument
CO
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.
Hiking in Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument trails offer a hike for everyone from 0.25 mile to over 14 miles, from flat accessible surfaces to rugged canyons.
Road Biking on Rim Rock Drive
Road biking the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive offers cyclists a challenging ride with stunning views.
Travel on Rim Rock Drive
For panoramic views of Colorado National Monument's canyons and rock monoliths, a trip along Rim Rock Drive is a must.
Monument Canyon Loop Hike
This 5-mile loop can be extended for a deeper exploration into Monument Canyon. We recommend starting at the Lower Monument Canyon Trailhead to avoid the steep switchbacks below Rim Rock Drive.
Hiking from Devils Kitchen Picnic Area
Many incredible hikes begin just inside the East Entrance to the Monument. Choose from short day hikes to longer, more difficult backcountry travel.
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
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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.