National Monument

Colorado

View of Independence Monument with Grand Valley in background. Taken from Rim Rock Rock Drive.
View of Independence Monument with Grand Valley in background. Taken from Rim Rock Rock Drive. NPS Photo

Overview

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.

State: CO9708582800

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle:  25.00

    $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:  20.00

    This pass is good for 7 days.


  • Entrance - Per Person:  15.00

    This pass is good for 7 days for an individual who is walking or bicycling into the monument.


  • Entrance - Non-commercial Groups:  15.00

    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:  0.00

    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:  25.00

    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:  40.00

    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:  40.00

    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:  100.00

    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.


Map

Things To Do

Category

6 Results
    Looking down at road as it curls into and out of red rock canyon.

    Travel on Rim Rock Drive

    $

    Description

    For panoramic views of Colorado National Monument's canyons and rock monoliths, a trip along Rim Rock Drive is a must.

    More info

    Fees

    Entrance to Colorado National Monument is $25 for passenger vehicles, $20 for motocycles, and $15 for bicyclists/pedestrians. For more information on fees for groups and buses please see Fees & Passes.

    Pet FriendlyAges:17Time:2-4 Hours
    gravel road leads to dirt parking lot, backdrop of sparsely vegetated canyon slops

    Monument Canyon Loop Hike

    Free

    Description

    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.

    More info
    Time:4-6 Hours
    Stone structure with open walls covering picnic tables, in an open area surrounded by canyon walls

    Hiking from Devils Kitchen Picnic Area

    Free

    Description

    Many incredible hikes begin just inside the East Entrance to the Monument. Choose from short day hikes to longer, more difficult backcountry travel.

    More info
    Time:1-8 Hours
    A low, mostly flat building with a flagpole and shrubs, standing before a desert canyon

    Hiking from Saddlehorn Visitor Center

    Free

    Description

    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.

    More info
    Time:1-8 Hours
    two adults and two children stand on dirt path looking out towards wide open canyons

    Short Hikes in the Monument

    $

    Description

    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.

    More info

    Fees

    An entrance fee is required to access trails along historic Rim Rock Drive. Stop at either the west (Fruita) or east (Grand Junction) entrance stations on your way into the monument. Federal Recreational Lands Passes are accepted here as well.

    Time:20-60 Minutes
    five road cyclists surrounded by red slickrock and green shrubbery

    Road Biking on Rim Rock Drive

    $

    Description

    Road biking the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive offers cyclists a challenging ride with stunning views.

    More info

    Fees

    Entrance to Colorado National Monument is $15 for bicyclists. For more information on fees for groups and buses please see Fees & Passes.

    Time:2-5 Hours

More Images

View of Independence Monument with Grand Valley in background. Taken from Rim Rock Rock Drive.
View of Independence Monument with Grand Valley in background. Taken from Rim Rock Rock Drive.
red-orange cliffs frame rolling green canyon bottoms at sunrise
red-orange cliffs frame rolling green canyon bottoms at sunrise
Visitor Center with American Flag
Visitor Center with American Flag
Looking down from canyon rim at a portion of the historic Rim Rock Drive
Looking down from canyon rim at a portion of the historic Rim Rock Drive
Family of four stands on trail looking out towards wide canyons blanketed in green, framed by cliffs
Family of four stands on trail looking out towards wide canyons blanketed in green, framed by cliffs
Rock spire with large boulder balancing on top.
Rock spire with large boulder balancing on top.
Two female desert bighorn sheep look to the right among rusty sandstones
Two female desert bighorn sheep look to the right among rusty sandstones