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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
    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
    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
    Dirt trail goes into desert canyon

    Hiking in Colorado National Monument

    $

    Description

    Colorado National Monument trails offer a hike for everyone from 0.25 mile to over 14 miles, from flat accessible surfaces to rugged canyons.

    More info

    Fees

    Colorado National Monument has a $25 entrance fee for vehicles, $20 for motorcyclists and $15 for pedestrians. The monument honors all America the Beautiful passes.

    Time:15-360 Minutes
    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
    colorful booklet with illustrations of canyon sandstone towers

    Junior Ranger of the Monument

    Free

    Description

    Become a Junior Ranger of Colorado National Monument by completing a booklet (pick up at Saddlehorn Visitor Center) to earn your badge.

    More info
    Ages:5Time:20-60 Minutes
    sunset turns canyon walls a vibrant red-orange

    Backpacking in the Monument

    Free

    Description

    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.

    More info
    Time:1-7 Days

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.
Monument Canyon with red rock walls and a valley with rolling landscape covered with pinyon trees
Monument Canyon with red rock walls and a valley with rolling landscape covered with pinyon trees
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
Rock spire with large boulder balancing on top.
Rock spire with large boulder balancing on top.