Colorado National Monument

Colorado National Monument was established in 1911 by President William Taft and looks more like Arizona than the mountains of Colorado. It has that beautiful southwestern desert look. It is located near Grand Junction.

Hiking and biking are enjoyable ways for tourists to see the canyons and high walls of this 32 square mile park. Climbing the rock formations and horseback riding are also popular. In the winter, there is cross-country skiing.

There is local wildlife to see. Expect to find bighorn sheep, various reptiles, porcupines, jack rabbits, desert cottontails, mule deer, coyotes, ringtail cats, foxes, bobcats, bats, mountain lions, squirrels, chipmunks, and a few black bears. Have your cameras ready, but do not try to feed the wildlife or approach them.

Take Highway I-70 to Grand Junction, and take Exit 31 which is Horizon Drive. Then just follow the signs through Grand Junction to the east entrance.

For travelers going Eastbound through the Grand Valley: Take Highway I-70 to Exit 19 which is Fruita, and go 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.