Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide
Colorado National Monument
2025-12-02 10:56:04
NATURE DID SMILE ON US A LITTLE BIT MORE
Grand Junction is a Nexus
There is no other place in Colorado where you experience the intersection of so many prized ecosystems. Mountains. Rivers. Canyons. Lakes. High Desert. Forests. For people who define themselves by the amount of time they spend outdoors, this is their mecca.
COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT: 6 DAZZLING PERSPECTIVES
Located just 6 miles from Downtown Grand Junction, the rugged, red-rock landscapes of Colorado National Monument have captivated artists, photographers and sightseers for centuries — and for good reason. Around every hairpin turn and stone tunnel of this 20,500-acre park, you’ll discover wild, Western views that will inspire you.
1 RIM ROCK DRIVE
Snaking around canyon rims and sheer cliffs, this 23-mile byway is the very definition of a scenic drive. It’s also the quintessential way to explore Colorado National Monument from end to end, whether by car, bike or motorcycle. Consider it hiking in your car!
An engineering feat, Rim Rock Drive was hand-carved by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, revealing rock layers that date back an astonishing two billion years. You can easily spend days exploring the numerous trails and vistas, from Red Canyon Overlook to Artists Point — a spot favored by plein air painters throughout the years. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and golden eagles, two of the species lucky enough to call this place home.
2 COKE OVENS TRAIL
Less than a mile from Artists Point, pull off at the Coke Ovens Overlook to access one of the grandest views in Colorado National Monument (or anywhere, for that matter). A short, scenic walk leads to a viewpoint of the eponymous Coke Ovens — bulbous, buff-colored pinnacles that cut a striking figure against the terracotta-colored canyon. From here, you can take a longer hike on Monument Canyon Trail to get a closer look at the massive red-earth formations.
3 STARGAZING
When the sun sets, a dazzling display of planets, nebulae and constellations light up the sky above, giving the otherworldly terrain an even more lunar-like appearance. While starry skies can be admired from just about anywhere in the park, the Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets regularly at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center. Most events are free and open to the public, and there are usually plenty of telescopes to give you an up-close view. Check WCACAstronomy.org for events during your visit.
Find more ways to explore Colorado National Monument at bit.ly/3PFMVuE and NPS.gov/COLM.
4 ROCK CLIMBING AT INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT
John Otto, who became the park’s first ranger after its National Monument designation in 1911, was one of the earliest people to climb Independence Monument — a sandstone spire that soars 450 feet out of the canyon floor. Today, you can join the scores of climbers who flock here to see the incredible views from “Otto’s Route” and other climbing routes, which range in difficulty from intermediate to advanced.
For the best experience, take a guided climb with Grand Junction Adventures, which is a park-approved outfitter. They know every pitch and pit on Independence Monument and can provide the proper gear and guidance to get you to the top safely and with a smile on your face.
SAFETY NOTE: The soft, easily flaked sandstone and vertical sections of Independence Monument present dangers for even experienced climbers. Always use extreme caution and check out the park’s climbing rules and regulations at NPS.gov/COLM before your visit.
5 SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND
Perched high above Monument Canyon with sweeping vistas of Grand Junction, Saddlehorn Campground offers views you can normally only dream about. But here, they’re the last thing you see before hitting the sack. A-Loop campsites are open year-round, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the B-Loop is open mid-March through October and can be reserved up to six months in advance. It’s time you camp on top of stunning red-rock and stargaze, don’t you think?
6 RANGER-GUIDED TOURS
Get a deeper view of the park, its history and geologic features on a ranger-led tour, departing from the Saddlehorn Visitor Center daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Programs range from interpretive hikes to Junior Ranger programs. Be sure to check the park’s online calendar before your visit or stop by the Visitor Center to see what’s on the schedule.
Snap It
Professional photographers and Instagrammers alike will find much to feast their eyes on at the Monument. If you’re committed to capturing that perfect photo during your visit, the best times of day are typically sunrise and sunset, when the sun’s rays cast a bewitching light over the flame-red canyons.
Colorado National Monument Visitor Center
Located 4 miles from the west entrance, Colorado National Monument Visitor Center is a must-stop before exploring Colorado National Monument. Here you’ll find maps, brochures, souvenirs, educational exhibits, and a knowledgeable staff that can point you to all the best trails and viewpoints.
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended summer hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Did You Know?
Charge Up! For a full list of EV charging stations and other helpful EV information, check out bit.ly/GJEVInfo.
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