COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT RANGER-GUIDED TOURS RANGER-GUIDED TOURS OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP: VISIT GRAND JUNCTION; FLICKR/DAVEYNIN. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: VISIT GRAND JUNCTION; NATIONAL PARK SERVICE; NATIONAL PARK SERVICE; NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. 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 VisitGrandJunction. com/Exploring-Colorado-National-Monument and NPS. gov/COLM . STARGAZING 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. 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 park-approved outfitters such as Peak Mountain Guides, Colorado Alpine & Desert Adventures, and APEX Mountain School. 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. COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND 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. Snap It Perched high above Monument Canyon with sweeping vistas of the Grand Valley, 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 a mountain and stargaze, don’t you think? Colorado National Monument Visitor Center Located 4 miles from the Fruita 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. 970.256.4060 | VisitGrandJunction.com | 11
Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide Grand Junction Colorado Adventure Guide: Page 11
