COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT RIM ROCK DRIVE 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 are sure to inspire you, too. 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. 10 RIM ROCK DRIVE 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. | VISIT GRAND JUNCTION OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE
Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide Grand Junction Adventure Guide: Page 10
