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Colorado National Monument

Designation: National Monument

Location: Colorado

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park 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.

🌤 Weather Information

Spring: Daytime high temperatures 70-85 F (21-30 C), nighttime low temperature 30-50 F (-1 - +10 C). Summer: Daytime high temperatures can reach 100 F (38 C), afternoon thunderstorms common. Fall: Similar to spring temperatures, sudden changes in weather common. Snow can occur in October. Winter: Daytime highs vary from 10 - 45 F (-12 - +7 C). Snow common, patches of snow and ice stay around most of the winter.

🚗 Directions

Driving Westbound on Highway I-70 towards Grand Junction, Exit 31 (Horizon Drive). Follow signs through Grand Junction to the east entrance. The visitor center and campground are 19 miles from the east entrance. Eastbound on Highway I-70 take Exit 19 (Fruita). Turn 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.

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.

Credit: NPS Photo

red-orange cliffs frame rolling green canyon bottoms at sunrise

Sunrise illuminates the monoliths of Monument Canyon

Credit: NPS Photo

Visitor Center with American Flag

Colorado National Monument Visitor Center

Credit: NPS Photo

Looking down from canyon rim at a portion of the historic Rim Rock Drive

Rim Rock Drive was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Credit: NPS Photo

Family of four stands on trail looking out towards wide canyons blanketed in green, framed by cliffs

Enjoy a hike in canyon country

Credit: NPS Photo

Rock spire with large boulder balancing on top.

Balanced Rock

Credit: NPS Photo

Two female desert bighorn sheep look to the right among rusty sandstones

Desert bighorn sheep are often seen along Rim Rock Drive

Credit: NPS Photo / C DeKalb

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
$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.
$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
This pass is good for 7 days.
$20.00
Entrance - Per Person
This pass is good for 7 days for an individual who is walking or bicycling into the monument.
$15.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
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.
$15.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
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.
$0.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
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.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
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.
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
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.
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
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.
$100.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
Annual Pass for Colorado National Monument, valid for one year from month of purchase.
$45.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Sunday, Mar 29

Sunny

Sunny

High: 84.2°F | Low: 50.5°F

Humidity: 20%

Wind: 17.9 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.8

Sunrise: 07:03 AM

Sunset: 07:35 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (83%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 48°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Monday, Mar 30

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 78.3°F | Low: 39.4°F

Humidity: 26%

Wind: 26.4 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.6

Sunrise: 07:02 AM

Sunset: 07:36 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (90%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 45.7°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Mar 31

Overcast

Overcast

High: 69.3°F | Low: 49.8°F

Humidity: 28%

Wind: 11.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.1

Sunrise: 07:00 AM

Sunset: 07:37 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (95%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 46.5°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (2)

⚠️ Red Flag Warning (Severe)
▼

Red Flag Warning issued March 28 at 10:00PM MDT until March 29 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

Effective: Mar 29, 2026 12:00am
Expires: Mar 29, 2026 4:00pm

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM MDT MONDAY FOR
GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONES 203 AND 205 BELOW 7500 FEET...

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red
Flag Warning below 7500 feet for gusty winds, low relative
humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT
Monday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 203 Lower
Colorado River and Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River
Headwaters below 7500 feet.

* TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT
Sunday. For the second Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT
Monday.

* WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...11 to 16 percent.

* IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise
extreme caution with any outdoor burning.

⚠️ Red Flag Warning (Severe)
▼

Red Flag Warning issued March 28 at 10:00PM MDT until March 30 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

Effective: Mar 29, 2026 12:00am
Expires: Mar 29, 2026 4:00pm

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM MDT MONDAY FOR
GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONES 203 AND 205 BELOW 7500 FEET...

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red
Flag Warning below 7500 feet for gusty winds, low relative
humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT
Monday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 203 Lower
Colorado River and Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River
Headwaters below 7500 feet.

* TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT
Sunday. For the second Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT
Monday.

* WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...11 to 16 percent.

* IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise
extreme caution with any outdoor burning.

Park Alerts

Monument Canyon Trail Repairs Information
Trail repair work will be done on Monument Canyon Trail from July 7 to early Sept. Work is Monday-Thurs and some trail closures may be necessary. Visit the project page for more info.

More Info

Saturday, September 13, 2025: Partial Road Closure for Tour of the Moon Park Closure
Drive west to east to avoid closure or delays. 1,600 bicyclists will be riding the Tour of the Moon event east to west on Rim Rock Drive 9/13/25. The west-bound lane will close from the east (Grand Junction) entrance to DS Road from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Trail Closure Information
The Alcove Nature Trail will be closed Thursday, June 16, 2016. The trail crew will be applying a trail stabilizer to the trail to maintain the accessibility qualities.
Bathrooms in Loop C Undergoing Repairs 9/9 - 10/3 Information
9/9 - 10/3: The main Loop C bathrooms will be closed from approx. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for repairs. The family/accessible bathroom nearby will remain open throughout the construction period.
Visitor Center Closed 12/25 and 1/1/26 Information
The visitor center will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day. The monument, trails, campground, and scenic drive will remain open.
Winter Driving Conditions Caution
Ice and packed snow may exist along the road. Drive carefully and look out for wildlife or other hazards. For current road conditions, call (970) 858‐3617 ext. 350.
Year-round Fire Restrictions in Effect Caution
Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle. Fireworks and wood fires are always prohibited. Charcoal fires allowed in designated grills. Visit our Fire Safety page for more info.

More Info

Watch for Falling Rocks Caution
The thawing of snow and ice will bring rocks down onto the roads and trails. Be alert while driving Rim Rock Drive and when hiking in the canyons.
Book Cliffs Shelter Construction Information
Tuesdays through Fridays 7am-4pm the Book Cliffs Shelter and parking area will be temporarily inaccessible until historic preservation work is complete. The parking lot will be closed, but the trail remains open for visitors to access Canyon Rim Trail.
Bathrooms in Loop C Undergoing Repairs 9/9 - 10/3 Information
9/9 - 10/3: The main Loop C bathrooms will be closed from approx. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for repairs. The family/accessible bathroom nearby will remain open throughout the construction period.
Monument Canyon Trail Repairs Information
Trail repair work will be done on Monument Canyon Trail from July 7 to early Sept. Work is Monday-Thurs and some trail closures may be necessary. Visit the project page for more info.

More Info

Motorcyclists and Bicyclists Be Cautious Caution
Due to the frequency of winter storms, Rim Rock Drive has a greater than usual amount of sand and gravel on the road. This is especially true in the corners.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect Caution
Extreme Fire Danger: No charcoal fires. No wood fires. Gas stoves are permitted only in campground and picnic areas. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle. All fireworks are prohibited.

More Info

8/27/25: Temporary Road Closure for Hazard Rock Removal on West Side of Rim Rock Drive Park Closure
To protect visitor safety, the west entrance will be CLOSED from 7 am to 12 pm on Wed. 8/27/25 for hazard rock removal. All vehicles must enter and exit the park from the east (Grand Junction) entrance. The Visitor Center and Campground will remain open.
Rim Rock Drive Maintenance
Park staff will be sealing minor cracks on the campground roads. Work will take place 7 am to 5:30 pm, Mon through Thurs.
Year-round Fire Restrictions in Effect Caution
The monument has returned to its year-round fire restrictions. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle. Fireworks and wood fires are always prohibited. Charcoal fires allowed in designated grills. Visit our Fire Safety page for more info.

More Info

Road Closure and Delayed Opening for Visitor Center
2/1/16 -10 am - Rim Rock Drive is snow covered. The road is currently closed from Independence Monument View to DS Road in order for road crews to clear snow. The east and west hills are OPEN and the visitor center will open at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 13, 2025: Partial Road Closure for Tour of the Moon Park Closure
Drive west to east to avoid closure or delays. 1,600 bicyclists will be riding the Tour of the Moon event east to west on Rim Rock Drive 9/13/25. The west-bound lane will close from the east (Grand Junction) entrance to DS Road from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Alcove Nature Trail - limited use Information
Alcove Nature Trail's accessible surface was damaged in the last storm. Some areas are covered with fine sand, in others channels up to 5 inches in depth cross the path. Until it can be repaired the surface may not be appropriate those using wheelchairs.

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
1750 Rim Rock Drive
Fruita, CO 81521

🏤 Mailing Address:
1750 Rim Rock Drive
Fruita, CO 81521

📞 Voice Phone: 9708582800

📞 Fax Phone: 9708580372

✉️ Email: colm_info@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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