Colorado National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: Colorado
📘 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.
Credit: NPS Photo
Sunrise illuminates the monoliths of Monument Canyon
Credit: NPS Photo
Colorado National Monument Visitor Center
Credit: NPS Photo
Rim Rock Drive was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Credit: NPS Photo
Enjoy a hike in canyon country
Credit: NPS Photo
Balanced Rock
Credit: NPS Photo
Desert bighorn sheep are often seen along Rim Rock Drive
Credit: NPS Photo / C DeKalb
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, May 21
Patchy rain nearby
High: 82.9°F | Low: 46°F
Humidity: 27%
Wind: 19.7 mph
Rain Chance: 79%
UV Index: 0
Sunrise: 05:56 AM
Sunset: 08:26 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (24%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 46.7°F
Cloud Cover: 79%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, May 22
Sunny
High: 68°F | Low: 39.9°F
Humidity: 44%
Wind: 8.5 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 4
Sunrise: 05:56 AM
Sunset: 08:26 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (34%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 43.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, May 23
Sunny
High: 78.8°F | Low: 45.4°F
Humidity: 25%
Wind: 10.5 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 5
Sunrise: 05:55 AM
Sunset: 08:27 PM
Moon: First Quarter (45%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 47.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Beating the Heat: The Hidden Lives of Desert Insects
Join Ranger Raven at the amphitheater as she gives a special evening program about insect adaptations. She will talk about what insects are, what can be found around here in Colorado National Monument, and what allows these insects to survive in the harsh desert climate.
Program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. The amphitheater is accessible.
Location: Saddlehorn Amphitheater. Parking is at the Saddlehorn Picnic Parking Lot, and both parking and the amphitheater are fully accessible.
Date: Apr 24, 2026 12:00am to Apr 24, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Geology of the Monument
Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument. You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be. Bring your questions!
In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.
Español:
Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!
En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.
Date: May 7, 2026 12:00am to May 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Astronomy Night
Meet at Saddlehorn Picnic Area to begin your journey of exploring and learning about our night skies through telescopes and a ranger program.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the program to minimize headlight and flashlight lights. If you have one, use a red flashlight. This will help preserve everyone's night vision.
Bring a chair and insect repellant for your comfort.
Bringing pets is not recommended due to safety concerns. Service dogs are welcome.
This is a weather permitting event and is subject to be cancelled.
If the weather is too cloudy for astronomy viewing, the program might be moved to the Saddlehorn Ampitheatre.
Español:
Reúnase en el área de pícnic de Saddlehorn para comenzar su viaje de exploración y aprendizaje sobre nuestros cielos nocturnes a través de telescopios y un programa de guardaparques.
Por favor, llegue al menos 10 minutes antes del inicio del programa para minimizar las luces de los faros y linternas. Si tienes una, usa una linterna roja. Esto ayudará a preservar la visión nocturna de todos.
Trae una silla y repelente de insectos para su comodidad.
No se recomienda llevar mascotas debido a preocupaciones de seguridad. Los perros de servicio son bienvenidos.
En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa puede ser cancelado.
Location: The program will be held in the parking lot next to the Saddlehorn Picnic Area. Parking is limited, additional parking is available at the Bookcliff View Shelter and at the Visitor Center.
Date: May 8, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Up Close and Personal
Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument! Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program. This program is great for all ages.
It will be held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, this program moves inside to the exhibit hall.
Español:
¡Conoce a un guardaparque en el porche trasero del Centro de Visitantes para descubrir más sobre el monumento! Pase en cualquier momento de las 2 hasta las 3 de la tarde para aprender más sobre los animales, la historia, la geología, o los insectos del Monumento Nacional de Colorado. Este programa es ideal para todas las edades.
Se mantendrá lluvia o brillo. En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve dentro de la sala de exposiciones.
Date: May 9, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Geology of the Monument
Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument. You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be. Bring your questions!
In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.
Español:
Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!
En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.
Date: May 9, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Geology of the Monument
Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument. You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be. Bring your questions!
In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.
Español:
Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!
En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.
Date: May 10, 2026 12:00am to May 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Up Close and Personal
Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument! Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program. This program is great for all ages.
It will be held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, this program moves inside to the exhibit hall.
Español:
¡Conoce a un guardaparque en el porche trasero del Centro de Visitantes para descubrir más sobre el monumento! Pase en cualquier momento de las 2 hasta las 3 de la tarde para aprender más sobre los animales, la historia, la geología, o los insectos del Monumento Nacional de Colorado. Este programa es ideal para todas las edades.
Se mantendrá lluvia o brillo. En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve dentro de la sala de exposiciones.
Date: May 10, 2026 12:00am to May 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Geology of the Monument
Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument. You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be. Bring your questions!
In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.
Español:
Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!
En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.
Date: May 14, 2026 12:00am to May 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Astronomy Night
Meet at Saddlehorn Picnic Area to begin your journey of exploring and learning about our night skies through telescopes and a ranger program.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the program to minimize headlight and flashlight lights. If you have one, use a red flashlight. This will help preserve everyone's night vision.
Bring a chair and insect repellant for your comfort.
Bringing pets is not recommended due to safety concerns. Service dogs are welcome.
This is a weather permitting event and is subject to be cancelled.
If the weather is too cloudy for astronomy viewing, the program might be moved to the Saddlehorn Ampitheatre.
Español:
Reúnase en el área de pícnic de Saddlehorn para comenzar su viaje de exploración y aprendizaje sobre nuestros cielos nocturnes a través de telescopios y un programa de guardaparques.
Por favor, llegue al menos 10 minutes antes del inicio del programa para minimizar las luces de los faros y linternas. Si tienes una, usa una linterna roja. Esto ayudará a preservar la visión nocturna de todos.
Trae una silla y repelente de insectos para su comodidad.
No se recomienda llevar mascotas debido a preocupaciones de seguridad. Los perros de servicio son bienvenidos.
En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa puede ser cancelado.
Location: The program will be held in the parking lot next to the Saddlehorn Picnic Area. Parking is limited, additional parking is available at the Bookcliff View Shelter and at the Visitor Center.
Date: May 15, 2026 12:00am to May 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Up Close and Personal
Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument! Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program. This program is great for all ages.
It will be held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, this program moves inside to the exhibit hall.
Español:
¡Conoce a un guardaparque en el porche trasero del Centro de Visitantes para descubrir más sobre el monumento! Pase en cualquier momento de las 2 hasta las 3 de la tarde para aprender más sobre los animales, la historia, la geología, o los insectos del Monumento Nacional de Colorado. Este programa es ideal para todas las edades.
Se mantendrá lluvia o brillo. En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve dentro de la sala de exposiciones.
Date: May 16, 2026 12:00am to May 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
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