What to Expect
🪨 Massive Red Rock Canyons
Explore dramatic cliffs, spires, and rock formations carved over millions of years.
🚗 Rim Rock Drive
Travel one of the most scenic roads in the American Southwest.
📸 Spectacular Overlooks
Enjoy panoramic views of canyons, mesas, and distant mountains.
🥾 Desert Hiking
Discover trails that showcase the monument's unique geology and landscapes.
🦅 Wildlife Viewing
Look for bighorn sheep, birds of prey, and other desert wildlife.
🌄 Colorado's Hidden Gem
Experience one of the state's most underrated natural attractions.
Our Experience - Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument feels like Colorado's answer to Utah's red rock parks. Located near Grand Junction on the state's western edge, the monument protects a spectacular landscape of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and massive sandstone formations.
The highlight for many visitors is Rim Rock Drive, a scenic road that winds along the edge of the monument and delivers incredible views around nearly every corner. Numerous overlooks make it easy to stop frequently and appreciate the scale of the landscape.
While Colorado is often associated with mountains and forests, Colorado National Monument showcases an entirely different side of the state. The red rock scenery feels more reminiscent of nearby Utah than the Rockies, making it a pleasant surprise for many first-time visitors.
Often overshadowed by Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado's ski destinations, Colorado National Monument remains one of the state's most underrated natural treasures and well worth the detour.