View of Independence Monument with Grand Valley in background. Taken from Rim Rock Rock Drive.
Photo: NPS Photo
About
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.
Location
1750 Rim Rock Drive
Fruita, CO 81521
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$20.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$15.00
Hours
wednesdayAll Day
mondayAll Day
thursdayAll Day
sundayAll Day
tuesdayAll Day
fridayAll Day
saturdayAll Day
Activities
Auto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingClimbingRock ClimbingFoodPicnickingHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingPark Film
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.
Get directions →Weather
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.