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.
Colorado National Monument
Area
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Additional Information
Good For
Wheelchairs
Hearing Impaired
Families
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Atv Riding
Camping
Rock Climbing
Hiking
Wildlife Watching
Pets
Activities with pets are limited at Colorado National Monument. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails or anywhere in the backcountry. Pets may also not accompany cyclists while riding on Rim Rock Drive.
Pets may accompany visitors in the developed campground area and may be walked in the park along paved roads. Pets must be leashed at all times when outside a vehicle.
Canyon Country can be deadly for pets.
- Car temperatures rise quickly in the sun, even on cool days, your pet can easily die of heat exhaustion. If you are leaving a pet in the car, crack the windows as much as possible and leave water to drink. We recommend you not leave pets in the car at all when temperatures are above 68 degrees, even with the windows cracked.
- Pavement can get very hot in the summer. Extended exposure can burn pet's feet. Consider pet boots for longer walks.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Colorado National Monument is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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.
Private Non-commercial Vehicle Entrance Fee
Entrance fee is $25.00.
Allows all people in one private non-commercial vehicle entrance into the Monument. Receipt good for 7 consecutive days. Entrance Fees are paid at the entrance station by credit card, cash or by check. Seven day passes can also be purchased on-line at https://www.yourpassnow.com/parkpass.
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.
