About Colorado National Monument
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.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
$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.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
This pass is good for 7 days for an individual who is walking or bicycling into the monument.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Operating Hours
The Monument is open 24 hours a day year-round. Rim Rock Road is only closed for poor road conditions (snow, ice, rock fall, etc). For updates on storm or temporary closures call the park hotline at (970) 858-3617 ext 350.
Activities
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Annual Pass for Colorado National Monument, valid for one year from month of purchase.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Accessible Visit to Colorado National Monument
Explore accessible ways to visit Colorado National Monument, from visitor center features to short trails to overlooks into the canyons.
While driving or riding along Rim Rock drive, take time to stop at the overlooks and perhaps even take a…
Short Hikes in the Monument
These out-and-back trails start from along scenic Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. All are less than two miles…
Junior Ranger of the Monument
Become a Junior Ranger of Colorado National Monument by completing a booklet (pick up at Saddlehorn Visitor Center) to earn…
Backpacking in the Monument
Backpacking or backcountry camping in the Monument is a great way to deepen your visit with the canyons. Monument, No…
Start at Saddlehorn Visitor Center
Begin your visit to Colorado National Monument at the visitor center. Watch the orientation film, explore the exhibit hall, shop…
Hiking from Saddlehorn Visitor Center
These hikes can be accessed from the visitor center. Several short hikes to incredible views begin here, as well as…
Visitor Centers
Saddlehorn Visitor Center
For first hand information, maps, and brochures, the visitor center is a good place to start your adventure. It is located four miles from the…
Hours: Operating hours vary depending on the season. Winter hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and summer hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call the visitor center at 970-858-2800 ext 360 for up-to-date information.
Campgrounds
Saddlehorn Campground
All Saddlehorn Campground reservations, including same day, MUST be made online at www.recreation.gov. The campground is 4 miles from the west (Fruita) entrance. It is…
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