It’s hard to wrap your head around the Colorado National Monument. It holds you spellbound as you look out at this famed, rugged landscape of the American West. Towering sandstone monoliths as tall as 450 feet act as sentinels in a vast plateau with sheer-walled canyons as deep as 500 feet. And the views stretch for what seems like eternity.
The monument, which protects 23,000 acres, is a geologic treasure sculpted by erosion that occurred over the course of millions of years. Massive, colorful formations take centerstage, including rock spires, domes, arches, windows, pedestals and balanced rocks.
Deb Stone
Colorado National Monument
Located on the northeast of the Colorado Plateau, this natural gem joins other well-known sites, including the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, Capitol Reef, Mesa Verde and more, that share a landmass covering the Four Corners region of the country.
Thanks to the herculean efforts of one man, John Otto, the place was designated a National Monument back in 1911. Otto orchestrated a successful campaign to have his “backyard” recognized by the National Park Service. The reclusive canyon dweller felt like the landscape was “the heart of the world” to him. He believed it needed to be promoted and preserved by the U.S. National Park Service.
Otto’s efforts were aptly rewarded, as he became the monument’s first superintendent—a job he did until 1922 for a mere $1 a month! We also owe Otto a debt of gratitude for carving out a number of the trails still in existence today.
To best appreciate the Colorado National Monument, take the historic Rim Rock Drive, either from the west entrance off of Highway 340 in Fruita or from the east access off of Monument Road in Grand Junction. This is the only paved road through the monument and allows you to explore 23 miles of its beautiful scenery. Beware, the road is narrow and steep in some sections with dizzying drop-offs.
On average, it takes about an hour to do the Rim Rock Drive, but if you want to hike or stop and take pictures, you’ll need to allow for more time. As you drive, you’ll climb from the valley floor along the Colorado River to the fiery-hued Uncompahgre Plateau. You’ll ascend switchbacks to the mesa tops and then descend back down.
Get out of your car for a more up-close-and-personal experience with some of the noted highlights via several short and moderate trails. Otto’s Trail, for example, leads you through woodlands to an overlook with a panorama featuring formations like Sentinel Spire, Independence Monument and Praying Hands, whereas Canyon Rim to Window Rock offers hikers spectacular vistas of the colossal stone towers from a pathway along the cliff edge.
Devil’s Kitchen takes you to the boulder-ringed grotto of the same name. And Coke Ovens provides a sweeping vista of the ginormous Coke Ovens formation. Named after the dome-shaped ovens that once made fuel coke from coal, these rounded rocks were carved over the years by wind and water.
Deb Stone
Big Horned Sheep
You might get lucky and see desert bighorn sheep on your hikes or during your drive, though these mammals blend into the terrain. I was fortunate to come upon a few on the side of the road, munching away at the vegetation.
If you’re up for more hiking, know there’s over 43 miles of trails throughout the monument. For those who want to spend more time exploring this natural jewel, there’s one established campground or you can get a free backcountry camping permit and set up your own private base.
Learn more at nps.gov/colm/index.htm. Plan your Colorado travels at colorado.com.