Your Guide to Colorado National Monument

Just outside the city limits of Grand Junction lies one of the most beautiful scenic locations in Colorado. The Colorado National Monument offers the red rock canyons that are iconic to the western deserts. Because of the unique geologic features, it’s become one of our guests’ favorite places to explore.

To make your experience all the easier, we’ll go over some of the deets and things to do you’ll want to know about while you’re cruisin’ the canyon.

Rim Rock Drive

If you head southeast from Castle Creek Manor to Monument Road, you’ll be on your way to the best scenic drive in Colorado. Rim Rock Drive is a two-lane highway that carves through the beautiful gorges, deserts, and red rock canyons of Colorado National Monument, approximately 23 miles in length.

Hikes and overlooks of the valley are plentiful, and Rim Rock Drive is how you’ll access each of them. The drive lasts around an hour without stopping, but with all the sights you’ll notice along the way, you’ll have many reasons to pull over, take pictures, and breathe in the scenery.

Admission is $25 per vehicle for a seven day pass, or use your National Parks Pass for entry.

Red Canyon Overlook

One of the perfect overlooks that is amazing no matter the time of year. There’s plenty of pull-off parking and space to look at the vast canyon from above. People often use this spot as a good picnicking location.

Independence Monument View

Check out Independence Monument, a lone rock tower in the middle of the valley. It’s odd shape and standout nature make for great photos.

Colorado National Monument - Best Hiking Trails

Starting from the southeastern entrance and working your way north, this is the order of hikes you’ll find on the Rim Rock Drive. Dogs aren’t allowed at Colorado National Monument.

Echo Canyon

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.4 miles

Echo Canyon is a well-manicured trail that is accessible for families, elderly hikers, and everyone in between. It’s a great starting hike for your journey through the monument, as the inclines aren’t rigorous and the views will get you hyped! You’ll walk through a small canyon alongside the river, and be able to take many pictures along the way.

Devil’s Kitchen

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 1.9 miles

A rocky trail that is a bit more challenging for hikers seeking the thrill of exploration. The end of the trail gets a little difficult to find, so it’s advisable to keep your map on hand, but it’s a beloved trail with great views of the gorge—even if it gets a little steep for some.

Serpents Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.4 miles

A beautiful hike that takes you up to an overlook of the canyon. It’s a bit more of a workout than Devil’s Kitchen and Echo Canyon, but it’s worth the view. You’ll learn how the canyon formed, when people discovered it, and how it’s being kept preserved today. Perfect sunset hike.

Black Ridge Trail

Difficulty: Hard

Distance: 11 miles

An iconic out and back hike that takes you through the canyons and foliage common to this region of Colorado, you’ll get a panoramic view of the distant mountains and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Bring your binoculars!

Liberty Cap Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 8.8 miles

Head into the deep wilderness of the monument by traveling through Liberty Cap Trail. It’s largely a flat trail and while the beginning is sort of slow in the view department, it quickly becomes a magical journey. Bring lots of water as the path has no trees and primarily sagebrush. You’ll be able to walk along the rim and see Monument Canyon from above.

Otto’s Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.7 miles

Otto’s is an easy trail that everyone in the family can participate in. You’ll walk the short path to see the Pipe Organ, a series of rock formations, and while there is a slight incline it’s nothing you can’t manage.

Canyon Rim Trail to Window Rock

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.8 miles

Come see Window Rock, a naturally-constructed arch that offers a glimpse over Grand Junction. The Canyon Rim Trail is a short hike with huge pay-off.

Book with Castle Creek Manor

Enjoy all the comforts of life and the beauties of Colorado at Castle Creek Manor. We are close to all the fun attractions in Grand Junction, including Colorado National Monument! Book a room with us today.

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