• View from the Canyon Rim Trail. Photo by Jeff Kochevar

    Colorado

    National Monument Colorado

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  • Rim Rock Drive is OPEN - Visitor Center is OPEN 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Rim Rock Drive is OPEN Be on the lookout for Desert Bighorn Sheep along Rim Rock Drive. There also may be minor traffic delays near the East Entrance over the coming weeks. Watch for construction flaggers on the roadway.

History & Culture

Timeline will be displayed here

100 Years of Colorado National Monument
otto arrives in canyon 1907
John Otto Arrives in the Grand Valley
Shortly after his arrival, John Otto begins his campaign to have Monument Canyon set aside as a National Park.
 
Monument established 1911
President Taft Establishes Colorado National Monument
Under the authority of the Antiquities Act, President Taft establishes Colorado National Monument through a Presidential Proclamation.
 
Serpents Trail 1921
Grand Valley Residents Complete Serpents Trail
Constructed between 1912 and 1921, the Serpents Trail was the first motorized route into the Monument.
 
CCC workers on Rim Rock Drive 1931
Construction of Rim Rock Drive Begins
In 1931 construction begins on Rim Rock Drive. Civilian Conservation Corps workers arrive in 1933 to continue the project along with the WPA and Local Experienced Men.
 
MISSION 66 1956
MISSION 66 Park Improvements
Monument recieves first benefits of the MISSION 66 program. The funding paid for new employee residences and the Visitor Center.
 
flood photo 1968
Flash Flood and Road Washout
A large flash flood washes out the section of road between the tunnels on the west hill of Rim Rock Drive.
 
bison 1983
Bison Removal Begins
After years of overgrazing, the Monument begins the removal of its bison herd.
 
100 years 2011
100 Years of Preservation
2011 marked a century of preservation as the Monument turned 100 years old.
 

Did You Know?

Raven

The common raven displays abilities to play and problem solve rare among animals. This member of the crow family is also very vocal, using a variety of sounds for communication. Perhaps because of these qualities, ravens have achieved a certain stature in both European and American Indian folklore.