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Rim Rock Drive is OPEN - Visitor Center is OPEN 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rim Rock Drive is OPEN There may be minor traffic delays near the East Entrance over the coming weeks. Watch for construction flaggers on the roadway. Always be on the lookout for cyclists!
Reptiles
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Go to Photo Gallery to see more reptile snapshots. Reptiles are among the most conspicuous animals found in the monument; are seen from early March through late October; are most active in May and June. According to the latest survey conducted, nine species of lizards were identified as monument residents. Lizards are most active on warm, sunny days and temperate evenings, and are commonly seen sunbathing on rock exposures throughout the park. In colder temperatures they hibernate, relying on food stored as fat in their tails for nutrition. 
Collared lizard
NPS Lynne Mager
Nine species of snakes have been identified in the monument but because they are most active at night, they are rarely seen. The midget-faded rattlesnake, a subspecies of the western rattlesnake, is the only poisonous snake found in the monument. This snake, like all other snakes found here, is not aggressive - rather it will avoid human contact.
Midget-faded rattlesnake
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Did You Know?
When desperate, golden eagles can take down animals as large as bighorn sheep or mule deer. Golden eagles can be seen in and around Colorado National Monument. More...