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

    Colorado

    National Monument Colorado

  • Fire Restrictions in effect

    Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle. Charcoal fires are permitted only in provided grills in the campground and picnic areas. No wood fires. Gas stoves are permitted only in campground and picnic areas. All fireworks are prohibited.

Entrance Fee Waived During National Park Week

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Date: April 15, 2010

You’re invited to be our guest at Colorado National Monument during National Park Week, which begins on Saturday, April 17 and continues through Sunday, April 25.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has waived entrance fees to all units of the National Park System to encourage the public to visit national park areas during National Park Week.

Here at Colorado National Monument, April is an especially wonderful time to visit and enjoy numerous activities including: hiking, bicycling, scenic driving, camping, wildlife watching, and wildflowers blooming.

Special ranger-led activities for National Park Week will include:

Hike to the Base of Independence Monument. 
Saturday, April 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

  • Park ranger geologist Don Regan will lead a hike to the base of Independence Monument.
  • Dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun protection hat, and a snack.
  • The hike is not recommended for children under the age of 10.
  • Round-trip - 5 miles.
  • Meet at the Lower Monument Canyon Trailhead near mile marker 5 on HWY 340 (Broadway).

Where's That Critter Hiding Out?
Sunday, April 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Kids of all ages!

  • Sharpen your wildlife viewing skills and become a wildlife detective with a ranger.
  • Learn basic wildlife sighting skills by using binoculars, spotting scopes, and a trained eye to scavenger hunt for wild things.
  • Create a special critter craft to take home. Meet at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center.

Colorado National Monument also has an official Junior Ranger program designed with activities for children ages 5 - 12. To become a junior ranger, families and individuals can pick up the free activity booklet at the visitor center front desk. This program is available seven days a week, year round, and is free of charge. Please call the park visitor center at 970-858-3717 ext. 367 for further information.

Did You Know?

Rim Rock Run

Each November, runners come to Colorado National Monument to compete in the 26.2 mile Rim Rock Marathon, a race across the entire length of the monument's Rim Rock Drive. The race is one of the longest through any National Park Service site.