• 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.

Fee-Free Weekend August 14 & 15

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Date: August 6, 2010

The National Park Service cordially invites everyone to be our guest at Colorado National Monument on Saturday, August 14 and 15.

Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar announced that the waived fees are being offered as a way to encourage Americans seeking affordable vacations to explore their national parks and national refuges. The initiative was also designed to encourage people to connect with the great outdoors and engage in healthy activities. In addition to the August date, entrance fees will be waived for National Public Lands Day on September 25, 2010.

Besides a fee-free weekend, Colorado National Monument will offer visitors the opportunity to participate in several ranger-led programs throughout the weekend:

Saturday, August 14

8:30 – 10:30 a.m. "Looking for Lizards" guided hike

  • Join ranger Eric Sandstrom for a fun family hike into No Thoroughfare Canyon. 
  • Activities will include a guided hike and an investigation into the amazing world of lizards.
  • Meet at the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area.
  • Be prepared for the 2.4 mile hike.
  • Bring plenty of water and sturdy walking shoes.

10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. "Canyon Carving Forces" porch talks 

  • Join ranger Don Regan and explore the story of erosion.
  • Learn how the majestic canyons of Colorado National Monument came to be in this constantly changing landscape.
  • 20 minutes.
  • Meet at the visitor center.

Sunday, August 15

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. "Canyon Rim Ramble" guided hike

  • Join ranger Don Regan for a one-mile hike to see how natural forces of weathering and erosion have shaped and continue to sculpt Colorado National Monument.
  • You are invited to unearth the dramatic story of how this landscape has changed.
  • Meet at the visitor center.
  • Bring plenty of water and sturdy walking shoes.

1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. "Desert Wildlife" porch talk

  • Join rangers Liz Barrett and Don Regan for informative talks on desert bighorn sheep.
  • 20 minutes.
  • Meet at the visitor center.

2:30 p.m. "Canyon Carving Forces" porch talk 

  • Join ranger Don Regan and explore the story of erosion and learn how the majestic canyons of Colorado National Monument came to be in this constantly changing landscape.
  • 20 minutes.
  • Meet at the visitor center.

During the fee-free weekends, visitors can also take advantage of a 10 percent discount on all items in the Colorado National Monument Association bookstore located at the visitor center. 

To learn more about visiting Colorado National Monument, call 970-858-3617, 360. To learn more about fee-free weekends in national parks around the country, go to http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

Did You Know?

John Otto on a trail with his horse and burro

John Otto's efforts almost a century ago continue to help visitors experience Colorado National Monument.  Of the 40 miles of trails available to hikers in the monument, many of them were first built by original park custodian John Otto. More...