• 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 15-16

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Date: August 7, 2009

The National Park Service cordially invites everyone to be our guest at Colorado National Monument on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16.

This will be the final of three fee-free weekends offered this summer. During these weekends, entrance fees will be waived. However, campground fees will be charged.

Colorado National Monument will offer visitors the opportunity to participate in several ranger-led programs throughout the weekend including two special Family Fun Programs.

  • Saturday, August 15, 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., "Watchable Wildlife Bighorn Sheep Hike" Join Ranger Darrel on a hike through lower Monument Canyon in search of desert bighorn sheep. Moderate terrain. Meet at the Lower Monument Canyon Trailhead and be prepared for the 4.5 mile hike, wear sturdy walking shoes.
  • Sunday, August 16, 10:00 a.m. – noon, "Come Bug a Ranger" Join a ranger for a fun family hike along the Alcove Trail. Activities will include a guided hike and an investigation into the amazing world of insects. Meet at the visitor center and be prepared for the 1.0 mile hike, wear sturdy walking shoes.

The full schedule for daily ranger programs and locations to meet is as follows:

Sunday, August 16. Meet at visitor center for all programs.

  • 10:00 a.m. – noon, Family Hike "Come Bug a Ranger"
  • 11:30 a.m. Porch Talk – All About the Rocks (20 min.)
  • 1:00 a.m. Porch Talk - Desert Bighorn Sheep
  • 2:30 p.m. Porch Talk–Climate Changes in Geological History (20 min.)
  • 4:30 p.m. Porch Talk – All About the Rocks (20 min.)

Saturday, August 15. Meet at the visitor center for all programs.

  • 9:30 a.m. – Canyon Rim Ramble Nature Walk (1.5 hrs)
  • 1:30 p.m. Porch Talk – All About the Rocks (20 min.)
  • 2:30 p.m. Porch Talk – Lizards (20 min.)
  • 4:30 p.m. Porch Talk – All About the Rocks (20 min.)
  • *Meet at the Lower Monument Canyon Trailhead* 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. Guided hike into Lower Monument Canyon (2.5 hrs) 4.5 miles

During the fee-free weekend, visitors can also take advantage of a 15 percent discount on all T-shirts in the Colorado National Monument Association bookstore located at the visitor center. To learn more about visiting Colorado National Monument, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/colm or 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?

Rim Rock Drive

Colorado National Monument's 23-mile Rim Rock Drive was built almost entirely using picks, shovels, and sheer muscle strength to remove massive rocks and debris.  The engineering skill of Rim Rock Drive workers can be seen today in the road's tunnels and stonework. More...