• 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.

2011 Freedom Flies High Event

Independence Monument on the 4th of July

Climbers on Independence, July 4th, 2010

NPS

July 4th at Colorado National Monument

Celebrate Independence Day in grand style as the Mesa County Technical Search and Rescue Team raises Old Glory on top of Independence Monument. This tradition was started 100 years ago by John Otto, the Monument's first ranger.

Celebration Details

10:15 am - 11:00 am
Join a Park Ranger for the Flag Raising & patriotic music performed by a brass quintet at Independence Monument Overlook.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Ice Cream Social & Influx Jazz Concert at Saddlehorn Picnic Area

Bring a picnic lunch, lawn chairs, sunscreen and water for this fun-filled day.

Call (970) 858-3617 ext. 360 if you have any questions.

Ice Cream Social, concert and commemorative celebration made possible by a generous donation from the Grand Valley Rotary Clubs.

Click here for downloadable PDF version.

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...