• 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.

Colorado National Monument Centennial

Colorado National Monument has begun the countdown to our 100th anniversary. The monument's centennial will be commemorated throughout 2011 with a wide range of public events, special exhibits, seminars, community contests, and other centennial-related activities.

2011 Calendar of Events Here 

September - November, 2011
Centennial Special Events and Nature Lecture Series
Join us for a variety of special events and programs throughout the fall. Click here for more information.

September 23, 2011
Monumental Classic Car Tour
Beautifully restored vintage autos will tour Rim Rock Drive in partnership with the 10th annual Fuoco Motor Company Downtown Car Show. Click here for more information.

September 24, 2011
National Public Lands Day
Fee Free Day!
Join us for the "Sprucing Up Saddlehorn Campground" volunteer project to build tent pads, make a trail to connect the camping area to the picnic area, and refurbish picnic tables in Loop C. Click here for more information.

September 24, 2011
Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra presents
The Concert of the Century
A photo-choreography show with music played by the orchestra at Grand Junction High School Auditorium. The concert will feature an original piece by well known composer, Eric Ewazen, written especially for the Monument's Centennial. Click here to purchase tickets.

October 1, 2011
Music on the Monument: Centennial Band Concert
The centennial band will perform in Devils Kitchen Picnic Area to bring the Centennial year celebration to a close. Patriotic music will resound from the red rock backdrop while visitors enjoy picnic dinners and the beauty of the monument.

October 7, 2011
John Otto Statue Dedication
Join us for the unveiling of a statue of John Otto. The statue will be located downtown on the corner of Main Street and 2nd Avenue.

October 8, 2011
John Otto Day featuring John Otto, as presented by Chautauquan John Stansfield
9:30AM,11:00AM Join us to celebrate the Monument's first ranger and promoter, John Otto, as Chatauquan John Stansfield shares stories from Otto's life and work at the Monument. Lectures and ranger guided hikes will take place throughout the day. Click here for a schedule of events.

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...