• 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.

Independence Day Tradition

Colorado National Monument is an international park. Visitors from across the world come for a once in a lifetime event - that happens every year - the raising of the stars and stripes on top of a 450-foot tall monolith named Independence Monument.

John Otto could think of nothing better than to advertise Monument Canyon from a flag waving on top of the 450-foot tall Independence Monument. He worked day after day for several weeks pounding iron pipes and carving out footsteps into solid rock to make it possible for any brave soul to get to the top. After successfully getting to the top of Independence Monument for the first time on June 8, 1911, John Otto started his tradition of raising an American flag on top of Independence Monument on July 4, 1911.

Today, the Mesa County Technical Rescue Team guides newcomers and returnees to the top. First time climbers in 2010, ranging in age from 28 to 65, found the experience incredible, awe-inspiring, and thrilling. For information about climbing Independence Monument on July 4, 2011, please contact:

 Colorado Alpine & Desert Adventures, LLC
Desert Crags & Cracks, LLC
P.O. Box 2803, Grand Junction, CO 81502-2803
info@desertcrags.com
(970) 245-8513

 Event Details Coming Soon

 
4th - steps to the top
An annual tradition, climbers follow John Otto's route to the top of Independence Monument.
Cindy Fry
 
4th - crowd
The crowd watches the ascent.
NPS
 
4th - the many sides of IM
The many sides of Independence Monument - with climbers at the top!
Cindy Fry
 
4th - climber
Do you see the climber in the crack?
NPS Lynne Mager
 
4th - band
Patriotic music filled the air.
NPS
 
4th - ranger
Rangers provided interpretation and education.
NPS
 
4th - freedom flies high
Freedom Flies High
Cindy Fry
 
4th - family
Family Fun
 
4th - collage

Did You Know?

Independence Monument

Colorado National Monument's Independence Monument is 450 feet tall from its base to its top. The top of Independence Monument is 5,739 feet in elevation.