Hikers with baby

Colorado National Monument contains rugged and remote landscapes. Always be prepared when hiking by carrying a map, compass, extra water, food, first aid kit and warm clothing.

• Bicyclists and motorists share the Rim Rock Drive – please drive or bike cautiously. Cyclists are required to ride single file at all times within the monument. 36 CFR 4:30 (d) (3)
• Use bicycle lights in the tunnels.   
• Watch your step and your children at overlooks, along canyon rims and steep dropoffs.
• Watch where you put your feet and hands. You may be sharing the land with rattlesnakes and scorpions.
• When hiking, carry a gallon of water per person per day. Use sunscreen and a hat. Wear sturdy footwear, a long sleeve shirt and long pants.  Gnats can be a problem from May to August – carry insect repellant.
• Be sure you tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.
• From April-July, seasonal pools may exist in canyon bottoms.  Please do not enter these pools.  Sunscreens and lotions pollute these waters that are important to wildlife.
• Avoid ridge tops and open ground during lightning storms.
• Less than ¼ inch of rain can produce Flash Floods. Flash Floods are caused by run-off from intense, localized thunderstorms that drop a large amount of rain over a short period of time. They are most common in July, August and September, but can occur at any time of the year. Move to higher ground immediately.