News Release

Independence Monument Flag-Raising

Date: July 1, 2021
Contact: Rachel Berger, 970-858-2800
Contact: Megan Terlecky, 970-986-0950

Fruita, CO – Continuing a tradition Colorado National Monument founder John Otto began in 1911, Mesa County’s Technical Search and Rescue Team will climb Independence Monument on July 4th to raise the American flag. 15 team members and Mesa County deputies will participate. Team members anticipate reaching the summit between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Independence Monument View (1.25 miles east of the visitor center along Rim Rock Drive) offers a great view of the park’s iconic monolith, climbers en route to the top and the flag-raising. A Park Ranger will be there to share a bit about climbing history and the geology of the canyon. Climbers can also be seen from other vantage points including Grand View Overlook along Rim Rock Drive and with binoculars or a spotting scope from the Saddlehorn Picnic area parking lot just west of the Visitor Center. A short hike on Otto’s Trail (1 mile east of the visitor center) will also offer great views of the climbing route from the base of the 450-foot monolith to the summit.

For your safety, please stay away from cliff edges and pay attention to footing and environmental factors such as loose rocks and wind.  Before finding a place to watch the climb and flag-raising, you may want to stop at the visitor center, enjoy the exhibits, fill up your water bottle, and browse the Colorado National Monument Association bookstore. 2021 Summer hours for the visitor center and bookstore are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For additional information please visit www.nps.gov/colm or call 970-858-2800.

-www.nps.gov-
 

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