Colorado National Monument

Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

Independence Monument

View of Independence Monument with Grand Valley in background. Taken from Rim Rock Rock Drive.

View of Independence Monument with Grand Valley in background. Taken from Rim Rock Rock Drive.

Monument Canyon

Sunrise illuminates the monoliths of Monument Canyon

red-orange cliffs frame rolling green canyon bottoms at sunrise

Colorado National Monument Visitor Center

Colorado National Monument Visitor Center

Visitor Center with American Flag

Rim Rock Drive

Rim Rock Drive was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Looking down from canyon rim at a portion of the historic Rim Rock Drive

Hiking in Wilderness

Enjoy a hike in canyon country

Family of four stands on trail looking out towards wide canyons blanketed in green, framed by cliffs

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock

Rock spire with large boulder balancing on top.

Desert Bighorn Sheep

Desert bighorn sheep are often seen along Rim Rock Drive

Two female desert bighorn sheep look to the right among rusty sandstones