 The Colorado National Monument is 23,000 acres of rock formations, arches, windows, canyons and exposed layers of earth. The sandstone artistry of nature plays backdrop to the entire Grand Valley. Hikers enjoy the trails and spectacular overlooks accessible from the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive. Sites at Saddlehorn Campground, near the Visitor Center, are available on a first-come first-served basis.
The Monument is named after the river rather than the state, and covers a relatively small area of eroded red rock formations and canyons just south of the Colorado near Grand Junction. This town, near the Utah border, is surrounded in most directions by impressive multi-coloured rocks; the orange/brown layered Book Cliffs dominate the town from the north, and extend westwards for nearly 200 miles to the Manti-la-Sal Mountains of central Utah. Immediately southwest of the town, tributaries of the Colorado river have carved through the edge of the high Uncompahgre Plateau - this borders the Colorado for some distance but only the most scenic area, about 10 by 5 miles, is within the National Monument. This contains four main canyons, cutting into the plateau for several miles, with several smaller ravines, isolated towers and pinnacles, and many other rock formations.
 The Colorado National Monument Visitor Center is open daily throughout the year, except Christmas Day, offering museum exhibits and slide shows about the natural history of the area. National Park fees and admission to the Monument is $5 per car; camping fee is $10 per night. (970) 858-3617.
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