Saddlehorn Campground

• Loop A is typically open April 1 through the end of October. Loop A will remain on a day of reservation basis for the summer. B Loop is open year-round. Outer loop sites are reservable 6 months in advance, inner loop sites are reservable 2 weeks in advance. C Loop is open end of April through the end of September. Sites 52-69 are reservable on a day of basis, while sites 70-80 are reservable up to two weeks in advance. All day-of reservation sites open at 8AM mountain time on the day of. Check in anytime, checkout is at 11 am. Reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
• Saddlehorn Campground is 4 miles from the west (Fruita) entrance. It is located in an area of pinyon pine and Utah juniper trees and is within walking distance to the visitor center. Make reservations for all sites, including same day reservations, on recreation.gov. Sites cost $22 a night plus entry fee to Monument. One loop is open year-round. There are flush toilets, but no hookups or dump station. Each site has a picnic table and charcoal grill, no wood fires allowed. Max length is 40 feet for RVs, including both trailer and tow vehicle.

Alcove Nature Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Alcove Nature Trail, located across Rim Rock Drive from Saddlehorn Visitor Center, is a half-mile out-and-back nature trail. Paper trail guides are available at the trailhead or at the information desk in the visitor center.

• Wide, flat, mostly-level trail of compacted dirt leads to an overlook of Wedding Canyon within a half mile. Cross Rim Rock Drive from the parking area at Saddlehorn Visitor Center for the trailhead.

Black Ridge Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Black Ridge Trail follows some of the highest elevations in Colorado National Monument. Trailhead access begins near Saddlehorn Visitor Center, CCC Trail, and Upper Liberty Cap Trail.

• Trailhead 1: Saddlehorn Visitor Center. Wide, gravel path leads steeply uphill across Rim Rock Drive from the visitor center. On first level area, trail becomes sandy and rocky. Steep, rocky ascent continues from here, winding up onto Black Ridge. Trailhead 2: CCC Trail. Steep, rocky trail with several stone steps lead up from Rim Rock Drive. Trailhead 3: Upper Liberty Cap. Steep, sandy, rocky trail leads uphill through pinyon pine and juniper forest, ascending the highest elevations in the Monument.

Bookcliff View Shelter

Bookcliff View Shelter

• As approached from the Saddlehorn loop road, most of the structure is below the level of the road with just the upper wall and roof peeking above the surroundings. 5 stone steps descend into the stone shelter with curved walls back against the slope of the hillside. Standing in the shelter the roof overhead is a cantilevered fan extending out toward the canyon. The unobstructed view spans from the Grand Valley along the Colorado River up through Wedding Canyon and beyond into Monument Canyon.

CCC Era Campground C-Loop Restroom

The C-Loop Restroom was the first improved camping facility at Colorado National Monument. It was built by the CCC and is now within the Saddlehorn Campground.

• This building is built with large red sandstone blocks with a wood shingle roof. The doors on either end open to the men's and women's restroom facilities. The building has 7 windows along the side at about 5 feet above the ground to allow light in the building. Today the building has concrete sidewalks lined by wooden pole fences.

CCC Trail (Colorado National Monument)

The CCC Trail travels steeply between Black Ridge and Rim Rock Drive, connecting access to several scenic trails in Colorado National Monument.

• A paved parking area has trailheads on both sides of the road. One leads down towards the canyon edge, the other leads to this trail heading steeply uphill.

Canyon Rim Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Canyon Rim Trail begins behind Saddlehorn Visitor Center. About a half mile walk along the rim of Wedding Canyon provides scenic views.

• From behind the visitor center one walks down the paved steps to the overlook, the trail begins to your left. From inside the Book Cliffs Shelter while facing the canyon one exits the shelter to the right. The first part of the trail here is pair of switchbacks. This rocky and sandy trail travels over uneven terrain but is mostly level. There are pinyon pine and Utah juniper trees and medium size bushes all along the trail.

Caretaker's House and Garage

At Colorado National Monument the Caretaker’s Residence (Stonehouse) and Garage are evidence of the Civilian Conservation Corps' work. The two buildings were constructed of large native red sandstone blocks. were “built by detail,” not only were the wall’s gross dimensions specified by the architect, but also each component block’s shape, size, and location. Today the residence is office space for the park staff. It is not open to the public.

• The residence was built using large native red sandstone blocks. This one-story structure has a wood shingled roof. There are three stone steps up to the front door which is in the center of the structure. There is one multi-paned window on each side of the door. The back of the building is three to five feet longer than the front to accommodate additional rooms. The garage is also constructed of large red sandstone blocks with a wood shingled roof. There is one large dark brown garage door.

Coke Ovens Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Coke Ovens Trail in Colorado National Monument is a short hike down onto the rock formation of the same name. You won't find views of the Coke Ovens themselves, but you'll find excellent views of the upper reaches of Monument Canyon.

• The paved parking area, shared with upper Monument Canyon Trailhead, opens to the dirt and rocky trail as it descends along the cliffside. Uneven terrain and stone steps lead down to a more level section that ends after a half mile to the tops of the Coke Ovens rock formations.

Corkscrew Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Corkscrew Trail in Colorado National Monument begins at Liberty Cap Trail from the Wildwood Trailhead. Sections of this winding trail were originally built by John Otto.

• A sandy dirt parking area leads to a narrow, sandy, rolling trail that passes through grasses and low-growing cacti. This trail eventually crosses over sandstone rock before a winding, steep ascent up craggy, loose gray rock.

Devils Kitchen Picnic Area

Devils Kitchen Picnic Shelter, built by the CCC, is the closest picnic area to the City of Grand Junction within Colorado National Monument.

• One-way loop paved parking lot. Restrooms located in building to the left of the paved path that enters the picnic area. Large stone shelter with obtuse angle opens opposite from parking area. Picnic tables located inside shelter. Fireplace at point where shelter angles. Sandy, open area space with picnic tables scattered across, interspersed with charcoal grills.

Devils Kitchen Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Devils Kitchen Trail begins just inside the East (Grand Junction) Entrance. Less than a mile hike leads to a grotto of sandstone towers and boulders.

• The main trailhead opens on a wide, compacted sand trail that gently slopes down to where the trail splits. Stay to the left at the first split, and continue on the sandy, gently rolling trail until this splits again. Stay to the right and follow the sandy, rocky trail. The trail becomes rocky and steeper as you near the geologic formation known as Devils Kitchen.

ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument Final Stop

This is the final stop on the ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument experience. This is also the end of the accessible part of the Alcove Nature Trail.

• This is the end of the accessible portion of the Alcove Nature Trail. There is a bench available for rest and for viewing the area. This scenic view provides scenes of monoliths and organic soils. There are trees and shrubs that line the trail.

ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument Stop 1

This is the first stop of the ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument self-guided experience.

• On either side of the crushed gravel path are shrubs and trees. The soils also contain organisms. The soils are red, orange and brown in color. In the background is a view of geologic features including monoliths, mesas and hills.

ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument Stop 2

This is the second stop of the ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument self-guided experience.

• At the side of the path is a rising monolith. The reds, oranges and browns of the varying stratigraphic layers of soil can be seen on this geologic feature. There are trees and shrubs that line the pathway.

ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument Stop 3

This is the third stop of the ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument self-guided experience.

• This is a stop along the crushed gravel trail of the Alcove Nature Trail. To the left is a bench that is neighbored by a tree. The Bench faces a view of a rock-face or monolith that shows the stratigraphy of the soils. The soils are orange, red and brown in color.

ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument Stop 4

This is the fourth stop of the ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument self-guided experience. View of Sanddlehorn monolith.

• Along the crushed gravel path of the Alcove Nature trail are shrubs and trees. The soils contain organisms. This is a view of the Saddlehorn monolith that rises in the distance.

ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument Stop 5

This is the fifth stop of the ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument self-guided experience.

• This stop along the Alcove Nature Trail allows a closeup view of a rockface that neighbors the trail. The monolith or rockface shows the stratigraphic layers of the soils. The soils appear brown, orange and red. The green shrubs and trees in the area are a stark contrast to these orange colors.

Echo Canyon Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Echo Canyon Trail shares the same trailhead as Old Gordon and Devils Kitchen Trails. This canyon lives up to its name, as just talking with your hiking partner often results in echoes off the canyon walls.

• A paved parking lot leads to a wide, compacted sand trail that gently slopes down. Keep to the left at each fork to continue to Echo Canyon. The trail becomes sandy, rocky, and uneven as it crosses a handful of dry creekbeds (in summer), smooth sandstone, and through the forested canyon bottom.

Historic Tour Starting Point Saddlehorn Visitor Center

This place is association with the NPS APP Historic Walking Tour. It provides a historic look at the Visitor Center.

• This light brown sandstone building is built with the 1960's characteristic almost flat roof, floor to ceiling glass windows in the main lobby and small high windows in the administrative offices on the left side of the building. The right side of the building is the restroom facility also constructed of light brown sandstone. In front of the building is a flagpole, a kiosk with bulletin boards with information about the monument and a low stone structure with a plaque honoring Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service.

Liberty Cap Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Liberty Cap Trail in Colorado National Monument has upper access from Rim Rock Drive and lower access from Wildwood Trailhead. The Liberty Cap rock formation is a dome of Wingate Sandstone at the foot of Monument Mesa.

• Trailhead 1: Wildwood. Sandy parking area and sandy trail follows rolling, flat terrain before steeply traveling uphill on loose rocky slopes. Trailhead 2: Upper Liberty Cap off Rim Rock Drive. Paved parking area with sandy dirt/muddy trail through green forests of pinyon pine and juniper trees.

Location of Civilian Conservation Camp NM-2

The former location of the Civilian Conservation Crops camp NM-2.

• With your back to the rock formation, the view in front of you is an area of pinyon pine and Utah juniper trees with open areas with sandy soils and bushes.

Monument Canyon Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Monument Canyon Trail in Colorado National Monument has upper access from Rim Rock Drive and a lower trailhead accessed from outside the Monument. Trail travels along the feet of many of the named monoliths.

• Trailhead 1: Upper Monument Canyon. Paved parking area leads to sandy, rocky trail that descends steeply along cliffs to the forested canyon bottom. Trailhead 2: Lower Monument Canyon. Dirt parking area with sandy trail. Keep left at first fork to stay on Monument Canyon Trail. Trail becomes rocky, uneven, and steep as it enters the canyon.

No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail (Colorado National Monument)

No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail in Colorado National Monument travels through the most remote canyon along an unmaintained backcountry trail. Share your hiking plan with a reliable friend who is not going with you. Trail is not maintained between second waterfall (seasonal) and upper trailhead.

• Devils Kitchen Trailhead is wide, compacted sand, and travels gently downhill. At the first trail split, turn right for No Thoroughfare. From here on out, it's uneven, sandy, and requires travel across rocks and streambeds. Trail is not maintained between second waterfall (seasonal) and upper trailhead.

Old Gordon Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Old Gordon Trail in Colorado National Monument begins at the Devils Kitchen Trailhead, just inside the East (Grand Junction) Entrance. Trail travels uphill on sandstone slabs most of the way.

• Wide, flat, sandy trailhead at Devils Kitchen Trailhead gently descends to first trail split. Stay left to continue to Old Gordon. The trail becomes uneven and rocky as it crosses a dry streambed (seasonal). At the next split, stay to the right to continue to Old Gordon (left continues to Echo Canyon). Trail travels on smooth sandstone and travels uphill the rest of the way.

Otto's Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Otto's Trail in Colorado National Monument leads to excellent views of Wedding and Monument Canyons, including Independence Monument.

• A paved parking lot leads to a sandy and rocky path that slopes down with several stone steps towards the overlook at the far end of the trail after a half mile.

Rim Rock Drive (Colorado National Monument)

Rim Rock Drive is a 23 mile paved road through Colorado National Monument.

• Rim Rock Drive is a 23-mile paved road through Colorado National Monument. The road travels up onto the mesas southwest of the Grand Valley. One end of the road is near the town of Fruita, Colorado and the other near Grand Junction, Colorado. Views along the road include a variety of geologic rock layers and pinyon pine - Utah juniper woodlands. Occasionally a visitor might catch a glimpse of a bighorn sheep herd.

Saddlehorn Campground Kiosk

• At the entrance to the A and B loops of Saddlehorn Campground is a self-service fee kiosk. This structure has two walls and a roof. On the left wall is a map of the campground and directions for paying the campground fee. The wall to the right has information about the campground and the monument. Between and just beyond the roof is a metal tube for inserting the fee envelopes and a wooden sign for temporary or urgent messages.

Saddlehorn Picnic Area

Saddlehorn Picnic Area is a great spot for a picnic with scenic views. It is located near the visitor center and campground.

• Bear-proof trash and recycling containers stand near the parking lot on the left-hand side as you enter the picnic area from the access road. A dirt ramp with a guardrail on the left leads from the parking area up to the cement picnic tables. Tables have a cement bench on either side, and are spaced about randomly across the entire picnic area. Among the tables are several charcoal-only grills. Surrounding the sandy picnic area are pinyon pine and juniper trees. A gravel ramp leads from the picnic tables to the restroom building above. Men's and women's restrooms are at the left and right ends of this small building, respectively.

Serpents Trail (Colorado National Monument)

The lower trailhead for Serpents Trail in Colorado National Monument begins just inside the Grand Junction Entrance near Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. The upper trailhead begins 2.3 miles up Rim Rock Drive from the lower trailhead, just past the tunnel.

• A sandy, compact path ascends a long ramp with 16 switchbacks. Cacti and low-growing desert trees and shrubs grow along the trail.

Ute Canyon Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Ute Canyon Trail can be accessed from above or below. The upper trailhead is on Rim Rock Drive and begins with a half-mile steep descent on switchbacks down to the canyon bottom. The lower access is from Wildwood Trailhead outside the Monument. Follow Liberty Cap or Corkscrew Trails up to the connection with Ute Canyon.

• Upper trailhead: A small paved parking lot with a trailhead sign. The rocky, steep trail begins behind this sign and travels down the cliff face through several switchbacks before reaching the canyon bottom. Lower trailhead: The sandy parking lot and trailhead follows rolling hills before steep ascent up loose rocky trails.

Welcome to ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument

Begin your ESCAPE tour of Colorado National Monument. This is a self or group-guided tour/game geared toward building resiliency.

• A crushed gravel path that is about four feet wide and continues straight. To the right is a bench. On either side of the pathway are shrubs and trees as well as living organisms in the soil. The soils are red, orange, and brown in color. The Alcove Nature Trail is approximately 0.5 miles in one direction. It is a level trail that travels to an alcove in a box canyon. Detailed trail guides are available at the trailhead and the visitor center. It provides a good introduction to some of the plants, animals, and rocks of the monument. Great for families with small children.

Window Rock Trail (Colorado National Monument)

Window Rock Trail in Colorado National Monument can be accessed from Canyon Rim Trail, Book Cliffs View, or the trailhead at the far end of the Saddlehorn Campground access road.

• The trailhead is accessed from a paved parking area. Stone steps lead down to a gravel/dirt trail to the overlook. If accessing from Book Cliffs View, a broken paved path leads from the Shelter to the sandy, rocky, mostly-level trail along the canyon rim.

Saddlehorn Visitor Center

• Saddlehorn Visitor Center
• For first hand information, maps, and brochures, the visitor center is a good place to start your adventure. It is located four miles from the Fruita Entrance and near Saddlehorn Campground. It is open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. The visitor center includes educational exhibits, an information desk staffed with knowledgeable rangers and volunteers, an eighteen minute long movie, and a bookstore operated by Colorado National Monument Association.

• Travel on Rim Rock Drive
• For panoramic views of Colorado National Monument's canyons and rock monoliths, a trip along Rim Rock Drive is a must.

• Monument Canyon Loop Hike
• This 5-mile loop can be extended for a deeper exploration into Monument Canyon. We recommend starting at the Lower Monument Canyon Trailhead to avoid the steep switchbacks below Rim Rock Drive.

• Hiking from Devils Kitchen Picnic Area
• Many incredible hikes begin just inside the East Entrance to the Monument. Choose from short day hikes to longer, more difficult backcountry travel.

• Hiking from Saddlehorn Visitor Center
• These hikes can be accessed from the visitor center. Several short hikes to incredible views begin here, as well as a longer trail perfect for a night in the backcountry. Come to the visitor center for an orientation film, Junior Ranger booklets, and more.

• Short Hikes in the Monument
• These out-and-back trails start from along scenic Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. All are less than two miles round-trip, perfect for short treks from the car to get better views of these outstanding canyons.

• Road Biking on Rim Rock Drive
• Road biking the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive offers cyclists a challenging ride with stunning views.

• Hiking in Colorado National Monument
• Colorado National Monument trails offer a hike for everyone from 0.25 mile to over 14 miles, from flat accessible surfaces to rugged canyons.

• Junior Ranger of the Monument
• Become a Junior Ranger of Colorado National Monument by completing a booklet (pick up at Saddlehorn Visitor Center) to earn your badge.

• Backpacking in the Monument
• Backpacking or backcountry camping in the Monument is a great way to deepen your visit with the canyons. Monument, No Thoroughfare, and Ute Canyons, as well as Black Ridge and Monument Mesa, are excellent areas for overnights in the backcountry.

• Start at Saddlehorn Visitor Center
• Begin your visit to Colorado National Monument at the visitor center. Watch the orientation film, explore the exhibit hall, shop for souvenirs at the park store, talk with a ranger, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and get your National Parks Passport stamp.

• Climbing in the Monument
• The sandstone cliffs and spires of Colorado National Monument attract hundreds of climbers a year. Most routes in the park require "traditional" climbing techniques. The installation of new permanent hardware is prohibited.

• Shop for Monument Souvenirs
• Shop for souvenirs at the Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) park store, located in Saddlehorn Visitor Center. Preserve your memories of the Monument with keepsakes, apparel, stickers, books, and more. Proceeds from CNMA's retail operations, memberships, and donations support the Monument’s educational, interpretive, and scientific programs.

Walking Tour and Activity- ESCAPE to Colorado National Monument

Are you looking for an outdoor activity for kids and young adults that teaches resiliency and mindfulness in these uncertain times? You and the kids need to ESCAPE to YOUR National Parks! This tour should take 45 to 90 minutes. It includes activities and the chance to break the codes to ESCAPE. The tour follows the accessible portion of the Alcove Nature Trail directly across Rim Rock Drive from the Saddlehorn Visitor Center. The trail is 0.5 miles one-way. You do not have to visit the park to participate.

Walking/Driving Tour of Saddlehorn Historic District

This self-guided tour introduces you to some Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) (1933-1942) and Mission 66 (1956-1966) projects at Colorado National Monument. You may visit 9 locations. The CCC and Mission 66 locations will intertwine as you read about each stop. This can also be done by car. You do not have to visit the park to do this tour.