Colorado National Monument (North side)

Colorado National Monument (North side)

Colorado National Monument is a dramatic high-desert landscape near Grand Junction, characterized by its deep red-rock canyons, towering monoliths, and the iconic 23-mile Rim Rock Drive. This scenic roadway offers 19 overlooks with panoramic views of ancient formations like Independence Monument and the "Coke Ovens," making it a world-class destination for photographers and road cyclists. Unlike the busier National Parks in nearby Utah, this monument offers a more serene experience where you can hike through sandstone alcoves, spot desert bighorn sheep, and explore trails ranging from the easy, 1-mile Otto’s Trail to the historic, winding switchbacks of Serpents Trail. Colorado National Monument is a world-class cycling destination, famously hosting the "Tour of the Moon" road race. The primary route follows the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, which challenges riders with a rigorous 2,300-foot vertical climb and narrow, winding roads that offer no shoulder and steep drop-offs. Because the route includes three unlit tunnels carved through solid rock, the law strictly requires all cyclists to be equipped with a front white light visible from 500 feet and a rear red light visible from 200 feet. For a complete experience, many cyclists connect the park road with local paths to create a 33-mile loop between the towns of Fruita and Grand Junction.