Colorado National Monument Visitor Center

On the way to Gunnison I stopped at the Colorado National Monument to hike along the canyon rim. I was impressed with the scenery of the drive along the way to get to the visitor’s center: It was a 23 mile drive along the cliffs and the edge of the canyon that provided beautiful views of the surrounding area and the red rock formations. Once getting to the visitor’s center there was plenty of information about the fauna, flora and geology of the park, and also included a documentary.

From the edge of the canyon I could see the bottom of the canyon, and although it was not nearly as impressive as The Grand Canyon, it was undoubtedly a great place to visit. There are plenty of trails to chose from at the park, ranging from short walks along the canyon rim, to day long challenging trails.

Absolutely phenomenal! Like driving through the Grand Canyon. Words and pictures cannot describe this park adequately. Must see! Go slow! Road has very few guard rails. Makes for a thrilling ride...especially for passengers.

The visitor center is really pretty cool. Real nice center for a National Monument. The views from the center are great. The rock canyon is right there out the door of the center. . They have some nice informative displays, an auditorium, and a small gift shop. There are a few trails that lead from the parking area. There is a small picnic area as well.

The visitors center at the Colorado National Monument is worth the visit with your family. If you are on a Rim toad drive do visit the visitors centers. They have all the information to guide you exploring the entire area. They have adequate parking and all the basic amenities. The viewpoint is amazing and they have few trails around the visitors center which you can easily explore with your family. Highly recommended

The Grand Canyon starts somewhere here.... stony bedrock combined with sand.... In summer it is quite warm so plenty of water sunscreen and need to be careful.... I personally have experience of wilderness survival, I wandered thereand camped in the open air, so for me easy peasy

It’s amazing to drive the scenic road and see all the different vistas of the park. Definitely worth while coming here. Enjoyed the short movie about the history of the area as well.

I have been to Colorado National Monument numerous times. It's a surprising, amazing place. You drive up a narrow road onto the top of a bluff. The road winds for over 10 miles, and there are numerous stopping points where you can look out over the Grand Junction area and see numerous amazing rock formations. I tell my friends that it is like Monument Valley in reverse. It's very close to Grand Junction and Fruita and easy to access. The only thing that limited me on my December 2023 trip there is that some of the trails were a little icy. I highly recommend this excursion.

Staff are always good people and taking a few moments to talk is a great way to get your kiddos in to learning more about the park. stop by and pick up a book to help the kids discover the wild life they may see along the way. They have a movie you can watch and also a trail in the back that winds around with some amazing over looks.

We spent a good 30 minutes here as our kids worked on and completed the junior ranger activity books to get their park badges. The ranger on duty was very attentive and helpful. There's an awesome overlook right out back, and a cool garden out front that has a bunch of the park's flora represented (and labeled).

Clean, adequate amenities with fresh water and flush toilets. A little shade in the camping spots we drove past. We did tent camping. As mentioned in another review, a surprise gem - not just campsites but the overlook views. A new amphitheater is being built (2023)

It was an amazing drive, with many vistas and short hikes. We also camped at Saddleback Campground one night. Right now, on the southside of the drive, the wildflowers are at peak. During the week, not very busy. Often had many areas to ourselves.

What a fantastic drive, beauty at every turn. Quite an experience with a spectacular views

We were thankful we made time to see this beautiful breathe taking view! We will never forgot the memories made here! We had a wonderful hike! Just look at my pictures! ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS !!
Definitely come prepared with good hiking shoes, water, snacks, sunblock and a good map! Know your hiking limits. Plan your day a head of time. You must bring your camera and a fully charged phone. Look at the weather before heading up. If you are scared of cliffs and curvy roads have someone that is confident driver drive. It's worth driving all the way through. So give yourself the time needed. There is a visitor center open 7 days a week. You will want to stop in and grab a map and souvenirs. Great place to use the restrooms! The view behind it is amazing! We did the trail behind it too! During our hike it began to rain. We found shelter under one of the stops. Waited the rain out and it was worth it! We were blessed with a double 🌈 🌈 rainbow! The views were amazing! Pack a picnic and enjoy the wonderful beauty everywhere you look! We seen lots of wild life! Mountains goats and lizards where every where if you look closely! It's wild how the wind picks up at one of the look outs! Stop at as many as you got time for they put them at the best spots. I can't believe more people don't talk about this place. It's a must see! Well worth the drive!

A beautiful drive with lovely walks. Most short or reasonable. Good pull offs. We have been there when there were few visitors but imagine parking could be difficult when crowded. Nice visitor center with helpful rangers and volunteers. Great views from the pullouts of the monument but also the valley. Slow and the mountains around. Take the time to see this

There are numerous beautiful vistas to be had up here . Just go on a day you can take your time to truly appreciate the beauty.

Not to be Missed!
When you are traveling on the West Slope of Colorado be sure and drive thru. Spend a few hours or all day. Flowers, Birds & Wildlife are seen on many Vistas of the Monument. The Rangers & Staff at the Visitor Center are extremely knowledgeable about the Layers of Rock, Flora, Bugs & Animals. Great place to Star Gaze.
Hiking trails for all abilities.

The towering Wingate sandstone formations are reminiscent of the formations in Capitol reef and Zion National Park.

The views are spectacular looking into the Grand junction Valley.

Watch out for the bighorn sheep on the road!

Amazing drive with great photo ops and pull offs. The Upper Ute Canyon is a great stop and easy walk and had sooo much fun yelling to hear our echo!!!! Would love to camp here someday.

A gem of a national park.we visited in June and couldn't believe how quiet it was , almost like having the park to ourselves.its basically a 22 mile drive with amazing views at every turn.all the viewpoints & trail head's are right off the road . don't miss it if you are in the area.

Beautiful sights and one of the most tranquil yet exhilarating drives I've seen in the Rockies. Definitely a must-visit if passing through.