Photo: NPS Photo
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West.
Weather now51°F Patchy rain nearby
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.
Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle. Fireworks and wood fires are always prohibited. Charcoal fires only allowed in designated grills. Visit our Fire Safety page for more info.
13 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Reservation required
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…
Learn more about Backpacking in the Monument on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 1 of 1
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
1 campground listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
Reservable Campground
Saddlehorn Campground is located within Colorado National Monument which preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Much more than a monument, towering…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: The camping fee is $22.00 per night per site. This is in addition to the entrance fee to Colorado National Monument. You may pay the fee upon arrival or in advance. Colorado National Monument also honors valid America the Beautiful-the…
Overview
Saddlehorn Campground is located within Colorado National Monument which preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. 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.Recreation
Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone, and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared lizards, and many other special creatures.Facilities
Saddlehorn Campground is located near the Saddlehorn Visitor Center, four miles from the west entrance (near Fruita, Colorado) and nineteen miles from the east entrance (near Grand Junction, Colorado), and is the only established campground within the Monument.
There are 79 campsites with three camping loops within the Saddlehorn Campground (Loops A, B, and C).
Reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Due to size of the campground, vehicles longer than 40 feet cannot be accomodated--this includes tow vehicle AND trailer. Restrooms have flush toilets and water available during the summer, and each site has a picnic table and charcoal-only grill. There are no electric hookups, fill or dump stations, or showers.
There are three tunnels on Rim Rock Drive. There are two tunnels on the west side and one on the east side of the park; the campground sits between the east and west tunnels. Heights: The clearance above the lanes of traffic ranges from a low point of 10'6" near the edge of the curb to a maximum of 16' above the centerline of the road. Vehicles must be able to stay in their lane; vehicles may not cross the centerline without a pilot vehicle.
For a group of 15 people or more, do not book through recreation.gov. Contact the park at 970-858-2800 or colm_campground@nps.gov to make group reservations.
Natural Features
The campground is nestled within large red rock formations, with pinyon and juniper trees providing adequate shade. There are spectacular views of the Grand Valley to the northwest, and some of the park's most scenic monoliths and canyons to the southeastContact Info
For facility specific information, please call (970) 858-2800.Nearby Attractions
The cities of Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade boast many urban and agricultural attractions, but there are also abundant recreation areas surrounding the Monument. Among these are McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Highline Lake State Park, and many Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service areas.Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
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…
1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO (970) 858-3617 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · Colorado National Monument
The Monument is open 24 hours a day year-round. Rim Rock Road is only closed for poor road conditions (snow, ice, rock fall, etc). For updates on storm or temporary closures call the park hotline at (970) 858-3617 ext 350.
$25 for a private vehicle. Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all its passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Private vehicle must be non-commercial and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
This pass is good for 7 days for an individual who is walking or bicycling into the monument.
Organized groups such as Scouts, Rotary, Hiking Clubs, Youth Groups, Religious Institutions, etc. that do not qualify for an Academic Fee Waiver are charged as follows: $15 per person, not to exceed the equivalent commercial rate. Passes are valid for 7 days. Youth ages 15 and under are free. Individuals or families in the group may use any valid Annual or Lifetime pass for entry. Pass and photo ID must be presented.
Groups entering the park for educational purposes (curriculum-based classes or activities) may be eligible for a free academic fee wavier. Email COLM_permits@nps.gov to apply for a waiver or for more information.
Cost: $25, plus $15 per person to a maximum of $40. The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
Annual Pass for Colorado National Monument, valid for one year from month of purchase.
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Spring: Daytime high temperatures 70-85 F (21-30 C), nighttime low temperature 30-50 F (-1 - +10 C). Summer: Daytime high temperatures can reach 100 F (38 C), afternoon thunderstorms common. Fall: Similar to spring temperatures, sudden changes in weather common. Snow can occur in October. Winter: Daytime highs vary from 10 - 45 F (-12 - +7 C). Snow common, patches of snow and ice stay around most of the winter.
Did you know that people have been living in Colorado, including in the area that is now Colorado National Monument, for over 11,000 years? Join us for Archaeology Day 2024 to discover more!
This event will be held at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center from 11am-2pm. Learn about archaeology, human history, become a Junior Ranger, try throwing an atlatl, and more. All ages are welcome and the event is free.
Join a park ranger at the Visitor Center's back porch for a talk on the geology of the monument. You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be. Bring your questions!
In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.
Español:
Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!
En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.
Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument! Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program. This program is great for all ages.
It will be held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, this program moves inside to the exhibit hall.
Español:
¡Conoce a un guardaparque en el porche trasero del Centro de Visitantes para descubrir más sobre el monumento! Pase en cualquier momento de las 2 hasta las 3 de la tarde para aprender más sobre los animales, la historia, la geología, o los insectos del Monumento Nacional de Colorado. Este programa es ideal para todas las edades.
Se mantendrá lluvia o brillo. En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve dentro de la sala de exposiciones.
Driving Westbound on Highway I-70 towards Grand Junction, Exit 31 (Horizon Drive). Follow signs through Grand Junction to the east entrance.
The visitor center and campground are 19 miles from the east entrance. Eastbound on Highway I-70 take Exit 19 (Fruita). Turn south on Highway 340 to the west entrance, which is approximately three miles from Fruita. The visitor center and campground are four miles up from the west entrance.
Mailing address: 1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO 81521
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
