View of Rock Formations from the Monument Canyon Trail
VIP Photographer Carla DeKalb
Group hiking is allowed and encouraged on any developed trail inside Colorado National Monument. Follow these links for the descriptions of short hiking trails and longer backcountry hiking trails.
Hiking trails may occasionally have partial or full closures due to trail work, natural resource concerns, natural events such as rockslides, or other reasons. Trail closures will be announced on this website and by the posting of appropriate signs or notification by park staff. Any closures will be communicated to the permittee in advance if possible.
To Apply for a Group Hiking Permit:
You can apply for a Special Use Permit by completing this form and emailing it to COLM_PERMITS@nps.gov. Application fees can be paid over the phone with a credit card after the application is received.
Fees
Small Hiking Groups - 15 people or less: no application needed.
Large Hiking Groups - 16 people or more: $100. A permit is required.
If monitoring is required, a charge of $50.00 per hour/per employee will be assessed. Monitoring is required for requests that involve multiple locations, complex logistics, coordination with other NPS divisions or additional environmental compliance.
All participant vehicles will be required to pay the entrance fee or show a valid pass. To coordinate payment in advance, e-mail COLM_Permits@nps.gov.
Rules And Regulations
13,842 acres of the monument is managed as wilderness. To learn more about designated wilderness areas in the NPS, visit Wilderness (U.S. National Park Service).
Any trail hiking usage for groups will be divided to minimize impact to park resources and visitors. Group size on trail is limited to 15 or less, guides and chaperones included. Each additional group on trail should be separated by a minimum of 400 yards if on trail simultaneously. The maximum number of groups on the same trail simultaneously is 4 (a total of no more than 60 people).
Pets, other than service animals, are prohibited on trails and in the backcountry. Service animals are trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and therapy dogs are not service dogs per ADA requirements, and must follow the same rules as pets.
Resource Protection and Security:
Collecting or removing from the monument any natural or cultural resource, or damaging or defacing any natural or cultural resource, is prohibited. If Permittees observe signs of vandalism of any kind, report it by notifying the permit office as soon as possible (using contact information listed above), or by calling the Visitor Center at 970-858-2800 ext. 360. We appreciate your help in protecting your park!
All food scraps (fruit peels, nut shells, etc.) are considered trash and must be disposed of properly. It is a violation to feed the wildlife, including squirrels. If the accumulated trash does not fit within the trash cans, trash must instead be disposed outside of the monument by the permittee.
The permittee shall take measures to prevent soil erosion within the monument by hiking on durable surfaces and not walking on biological soil crusts. Don't bust the crust! By hiking with care, permitees can prevent erosion within the monument and on adjoining lands.
Take only pictures, leave no evidence of your visit. Follow all Leave No Trace principles.
Amplification of sound is not allowed on trails. Respect the experiences of other hikers, and avoid disturbing wildlife, by not playing loud music through the use of speakers or other such items.
Any event that interferes with the normal activities of visitors, such as the closing of trails, overlooks or public use facilities, is not allowed.
Please limit the number of vehicles in your party if possible. Consider carpooling or buses to transport your guests. Parking at some trailheads is limited, especially on holidays and weekends.
Park personnel will not be available to offer special assistance for traffic, parking, or other logistical needs associated with your event.
All guest vehicles will be required to pay the entrance fee or show a valid pass. To coordinate payment in advance, e-mail COLM_Permits@nps.gov.
