Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Start at Saddlehorn Visitor Center
The visitor center is a great place to start your adventure. It is located just four miles from the West (Fruita) Entrance and is right next to the Saddlehorn Campground. The visitor center, exhibits, and restrooms are open every day during normal business hours, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Stop by the information desk to talk with a park ranger or a volunteer for trip advice, park information, Junior Ranger booklets, National Parks Passport stamp, and more. A park store operated by the Colorado National Monument Association offers books, souvenirs, puzzles, apparel, snacks, and more. There is a water fountain with a water bottle filling station located out front. Remember to fill up your water bottles before you head out into the Monument, since no water is available on the trails.
The eighteen-minute-long park movie, updated in 2021 and released in 2022, is shown upon request in the auditorium.
Ranger programs are offered each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check at the visitor center desk for the day's schedule.
Details
Duration
15-60 Minutes
Take as long as you need to explore the exhibits and shop in the bookstore. Watch the 18-minute park film and ask a ranger any questions you have about your visit.
Activity
Museum Exhibits
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed on any trail in the Monument. Do not leave pets in a car - even with the windows down, it gets too hot. Service animals are welcome in any building and on any trail.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees are paid at the entrance station on your way to the visitor center. There are no additional fees to enter the visitor center.
Location
Saddlehorn Visitor Center
Four miles up Rim Rock Drive from the West (Fruita) Entrance.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Hours change seasonally, so check the Operating Hours & Seasons for the most up to date information.
Time of Day
Day
Hours change seasonally, so check the Operating Hours & Seasons for the most up to date information. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Accessibility Information
The visitor center has accessible front and back doors with an automatic door button located ahead of the doorway, inside and outside of both front and back doors. The visitor center has accessible restrooms and an accessible picnic table, both located to the right of the main entryway doors. The restroom doors are not automatic and push inward from the outside - they require pulling from inside the restroom in order to exit the restroom. The picnic table is covered and located through the outdoor hallway that passes the doors to the restrooms. The picnic table is square and has a bench on three sides, with one open side for wheelchair use. If you're curious, you can review our facility measurements. A handful of photos are available on our Accessibility webpage.
At the Visitor Center, videos are open-captioned, and an induction loop is provided for users of hearing aids. For those without T-coil enabled hearing aids assisted listening devices are available at the front desk. An audio description tour of the exhibits is also available. Handheld tour devices are available at the entryway to the exhibit hall on the right side, about halfway up the wall. Ask a ranger for assistance if desired.
At the Visitor Center, videos are open-captioned, and an induction loop is provided for users of hearing aids. For those without T-coil enabled hearing aids assisted listening devices are available at the front desk. An audio description tour of the exhibits is also available. Handheld tour devices are available at the entryway to the exhibit hall on the right side, about halfway up the wall. Ask a ranger for assistance if desired.
Things To Do From Here
Showing results 1-6 of 6
- Type: Road Biking
- Duration: 2-5 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Road biking the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive offers cyclists a challenging ride with stunning views.
- Type: Scenic Driving
- Duration: 2-4 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Age: 17 and Older
- Pets: Yes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
For panoramic views of Colorado National Monument's canyons and rock monoliths, a trip along Rim Rock Drive is a must.
- Type: Junior Ranger Program
- Duration: 20-60 Minutes
- Reservations: No
- Age: 5 and Older
- Pets: No
- Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day
Become a Junior Ranger of Colorado National Monument by completing a booklet (pick up at Saddlehorn Visitor Center) to earn your badge.
- Type: Museum Exhibits
- Duration: 15-60 Minutes
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day
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.
- Type: Bookstore and Park Store
- Duration: 10-60 Minutes
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day
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.
- Type: Hiking
- Locations: Colorado National Monument
- Duration: 1-8 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
- Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
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.