Trip Idea

Half Day at Colorado National Monument

Colorado National Monument

red sandstone cliffs frame rolling green canyon bottoms, snow in shade, low clouds in distance
Duration Half Day
Topic(s) Canyons and Canyonlands, Rock Landscapes and Features, Scenic Views, Trails, Geology,
Activities Junior Ranger Program, Bookstore and Park Store, Hiking, Museum Exhibits, Scenic Driving
Type Relaxed, Indoors, Outdoors, Road Trip
Parks Colorado National Monument
Organizations Junior Rangers
Enter the monument from the West (Fruita) Entrance for a four mile drive to our visitor center. Start at Saddlehorn Visitor Center to watch the 18-minute park film, learn from the exhibit hall, shop for souvenirs at the bookstore, talk with a ranger, and get your Junior Ranger booklets. Three short hikes from here offer an introductory look into the canyons. Travel along historic Rim Rock Drive and stop at overlooks and other trailheads for additional short hikes.

Depending on how long you stop, how many overlooks you enjoy, or how many short hikes you take, this itinerary can take from two hours to four or five hours. Remember that entrance fees apply when entering the monument.
  • Colorado National Monument

    Start at Saddlehorn Visitor Center
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
    • Duration: 15–60 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    low, flat brown building surrounded by trees and parking lot, backdrop of steep canyon walls

    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.

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  • Colorado National Monument

    Shop for Monument Souvenirs
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Bookstore and Park Store
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
    • Duration: 10–60 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    spacious store, wall-sized windows, various items for sale, hats, postcards, books, walking sticks

    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.

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  • Colorado National Monument

    Junior Ranger of the Monument
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Junior Ranger Program
    • Age: 5 and Older
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
    • Duration: 20–60 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    colorful booklet with illustrations of canyon sandstone towers

    Become a Junior Ranger of Colorado National Monument by completing a booklet (pick up at Saddlehorn Visitor Center) to earn your badge.

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  • Colorado National Monument

    Travel on Rim Rock Drive
    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Age: 17 and Older
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Duration: 2–4 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    Looking down at road as it curls into and out of red rock canyon.

    For panoramic views of Colorado National Monument's canyons and rock monoliths, a trip along Rim Rock Drive is a must.

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  • Colorado National Monument

    Short Hikes in the Monument
    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
    • Duration: 20–60 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    two adults and two children stand on dirt path looking out towards wide open canyons

    These out-and-back trails start from along scenic Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. All are less than two miles round-trip, perfect for short treks from the car to get better views of these outstanding canyons.

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Last updated: February 26, 2025