By:
Submission
**A backcountry use permit must be in your possession while traveling in the backcountry.**
Permits are free and must be picked up at the visitor center. Regulations are in effect to protect park resources and reduce visitor impacts. It is the responsibility of all trip participants to know and obey the following regulations while in the backcountry.
Water is not available in the backcountry, even during spring runoff due to a high Selenium content. Remember to take plenty of water with you: one (1) gallon (4 liters) per person is recommended per day in the summer months. Have a fabulous stay in red rock country!
Group size is limited to 7 people.
Campers must camp 1/4 mile or more from any road or developed facility and 150 feet or more from any trail. Camping is not permitted in any streambed.
No fires, with the exception of gas or alcohol camp stoves, are permitted in the backcountry.
Pets, bicycles, motorized equipment, and other intrusive devices such as radios, generators, etc., are not allowed in the backcountry. Drone use in the monument is prohibited.
All items, including trash, must be packed out. Campsites should be left in the natural condition as they were found.
For human waste disposal, dig a 6-inch to 8-inch deep cat hole 300 feet from water sources and campsites. Pack out toilet paper.
In any calendar year, backcountry campers are limited to 14 overnight stays, whether accrued consecutively or in any combination of separate visits. Single trips are limited to 7 nights.
Water is not available in the backcountry. Springs, streams, and seeps are unreliable and in some years may be completely dry. Springs, streams, and pools may contain harmful substances like selenium or bacteria like Giardia.
Backpackers must pack in their own water. One (1) gallon (4 liters) per person is recommended per day in the summer months. A water refilling station is located outside the visitor center and is open 24 hours per day.
Wildlife may be attracted to food and other items with an odor, such as soap, lip balm, or deodorant. Storing food in a bear can or other secure container is recommended. Don't store food or items with an odor in your tent.
Scorpions and the midget faded rattlesnake can be found in the monument. Sightings are rare, as they are mostly nocturnal. Don't put your hands or feet anywhere that you can't see them.
Be aware of temperatures in the summer, which can be in the low 100s. Hiking and camping in the bottom of the canyons can be extremely hot as heat radiates from the rocks. Plan trips for cooler weather to avoid heat injuries.
Please remember to Leave No Trace, and enjoy your trip!
I visited on a bright sunny, hot day. There was no wait at the entrance and the Ranger was super friendly. Most all of the overlooks on Rim Rock Road are only a very short distance from the road. There was plenty of parking, sometimes I was the only car there. Lots of beautiful canyons and views of The Grand Valley.
I was fortunate enough to visit the Colorado National Monument and Park back in February and breathtaking isn’t even a strong enough word to describe the beauty! It started snowing as we got towards the top, so we weren’t able to stay long, but the views were absolutely spectacular! I can’t wait to come back and visit during the summer for a different scene!
Located outside of Grand Junction, Colorado, the Colorado National Monument is a unit of the National Park Service that is worth a visit. We spent a few hours driving along the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, stopping for a couple of short walks along the way. The first stop was for Otto's Trail, which was less than a mile round trip. At the overlook, you have excellent views of canyons and Independence Monument. We then drove to the Upper Monument Canyon to see the Coke Ovens; this walk was a little over a mile round trip. We even saw a big horn sheep crossing the road, so look out for wildlife! There was more to see that we'll have to go back for on another visit. Highly recommended.
Always a Great drive. If you need to take time to get away this is a great drive its easy to get to the price has changed so cost a bit more for trip. Be careful on the roads as bikes seem to like to race down the roads and blind corners you can not always see them. the devils kitchen hike is one of the family's favorite stops for a hike that will take a few hours after stops along the way. Many of the over looks will give you a view of the Mesa or book cliffs. there are many little hiking spots along the out skirts of the park that will give you a shorter hike and great for the small kids to enjoy a bit of exploring.
This review is for Monument Canyon Loop Trail which was a ~4.5 miles round trip that took ~2.5 hours to complete.
Started the loop by going counterclockwise. A few extremely steep inclines and snow further in. Stunning views of the canyon and rocks! Not a fan of the fence adjacent to the trail near the beginning and the end.
Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/-CTPNnfPIlo
